Samuel Escobar, an influential theologian and missiologist from Peru, went to be with the Lord early Tuesday (29 April) at the age of 90.

“Juan Samuel Escobar Aguirre has been called to his heavenly home, to the supreme calling in Christ Jesus”, announced in a statement the Quart Evangelical Baptist Church in Valencia (Spain) where Samuel worshipped.

Escobar has been a leading figure in evangelical theology in the second half of the 20th century and the first quarter of the 21st century.

Linked to the Lausanne Movement since its inception, Escobar has been one of the most important Spanish-speaking voices in the conception of integral mission, as well as being fundamental in the development of the international evangelical student movement known as IFES (CIEE in Latin America).

According to his family, at 1:30 p.m. of Wednesday 30 April, a private ceremony will be held, followed by the cremation of his remains at the General Cemetery of Valencia. The family has asked that no flowers be sent, suggesting instead that the money be donated to evangelical student work.

Gratitude service on 2 May

On Friday, 2 May, at 6pm in the temple of the First Evangelical Baptist Church of Valencia (PIEB-QUART), there will be a memorial service “in gratitude to God for his life, his teaching and his legacy in the work of the Lord”, the church announced.

“We pray that the Lord will bring comfort to his family and renew our hope in Christ Jesus”, concludes the statement from the church in Valencia.

Samuel's wife, Lilly Artola, passed away in 2015. Samuel is survived by a daughter and a son, as well as three grandchildren.

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The Lausanne Movement in Europe remembered Samuel Escobar as “one of the fathers of the Lausanne Movement” whose “impact on the global evangelical movement has been extraordinary”, highlighting “his humble and prophetic voice, calling the church to a holistic vision of God's mission”.

 

 

 

 

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The University Bible Groups in Spain (a member of IFES) have shared a message of remembrance on their social media accounts. “In some ways, we feel orphaned as we say goodbye to our pioneers in student ministry, but we are so thankful to God for the life of Samuel, a role model and example for all of us, a key figure in GBU who has left an immense and profound mark on the movement. We can do nothing but give thanks for his character, his effort, his dedication, his work and his love for student ministry”.

“Passion for mission” and “love for the local church”

The Lausanne Movement in Spain also wanted to remember Escobar and his legacy of “passion for mission”, “love for the local church”, “promotion of Christian literature” and “dedication to student ministry”. “Thank you, Samuel, for showing us how to be leaders with a servant's heart”, they said.

The CLIE publishing house also expressed its condolences on the passing of “a beloved leader and thinker whose life and work left an indelible mark on all of us”.

Evangelical Focus had published several articles authored by Samuel Escobar, which can be read here. This news website will publish several pieces by various authors remembering the theologian’s life and contribution to mission.