He touched countless souls. Now he rests with them in Christ’s presence.

On July 12, we received the news that Ken Hunt, former director and chairman of SGA/New Zealand, had gone to be with the Lord at the age of 95. While we are saddened by the news, we also rejoice that Ken is in the presence of the Savior he loved and served throughout his life. We also praise the Lord for the powerful impact Ken had for the sake of the Gospel.

While I was in New Zealand recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Ken and spend time with this wonderful brother. SGA founder Peter Deyneka had visited New Zealand back in the early 1970s, and as usual, “Peter Dynamite” inspired local believers to begin organizing what would become our mission’s New Zealand office. In the years that followed, Ken would become a board member, eventually serving as director, and long-time chairman of the board. Current SGA/New Zealand director Rick Hemmingsen was one of several who spoke at Ken’s funeral service, and he eloquently summed up Ken’s life well lived . . .

When my wife Lynda and I came to Auckland in 1987, we met Ken and his wife, Joy. Ken had been an SGA representative as a volunteer for many years. He had arranged the rights for SGA to print the Robert Laidlaw tract, The Reason Why. Many thousands were printed in the Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish languages. Much of the contacts and interest generated by Ken and my predecessor as director, David Kimpton, have left an ongoing legacy as the ministry is now involved in 10 Russian-speaking countries. Ken was a true friend and mentor to me, and his faith was truly lived out in the way he served his Lord.

Bob Provost, SGA’s president emeritus, also sent a warm remembrance that Rick was able to read . . .

I first met Ken in 1995, and the next year Louetta and I experienced the first of several times of wonderful fellowship with Ken and Joy. A finer Christian man, nor a more precious Christian couple, I do not recall ever having encountered. They were delightful to be with and profoundly wonderful representatives of SGA throughout New Zealand and beyond. May Ken’s wonderful legacy live on in the advancement of the Gospel!

The SGA family worldwide sends our love and condolences to Ken’s family and the New Zealand staff. We are deeply thankful to God for Ken’s lifetime of service, and the legacy he leaves behind for the sake of the Gospel across Russia and the CIS.

For our Savior,

Michael Johnson