Pastor Russell & Pat Segner
DOWNSTAIRS LOBBY
Our church stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of Pastor Russell Segner and his family. In March 1969, Pastor Russell Segner answered the call to serve as our founding pastor, moving with his wife, Pat Segner, and children, Patty and Paul, to join our congregation. Their arrival brought energy and warmth to our church family.
Despite the challenge of limited resources, Pastor Russell Segner balanced pastoral responsibilities with outside employment, demonstrating remarkable commitment to the church’s gospel mission. When faced with a sudden work transfer with the Milwaukee Road Railway, the Segner family endured a period of separation and uncertainty, yet their devotion never wavered. Pastor Russell Segner prayerfully returned to continue serving as part-time pastor, guiding the church through its formative years with steadfast faith and perseverance.
After several years of tireless service, Pastor Russell Segner stepped down due to the demands of work, but the Segners remained active and supportive members of the local church community. Their legacy of foundational hard work, resilience, and love continues to inspire all who are part of our church family.
Despite the challenge of limited resources, Pastor Russell Segner balanced pastoral responsibilities with outside employment, demonstrating remarkable commitment to the church’s gospel mission. When faced with a sudden work transfer with the Milwaukee Road Railway, the Segner family endured a period of separation and uncertainty, yet their devotion never wavered. Pastor Russell Segner prayerfully returned to continue serving as part-time pastor, guiding the church through its formative years with steadfast faith and perseverance.
After several years of tireless service, Pastor Russell Segner stepped down due to the demands of work, but the Segners remained active and supportive members of the local church community. Their legacy of foundational hard work, resilience, and love continues to inspire all who are part of our church family.
Pastor Herb & Mary Hollinger
CLASSROOM 1
Pastor Herb Hollinger and his family played a transformational role in guiding the congregation through the challenges of our initial building program. Called unanimously as pastor in November 1973, Pastor Hollinger brought steadfast leadership and faith, inspiring great rejoicing and hope among the church community.
Navigating complex requirements for permits and environmental statements, Pastor Hollinger worked tirelessly alongside Bill Clark to ensure every detail was addressed. His commitment extended beyond construction, as he continued to nurture the spiritual and fellowship life of the church. Under his guidance, the congregation celebrated successful events like annual Vacation Bible School and found creative solutions to challenges—always keeping the church’s gospel mission at the forefront.
The building program was marked by perseverance, teamwork, and faith. When the long-awaited permit was finally granted, it was a testament to the prayer, work, and persistence that Pastor Hollinger inspired in others. Even as construction plans shifted, his leadership ensured that the foundation of the church—both physical and spiritual—was laid with care and dedication.
After accepting the call to serve with the Northwest Baptist Convention in March 1979, Pastor Hollinger left behind a legacy of faithfulness, resilience, and community spirit. His impact continued to be felt, not only in the completed building but in the lives of those who were shaped by his example. The church’s ability to overcome challenges and thrive stands as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of Pastor Herb Hollinger and his family.
Navigating complex requirements for permits and environmental statements, Pastor Hollinger worked tirelessly alongside Bill Clark to ensure every detail was addressed. His commitment extended beyond construction, as he continued to nurture the spiritual and fellowship life of the church. Under his guidance, the congregation celebrated successful events like annual Vacation Bible School and found creative solutions to challenges—always keeping the church’s gospel mission at the forefront.
The building program was marked by perseverance, teamwork, and faith. When the long-awaited permit was finally granted, it was a testament to the prayer, work, and persistence that Pastor Hollinger inspired in others. Even as construction plans shifted, his leadership ensured that the foundation of the church—both physical and spiritual—was laid with care and dedication.
After accepting the call to serve with the Northwest Baptist Convention in March 1979, Pastor Hollinger left behind a legacy of faithfulness, resilience, and community spirit. His impact continued to be felt, not only in the completed building but in the lives of those who were shaped by his example. The church’s ability to overcome challenges and thrive stands as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of Pastor Herb Hollinger and his family.
David & Janet Townsend
CLASSROOM 2
David had served several years as an Elder, and Janet as Children’s Ministries Director, when they heard the call to overseas mission work with the International Mission Board. In 2004, the Townsend family left Issaquah for missionary training in Virginia, and soon after, they were commissioned to serve in Southeast Asia. Their journey required preparation and sacrifice. They sold their home, packed their belongings, and prepared their children for a new life abroad. The church community rallied around them, offering support, prayers, and heartfelt farewells.
