July, 2003 Ministry Update

8.22.03

The Reverend Dr. Wilbur E. Nelson, internationally-known pastor and religious broadcaster, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2003 in Laguna Woods, CA. He was 92 years old.

Dr. Nelson was born September 25, 1910, in Brighton, Colorado, and was the fourth oldest of 10 children. He attended Pilgrim Bible College in Colorado Springs and Pasadena Nazarene College in Pasadena, California. He was the recipient of Honorary Doctorates from Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, California, and the National University of Korea in Pusan, Korea. He was also declared an Honorary Citizen of the city of Pusan.

Wilbur Nelson was best known as one of the pioneers of religious broadcasting. In 1944 he founded the Morning Chapel Hour, a daily half-hour program of “songs and thoughts that lift the heart”, that was heard on stations across America and overseas. Even after retirement from leadership of the broadcast, he continued well into his 92^nd year to present a weekend version of the program called Wilbur Nelson and His Musical Friends, on stations across the country. He was a recipient of National Religious Broadcasters’ Award of Merit and Milestone Award. The Morning Chapel Hour, now known as Compassion Radio, continues its ministry under the leadership of Dr. Nelson’s son, the Reverend Norm Nelson.

Dr. Nelson was the founder and pastor of two churches: Grace Church of Huntington Park, California; and the Evangelical Free Church of Paramount, California. He also pastored the Evangelical Free Church of Wheaton, Illinois. His gifts as a preacher and musician made him a popular conference speaker and singer, and he ministered frequently at many of the leading Christian conference centers of America. He was the composer of numerous published Gospel songs and choruses and recorded several vocal solo and choral albums. In the 1940’s he was the director of Long Beach (CA) Youth for Christ.

Wilbur Nelson made a significant contribution to Christian Mission work overseas. He was responsible for the building of Evangel Children’s Home in Hong Kong, and provided funding for the construction of a 2000-seat chapel/auditorium at Isabelle Christian School in Pusan, Korea. In his honor, the building bears the name, “Nelson Hall”. He was also active on the board of Wycliffe Associates.

Dr. Nelson was married for 67 years to Ethyl Nelson, who passed away in November 2000.

He is survived by his son, Norm Nelson; grandsons, Christopher Charles and Jon Mark; and great-grandchildren Gillian, Christian, Elisabet and Erik.

Donations made to Compassion Radio (P.O. Box 2770, Orange, CA 92859) in memory of Wilbur E. Nelson will be contributed to a W.E. Nelson Scholarship Fund at Isabelle Christian School, Pusan, Korea.

A viewing will be held on Friday, August 29, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Forest Lawn, 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA . Internment will be private. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13, at

10:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, 2801 N. Brea Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92835, (714.529.5544). A reception will follow.

8.04.03

Wilbur Nelson remains at Bixby Hills Towers Nursing Home in Long Beach. His medical conditions have improved (diabetes under control, blood pressure down, gout under control, and he has been taken off antibiotics for the bacterial blood infection). However, he has not rallied in any way yet. Now he is beginning to develop the complications of being constantly in bed (bed sores, etc.)

He continues to recognize the family and close friends, but most of the time is in his own world. Please continue to pray that God would release him from this world.

7.20.03

After being hospitalized on July 12, Wilbur spent a full week there. He has now been transferred to a nursing home. The hope is that he can be stabilized enough to allow him to return to his own home with nursing care for his remaining days.

Please continue to pray that God will give him comfort and peace during this time, and will soon allow this faithful servant to come on home.

Your love and concern are much appreciated.

Faithfully,
Norm and Cher

7.15.03

Wilbur Nelson, 92, founder of Grace Evangelistic Association and the Morning Chapel Hour, which, under the leadership of his son, Norm, has become Compassion Radio, was hospitalized on Saturday, July 12.

He is now in stable condition, but has several serious conditions, including a systemic bacterial infection, and a weakening heart.

There is discussion about moving him to a nursing home, as the insurance feels the hospital has done all it can to stabilize him.

We will update this when there is news. Please continue to pray for a calm spirit for him, and for his mind to clear. We so much appreciate your interest and prayer support for him.

Gratefully,

Norm and Cher Nelson
www.CompassionRadio.com