VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/8/12)—Rev. Dr. Fred A. Ansell, former Executive Minister of the Central Region of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), died Sunday, Nov. 4, in Topeka, KS.
ABCUSA General Secretary A. Roy Medley said, “Fred exemplified a courageous spirit in all he did, including coping with ALS [also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease]. He leaves behind a legacy of compassionate, principled Christian leadership.”
Dr. Ansell served the Central Region most recently as Executive Minister (1996-2006). He also served as Associate Executive Minister (1985-1996), Southeast Area Minister (1977-1985), and Campus Resource Minister in Hays (1972-1977).
He was a member of West Side Baptist Church, Topeka. Over the years, he was involved in mission trips to Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica and Prague; he also mentored many men and women going into ministry.
Rev. John Williams, who succeeded Ansell as Executive Minister of the Central Region, said, “As was true throughout his ministry, Fred demonstrated great care and compassion for a wounded soul. His was a voice of quiet faith, abundant grace, and incredible compassion. He embraced ministry, people and the challenges of his own condition with wisdom, grace and courage. His life has been a testimony of faith in Jesus, service to Christ’s church and love for people. Fred’s death is a great blow to those who knew him, but his life and witness will continue to bear fruit into God’s future.”
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, at the First Baptist Church, 3033 MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 3599 Rainbow Blvd./MS 2012, Kansas City, KS 66160; West Side Baptist Church, 1108 S.W. Fillmore St., Topeka, KS 66606, or the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, 5833 SW 29th St., Topeka, KS 66614. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.