Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness and joy I tell you that my Dad has gone to his heavenly home. We are so relieved that he is now out of the awful pain he has dealt with for a long time. The doctors gave Dad 8 months when he was diagnosed with lung cancer Dec 2002. The Lord gave Dad 8 years and Dad sure made the most of those eight years. Please excuse this very impersonal form of communicating this news. I'm not sure how else to share this news with the large number of friends and colleagues Dad has.
I am so thankful to God for a wonderful Dad. I had the blessing to work with Dad
for most of my life. I had the gift of awareness that the time with Dad was most likely
limited and was able to spend a lot more time with him than I would have otherwise. We enjoyed lunch together most days for the last few years. We enjoyed two trips to Israel together. I am thankful Dad got to meet his new grandson Joshua before going home. There is so much more I am thankful for.
We are planning a memorial service to Celebrate Dad's life and ministry Saturday January 15th at 11:00 at
Souderton Mennonite Church
105 West Chestnut Street
Souderton, PA 18964
215-723-3088
http://www.soudertonmennonite.org/
Who was Ken Curtis? I imagine Ken was many things to many people. A friend, a father, a husband, a work associate, a confidant etc.
ReplyDeleteTo me he was the truest, clearest revelation of a Christian that I have ever seen. He was a brilliant star in a dark sky. He was a giant oak tree that provided shelter for many little creatures far inferior to himself and yet in his eyes, of equal status. Above all else Ken was my friend.
I have spent most of the day locked in my office crying and grieving the loss of the kindest most gentle man I have ever known. And yet my tears have been mixed with joy and gratitude at that fact that God in his great mercy allowed me the privilege of knowing, in a small way, so wonderful a person. Ken ALWAYS had time to answer a question and the wisdom to do it right.
I will miss my friend. I already do. If I could have chosen my father I would have chosen Ken. The world is brighter for his having been in it and darker for his absence.
I praise God for the revelation of Christ I have seen and known in Ken Curtis. I pray God's comfort on his wonderful family, especially his wife and son.
Nancy Myers
Although I was prepared for this moment mentally it caught me off guard emotionally. I loved Ken as a mentor, a friend, a brother and as someone who stood by me when I needed someone most. Ken changed my life by simply answering my first telephone call even when he had no idea who I was. It was the beginning of a wonderful and close relationship in the Lord that I will miss. My consolation is that I know he is enjoying the reward of his labors and the presence of the One he followed so sincerely, prayerfully and with a humble conviction. I have taken some time throughout the day to ponder how God used Ken. I think he is an example of a fruitful Christian whose life and legacy will continue to have a lasting effect on others- fruit that remains. I learned a lot from him. My heart and prayers are with you, Bill, Dorothy, your family and all at Vision Video. You are really like an extended family to me and I am very grateful. Ken touched many lives. He had a godly concern for others and only the Lord knows how many were encouraged and helped simply by the way he showed genuine concern. I also admire greatly his passion for keeping our christian heritage in the forefront which serves as a reminder of who we are collectively as people of God. You are fortunate to have had him as a father Bill. I was fortunate to have him as a dear friend. - Robert
ReplyDeleteI will never forget the day Ken emailed me asking about shepherd and sheep in the Holy Land. My office looked out over Nazareth, Israel and my family and I were my family and I were completing an assignment at Nazareth Village, a recreation of the village and life as Jesus knew it.
ReplyDeleteWithin the hour, I responded with photos and thoughts about shepherds and sheep and this led to one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. Together, Ken, Bill, Ehab, Bob, Rita, Raja, and I produced a series of videos. Ken hosted the series providing reflection and insight on Psalms 23, The Lord’s Prayer, and the Beatitudes for people with cancer.
Simply put, Ken and Bill modeled what it means to be a follower of Jesus in what I believe is the best way possible. Their witness had a profound impact on all of our lives. Ken’s drive to live by what Jesus taught led to a life of integrity, vision, wisdom, compassion, and a caring for people.
It is true, I can no longer pick up the phone and call Ken, nor can I email him and expect an answer, but he will live on through his life’s work and through his witness which I will forever carry with me.
D. Michael Hostetler
A few years ago we felt God's leading into a new type of ministry, the ministry of filmmaking. In His gracious guidance, God lead us to Vision Video and our friend, Ken Curtis. Although separated by hundreds of miles, Ken kindly and gently offered insight and advice - making us not only better filmmakers, but better individuals. We were not only amazed by all of the helpful guidance, acceptance, and enthusiasm that everyone at Vision Video offered, but also of Ken's gentle strength in leadership and in facing death and cancer for so many years.
ReplyDeleteWe greatly miss him. His legacy will continue on, not only in the films he produced and influenced, but in the example he provided.