Throughout their years of service in Southeast Asia, the Townsends remained closely connected to our church family. In addition to their extensive core work with the International Mission Board, they served in their local communities, including Janet’s longstanding and impactful work with women’s prison ministries. During furloughs, the Townsends returned to Issaquah, sharing testimonies of their ministry service, serving in Vacation Bible School, and rejoining the life of the church family.
In 2022, as the Townsends began the process of retirement from the mission field, the church welcomed them back to Issaquah, celebrating their many years of faithful service. Upon retirement they moved home to the United Kingdom, but their legacy of faith, perseverance, and global ministry continues to inspire all who know their story. The example set by David, Janet, and their family stands as a testament to the power of answering God’s call to the gospel, and serving with humility and love.
Throughout their years of service in Southeast Asia, the Townsends remained closely connected to our church family. In addition to their extensive core work with the International Mission Board, they served in their local communities, including Janet’s longstanding and impactful work with women’s prison ministries. During furloughs, the Townsends returned to Issaquah, sharing testimonies of their ministry service, serving in Vacation Bible School, and rejoining the life of the church family.
In 2022, as the Townsends began the process of retirement from the mission field, the church welcomed them back to Issaquah, celebrating their many years of faithful service. Upon retirement they moved home to the United Kingdom, but their legacy of faith, perseverance, and global ministry continues to inspire all who know their story. The example set by David, Janet, and their family stands as a testament to the power of answering God’s call to the gospel, and serving with humility and love.
Don & Joann Baldschun
CLASSROOM 3
Don and Joann were among the first families to join the church in 1968, stepping forward to serve as Deacon and Church Clerk, and offering their home as a gathering place for fellowship and celebration.
Their contributions often took place behind the scenes—organizing events, planning Vacation Bible Schools, and serving on committees that shaped the direction of the church. Joann’s leadership as principal of the first Vacation Bible School and Don’s steady presence and hard work on building and construction were instrumental in the spiritual and physical foundations of our congregation.
The Baldschun home frequently provided a warm and welcoming space for socials, meetings, and Bible studies. Don’s willingness to serve as Deacon and committee chair, and Joann’s dedication to administrative and organizational roles, ensured that the church’s work moved forward smoothly, often without fanfare or recognition.
Their legacy is one of steadfast devotion to the gospel, quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. The countless hours they invested, the sacrifices they made, and the love they shared have left an enduring mark on our church family.
Their contributions often took place behind the scenes—organizing events, planning Vacation Bible Schools, and serving on committees that shaped the direction of the church. Joann’s leadership as principal of the first Vacation Bible School and Don’s steady presence and hard work on building and construction were instrumental in the spiritual and physical foundations of our congregation.
The Baldschun home frequently provided a warm and welcoming space for socials, meetings, and Bible studies. Don’s willingness to serve as Deacon and committee chair, and Joann’s dedication to administrative and organizational roles, ensured that the church’s work moved forward smoothly, often without fanfare or recognition.
Their legacy is one of steadfast devotion to the gospel, quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. The countless hours they invested, the sacrifices they made, and the love they shared have left an enduring mark on our church family.
International Mission Board
CLASSROOM 4
The Mission Church supports the International Mission Board (IMB) through prayer and fundraising. IMB sends and support missionaries who share the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches where Jesus is not known. "The Great Pursuit" drives IMB's work, knowing that until the gospel has reached every people, in every place, and every language—we have work to do. Please visit their website to learn more!
Impact A Life Foundation
CLASSROOM 5
The Mission Church supports Impact a Life Foundation (ILF) through prayer and fundraising. ILF is committed to pursuing a holistic approach to ministry, relying on the power of God's Spirit to minister to the body, soul, and mind. From providing clean water to healthcare to education, ILF strives to embody compassion like that of Jesus.
The Mission Church also routinely sends volunteers on Impact A Life Foundation Vision Trips to Sierra Leone, Africa and Southern India where they witness the transformative power of evangelism and social action working hand-in-hand. Please visit their website to learn more!
The Mission Church also routinely sends volunteers on Impact A Life Foundation Vision Trips to Sierra Leone, Africa and Southern India where they witness the transformative power of evangelism and social action working hand-in-hand. Please visit their website to learn more!