James Sauder, 81, entered peacefully into the arms of his blessed Savior as his wife and two sons witnessed his long-for release from his earthly body on Friday, July 22, 2016 at Fairmont Homes of Ephrata following a recent struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born Feb. 4, 1935 to the late Alvin and Mary (Sauder) Sauder near Terre Hill, sharing a happy childhood on a farm with 8 siblings: Martin G., married to Jean (Slaymaker) Sauder-Wind Gap, PA; Ruth, wife of Wilmer I. Hollinger-Goshen IN; Esther, wife of Dr. Roy Wert-Lebanon; John, married to Phyllis (Miller)-Lanc., PA; Marian Bauman-Harrisonburg, VA; Warren, married to Sally (Stoltzfus)-N. Holland, PA; Wilmer, married to Velma (Groff)-Harrisburg, PA; Susan Sauder, deceased.

In his youth, he was a song leader, youth leader, and at 16 yrs. helped start Bender’s Men. Church near Nazareth, PA. He was ordained minister of Cambridge Men. Church (Chester Co.), June’54 by Bishop Paul, and married Rhoda (Clymer) Mar. 1, 1955, with whom he shared 61 precious years. Both were deeply dedicated to Christ’s service and were commissioned in late 1960 to overseas service by Eastern Men. Missions, with whom they served at various places for 30 yrs. God blessed them with six wonderful children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Vernon-deceased 2/6l; Ronda L.Sauder, married to Randy Weber-Harrisonburg, VA; James Anthony (Tony) Sauder married to Kathleen (Oberholtzer)-Philadelphia, PA; Philip Sauder, married to Aylin (Jimenez)-Miami, FL; David Sauder, married to Ruth Kuhn-Elizabethtown, PA; Samuel Sauder, married to Janell (Nolt)- Harrisonburg, VA. Grandchildren: Rachael (Weber) Tayonvskaya, Ryan Weber-Rodriguez, Reid Weber, Joshua Sauder, Daniel Sauder, Stephanie Sauder, Luke Sauder, McKenzie Sauder, Madison Sauder, Montana Sauder, Kayla Sauder, Karissa Sauder; 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Both worked tirelessly side by side in evangelism, teaching, and testifying of the Good News of salvation during 19 years in Gualaco, Tocoa, La Ceiba, HN and other CA and Caribbean countries. James was introduced to TEE (Theological Education by Extension) at a seminar in Guatemala in the late 60’s and it became his passion to “teach faithful men” who would be able to teach others. He worked to unite all CA Anabaptist leaders to train leaders for the growing churches and zealously laid the groundwork for SEMILLA. James traveled extensively to the CA and Caribbean countries in leadership training from their home in Miami (1980-84), after which they served five years in the Dominican Republic. During furloughs, he earned an MA in Education at NYU, in Missions from Fuller Theological Seminary, and an M Div from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 10:30 preceded by a viewing at 9:30 at Weaverland Mennonite Church, 210 Weaverland Valley Rd. East Earl, PA 17519. Following burial in the adjoining cemetery, friends and family are invited to share lunch and memories together. The family will also receive friends (viewing) on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Martindale Mennonite Church 171 Hurst Rd., Ephrata, PA from 5:30 to 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to one of the following: SEMILLA (semilla.org.gt -Latin American Anabaptist Seminary), Fairmount Homes Sharing Fund, or Eastern Mennonite Missions. Those wishing to share a memory or an online condolence, please do so at groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.

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