-Tom and Amy Dallis
I want to share a story, a story about all of us, about our most essential need to know the Lord loves us and that He's acutely aware of that need. Ken loves this story. It starts off sad but it has a happy ending. He'd ask me to tell whoever was there and he'd smile while I told it. At the end of 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news didn't shake my confidence in God, but I needed support. As I searched for the resources, nothing seem to show the strength and the compassion that I felt our Lord suffered and labored so bitterly to have us know. That is of course until a nurse at my Dr.'s office, gave me Reflection on Psalms 23 for Cancer Patients. I knew as soon as she put it in my hands and read the words, "You don't have to be afraid anymore," that this was what the Lord had for me. As I underwent grueling, trying, cancer treatment that left me with little strength to even walk, Ken was the kind and experienced voice of never-ending encouragement. Encouragement I knew came from my Father in heaven. I played it day and night letting the Lord minister to me through it. On one particularly difficult day as I lay in bed very ill, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and slipped out of my covers onto my knees. I asked God to please make a way for me to meet Ken, so I could thank him face to face. I was so grateful for the hours of companionship with someone who understood my suffering and who relayed the love of God. I had seen on the back of the cover, that he lived in Pennsylvania, far from where I was. Months later, while I underwent radiation therapy, I talked to the girls who were treating me about how much this DVD meant to me. They looked at each other and said, "Ken Curtis, he's a patient here and he's coming next week for treatment." I just couldn't believe he would be there the coming week. The next day I was informed by one of the girls that - quote, "HIPPA law prohibits me from telling you, we've scheduled your appointment 15 minutes before a particular patient next Friday." I was thrilled. Brian, the receptionist told me he would introduce us. That day I was there watching the parking lot, waiting for him to come. As I watched him slowly work his way out of the car with his cane, I knew it was the beginning of a friendship that would last forever, and so it is. The bond we shared wasn't the hardship, the suffering, or the confusion that comes with cancer. It was that the Lord heard a humble prayer that let us clearly know, He is acutely aware and is ever-present. God's intention for everything, is to draw us to Himself. He's so deeply moved by our very existence, and nothing makes that more clear than how He's clothed us in the righteousness of His own dear Son. The most amazingly generous, intimate thing I've ever heard Jesus say was, " I go to your Father and my Father, to your God and my God.... and so He most certainly is. Ken is very happy to be a part of the cloud of witnesses and his love for us is even more excellent. Precious in the sight of the Lord is Ken coming home. I'm so glad he's my friend and I'm so glad he's shared his beautiful family with me. I love you all.
ReplyDeleteMy Wife Heidi and I have been significantly impacted by Ken over the years. We started out in the business of Christian films fresh off our honeymoon and Ken was one of the one whom helped mentor us along in our own productions. But more than that - he shared and modeled great insights about life and walking with the Lord and having a consistent walk. We are sorry to see him go, but so thankful for Ken and the opportunity to know him. Until we meet again, Rick & Heidi Garside
ReplyDeleteEvents which could only been the hand of God brought me to Ken's notice. On my last day in a lucrative position which I had resigned for conscientious reasons, fearful, not knowing what I would do for work the next day, Ken called my home to explore the possibility of me working with Christian History Institute. Call it coincidence if you like, but he did not know my plight and only found my address that very day. For his willingness to hear the prompting of the Spirit and his encouragement over the years, I will always be grateful.
ReplyDeleteWe did not always agree. Although he demanded factuality he was always ready to give historical Christian figures the benefit of the doubt when I raised objections to their claims of faith. Blessed are the merciful.
If we had had time, I could have listened for hours, as he told me of his fascinating experiences and of God's providences. Take just one incident: His ability to turn new acquaintances into friends may have saved his life in 2005, for he escaped the London subway bombing during a stay in Britain because a new friend offered to drive him to Heathrow airport that morning.
Because I worked remotely, I met Ken in person only a few times, but his emails to me were a valuable source of guidance and clear-headed comment.
I would like to share with you part of the last personal email he wrote me, because it gives the "flavor" of Ken better than anything I can write:
"I must admit that your comment 'it has to be hard to have to let go of dreams,' has perplexed me a little bit. I need to think about it some more but it just does not register with me.
"I guess that may be because it seems as though I am still privileged to be seeing far more blessing come my way then I would ever expect, or under the circumstances 'dream.'
"Right now finishing the work on the Beatitudes series reminds me daily of the extraordinary privilege that is mine to be able to do that even with physical limitations that would have seemed to have make it impossible. And what am I to make of the return of Christian History magazine to Christian History Institute? Frankly, I cannot see it in anything other than providential terms. On the one hand, it seems to me totally ludicrous-- for at my age and stage I know how totally unqualified I am to give it the direction and oversight it needs. However, on the other hand, I cannot help but see it as a further manifestation of God's wonderful and intriguing sense of humor to give me this opportunity to wait and to search and to find the way forward with something I have so passionately believed in and been committed to for decades. It was never a dream to have this responsibility returned to me. indeed I find it a frightening but inviting prospect.
