Page 5 - June 2026 - Truth & Tidings

seven churches were planted in seven Jack was known for sharing the gospel
years. with anyone and everyone with whom he
At 1a.m. on January 1, 1988, one month came in contact. There are many in heaven
before Craig's wedding, Jack, Ellen, Craig, whom the Lord was able to reach and save
Jackie and Beca were driving through because he was willing to personally share
Mexico near Veracruz and had a terrible with them about his Savior.
accident. The van crossed the road, went Jack cared deeply for the saints of El Sal-
down an embankment and hit a tree. Beca vador. He spent much time shepherding
was thrown out the windshield and, mi- them, caring for their families and visiting
raculously, was unhurt. Craig had a bro- them in the hospital. He was very good
ken collarbone. Jack and Ellen were both at encouraging people to come and help
pinned down by their legs, Jack under the with the Lord’s work, and many today
dash and Ellen under the steering wheel. are missionaries because of his influence.
Craig was able to flag down a passing Jack and Ellen’s home was always open,
bus, and the passengers helped pry them and they had people staying with them
out using steel pipes. The Lord provided most of the time – some from El Salvador
a doctor amongst the passengers on the needing to be cared for or rehabilitated
bus who gave them medical help and from health problems, other missionaries
made splints for their legs from nearby needing temporary housing, as well as
branches. They both had many fractures. visitors, friends and family coming from
The doctor was a Christian who was on his around the world. Their house was a place
way to Chicago to perform surgery, but he
cancelled his plans in order to stay with of laughter and warmth where everyone
the Sawords. He spent the next 24 hours was well fed and well loved.
getting them into a hospital and mak- In later years, Jack and Ellen moved to
ing sure they were getting the care they Springdale, Arkansas, to help with the
needed. Thirty-six hours later, Chepe and work, and he was instrumental in seeing
Dr. Martinez came with a small plane and an assembly planted there. At the time,
flew them all back to El Salvador, where Ellen was struggling with Huntington’s
they began the many surgeries that would disease and Jack faithfully cared for her
be needed in the months ahead. It was a until she passed away in August 2015. He
long road of recovery with lasting effects. soon returned to El Salvador to continue
Ellen especially dealt with pain and a limp the Lord’s work. He married Lillian in
for the rest of her life. Everyone was so 2017, and she took wonderful care of him
grateful for the Lord’s provision in sparing in his final years. Jack passed into the
their lives to continue in service for Him. presence of his Savior after a month-long
Like his father, Jack was known for illness on September 23, 2024. He leaves
being a passionate evangelist. He had a four children, 12 grandchildren and 31
gift for preaching the gospel in Spanish great-grandchildren.
and English and spoke in gospel meet- When Jack and Ellen first came to El
ings throughout the US and many other Salvador there were no assemblies; today
countries. He was very generous, person- there are 21. Jack is proof of what God can
able and had quite a sense of humor, with do with one man who is willing to answer
an easy smile and an infectious laugh. His call.

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