Remembering Mike Volovski, Ruth Ann Martin, Imogene Burk, and Sherwood Lingenfelter

It is with a mix of sadness and hope that we communicate the passing of four brothers and sisters in Christ, all in the last few days of May, who served with Encompass in decades past. While they are passing from our presence, they are now with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They are "receiving the end result of their faith, the salvation of (their) souls." (I Peter 1:9). We rejoice with them even as we grieve their loss. 

Mike Volovski went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 23, in Mooresville, North Carolina. Mike and Amy served with Encompass in the Central African Republic from 1985-2001 in teaching roles. Mike was an active instructor at the Bible Institute and Seminary in Bata, while Amy was involved in teaching MKs (Missionary Kids). According to Mike’s obituary, memorial services will take place Saturday, May 30, at the Trinity Baptist Church (221 Ervin Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117) with the viewing at 2:00 PM and service at 3:00. Thank you for your prayers for Amy, their family, and other friends and ministry teammates who are grieving. 

Ruth Ann Martin went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 24, in Powell, Ohio. Dave and Ruth Ann served with Encompass in Argentina from 1998–2008 in various roles as part of our church planting movement. From 2008–2023, they continued serving in a Special Assignment role in Argentina while also working with the Timothy Project in Africa. Ruth Ann also served for many years as a valuable member of the Member Care Team. Here is Ruth Ann's obituary. There will be a graveside service on Saturday at 4:00 PM, with calling hours from 1:30–3:30. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, May 31, at the Cornerstone Community Church (233 S State Street, Westerville, OH). Thank you for your prayers for Dave, their family, and all who grieve this loss. 

Imogene Burk went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 26 in Arizona. Bill and Imogene served with Encompass in Brazil for nearly 59 years (1954–2013) in a pioneer ministry of evangelism and church planting in the Amazon delta. Bill preceded Imogene in death, passing into the presence of Jesus Christ in 2013, shortly after their return to the States. At the time of this writing, no obituary has been posted, and memorial services have not yet been announced. Thank you for your prayers for the Burk family, friends, and ministry teammates who are grieving. 

Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 30, in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Sherwood served on the Encompass board of directors from 1993–2008, including as board president the final four years of his tenure. His wife, Dr. Judy Lingenfelter, also served on the Encompass board subsequent to Sherwood’s term. Sherwood had an extensive teaching career at Biola University and Fuller Theological Seminary, where he impacted countless students. He was also a widely-read author, publishing an impressive array of books dealing with anthropology, cross-cultural missions, and ministry relationships. Thanks for praying for his friends and family who are grieving this loss.

Pray for the Encompass staff who will be representing our Encompass family at memorial services, and pray that the many words, calls, and other communication of condolences would deeply encourage the remaining family members. 

We thank God for the privilege of following these distinguished Encompass workers in cross-cultural ministry. Praise God for their dedication, sacrifice, and example. May we be inspired to run our race well for the phase of time the Lord has to given us. And may He bear good fruit through our efforts, just as He has done through them.