"All to say, your comment got me thinking, and it seems I am far more oriented to praying for a readiness to embrace the surprises rather than feeling any regrets over unfulfilled dreams.
"I don't know whether this makes any sense to you at all, and I don't make these comments in any way critical of what you said, but seeing you got me thinking I thought you might find interest."
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ReplyDeleteIn reading through the other comments I am surprised at how many people have experiences and memories similar to mine. I'm surprised because Ken had an amazing ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world. But I'm pretty sure he was like that with everybody.
ReplyDeleteKen's encouragement of my filmmaking projects has changed and helped me in so many ways. But Ken was always so polite it took me a while to realize when he was being critical. "The first part is okay, but this second part is really strong," means, "you've got some serious problems with the first part." "This might not be as effective as it could be," really means, "this is terrible, you've got to change it." And for the record he was always right.
Much has already been written about Ken's faith, and he was a living example of loving your neighbor as your self. But to me he was also the prime example of The Thinking Christian. The depth of his knowledge was astounding, as was his perception. He didn’t shun worldly knowledge as a threat to faith; he welcomed it, and incorporated it into a complete and very Christian world view.
I will miss the conversations I was fortunate enough to have with Ken, but I will always have his guidance. When I work on a project I can still hear his voice saying, "This might not be as effective as it could be," and know I need to apply myself a little more to create something up to Ken's standards.
Jerry Griffith
It is with great joy at Ken's homecoming and great heartbreak because I will miss Ken so much that I send you my condolences. He is truly loved!
ReplyDeleteWe first knew each other in the 1970s when I became President of the Episcopal Radio TV foundation that produced THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE under my auspices, and Ken produced SHADOWLANDS - the best SHADOWLANDS.
Ken was and is brilliant. More than that he was one of my very few really wonderful best friends.
And, Ken gave me hope because my wife Lili has been on chemo for 16 years.
I only would pray that I would have more time with him.
God broke the mold when He made Ken.
I met Ken when he approached Christianity Today about taking on his baby, Christian History magazine, in 1999. I began editing the magazine, and Ken joined the board of CT. Many founders/creators find it hard to let go, but Ken was always a great encouragement. He took the time to answer questions, to open the door to new contacts, to point the way to new projects. With his encouragement, we developed Christian History adult curriculum, and Christian History tours.
ReplyDeleteWhat I loved about Ken was his entrepreneurial vision and energy; his warm-hearted love for the church, in its many expressions; his willingness to work with others.
I count it a great privilege to have worked with Ken, and in succeeding him as CH's editor, I always knew I was a pygmy standing on the shoulders of a giant.
From another past Christian History editor, standing on the shoulders of Kevin (among others) and most of all Ken. Rather than repeat my tribute to Ken here, I will point to it: http://gratefultothedead.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/thank-you-ken-curtis-a-pioneer-in-the-popular-communication-of-christian-history-passes/. (Chris Armstrong, Bethel Seminary)
ReplyDeleteI have had the distinct privilege of working for Ken for the past 13 years. It began early in my freelance career with the opportunity to edit “Jesus, the New Way” in 1997, and culminated with perhaps his most beloved work, the “Reflections for People With Cancer”. In all my years working in the video profession, and for all the people and organizations I have served, working with Ken has been, on many accounts, amongst the most gratifying and fulfilling. Ken’s abilities to communicate, motivate, encourage, assure, critique, praise - all of these and more – have made me not only a better professional, but more importantly, a better person. I am, and always will be, grateful for all the time I was able to share with him on numerous projects for Vision Video.
ReplyDeleteI lost my mother to cancer in 2005 within a relatively short timeframe, witnessing not only what she went through, but also what those closest to her also went through. When I learned of Ken’s diagnosis, and then subsequently, of his mission to create “Reflections on Psalm 23 for People With Cancer”, I was both deeply concerned for Ken, a man I have come to admire and respect, but at the same time grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the post production. I immediately knew that it was a project in which I could not only help, but also a project that could help me in coming to terms with my recent loss. And I didn’t realize where or how far or how wonderful such an endeavor, such a journey, it would become. Traveling to Israel with Ken for the production of “Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer” and “Reflections on the Beatitudes”, and working with such a truly wonderful team, where amongst the most gratifying experiences of my career, and again, having the opportunity to see these projects through to their completion, among the highlights of my career. I am truly blessed by these opportunities, and for serving Ken in his mission to bring his message to as many as possible.
When I last communicated with Ken, and learned that his condition was worsening, I thought it best to begin to prepare myself as best I could for what would eventually be the inevitable. Emotionally, I was taken off-guard, deeply saddened for his passing. Yet from his writings and his teachings, and his gentle, kind and ever-loving spirit, I am absolutely certain that his passing from this Earth and his ascension to his Heavenly home is the just the beginning of Ken’s next calling – a calling from the glory of God.
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ReplyDeleteWednesday, January 12, 2011
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful to Bill Curtis for providing this blog site for us to share together our love and memories of his Dad.
Thanks so much to Chris Armstrong from Bethel Seminary, for giving us such a wonderful snapshot of Ken's life and work. I will always treasure your tribute to Ken, Chris! Thanks!
Ken was an example to me of two very important character qualities.
First, Ken is a HUMBLE MAN.
May The Lord Jesus give us more Christian workers like Ken!!
Men who speak of the Lord Jesus lovingly, truthfully, humbly as Ken did. As Ken's memorial service approaches this Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 am EST, I'm thinking about how much Ken would want us to talk about Jesus -- not about Ken, and I can just hear Ken saying to us, "Thank you for all your prayers for me. How are you? How can I pray for you?"
Secondly, Ken is a VERY KIND MAN.
Ken showed me what the kindness of The Fruit of The Spirit is. Galatians 5:22-23 from The Holy Bible. But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, KINDNESS ...
Last January, Ken surprised me by sending me a copy of the book, "Great Women in Christian History" with a note saying, "This morning I was praying for you ...
I will always treasure this special gift from Ken. I treasure also the video footage of Ken petting a camel in Israel. May we all be lovers of The Holy Bible and Christian History as Ken was and humbly lift up Jesus!
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda
I'd like to praise God for bring Ken home to Heaven and thank his family for sharing one very special child of God. We will miss him and his work but we will continue cancer ministry in his name.
ReplyDeleteI met Ken through his work when attending my 1st faith conference held in Phoenix Arizona. I am a breast cancer survivor and I know my faith of our Heavenly Father saved me. But I run into women regularly that don't know Jesus or doesn’t have a strong faith. At that conference I could pick up a free DVD called "You don't have to be afraid anymore Reflections of Psalm 23 for People with Cancer". I knew then God wanted me to create a cancer ministry. But I didn't know how to get started so I contacted vision video and asked about the guide and explained I'd like to try and get in touch with the presenter Ken Curtis. Within days Ken e-mailed me and I had a mentor. As my faith and my experience grew in became clear that God sent me a teacher to help others on the cancer journey.
In April of 2010 a faith conference was being held in Tulsa OK and Ken invited me to attend as his guest. I was so excited to meet this great man Ken; it was like going to see a movie star in my eyes. We prayed to see how a single mom, receiving no child support could afford to fly there, stay there and have a weekend to learn all I can about creating a cancer ministry. God so provide the airfare, the hotel cost and even a little travel money to have a weekend of education and purchase a book. On the plane back I created a plan, schedule a meeting with my lead pastor and we began a cancer ministry using Ken's DVD. How awesome is God.
This year I attended that Phoenix faith conference and was asked to be a speaker and explain how I created a cancer ministry. I brought Ken’s DVD to share the knowledge that God will provide you all you need you just have to pray. I offered to help anyone as Ken has taught me. Our goal is the same believe in Jesus and he will walk with you though your cancer journey. I have seen healing and I have seen many go home to Jesus and I love helping to spread the word about our God.
We are currently using the Lord's Prayer in our cancer ministry. Then we heard that Ken went home to Heaven so it flows into that week’s chapter as we talked about hallowed be Your Name and it will be clear Ken is with us as it says: "God’s name is sacred and holy. It is to be honored. God calls us to the holy work of pressing on through our sufferings. Through Him we can overcome and become more of who we really are and all that we are called to be."
Thank you Lord,
Teresa Hill
Phoenix Arizona
Well, Ken, Vision Video and Christian History Institute have a big hole without you, but we are moving forward as you would wish and continuing as best we can with the vision you set before us. I keep expecting you to walk through the door with some task for me to do or a light-hearted comment. You are greatly missed, especially on Friday afternoons when you would come into the barn to wish us a good weekend. Your mail bin still has your name on it because I have not been able to yet take it off. I will never forget your love for all people and the vision you set before us as staff at Vision Video. We were also shown by you that we need to go to any lengths we can to help and serve others and to bring satisfaction to our customers. Any one who met you met a friend. You were especially attentive to and talked to our staff who were in high school and college. What a great mentor you were. Thank you for your love of life and the Lord and what you taught to us. In Christ's Love, Karen Rutt
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