wfn.org | Houston clergy couple named distinguished evangelists by

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

foundation

Nov. 24, 1998	Contact: Thomas S. McAnally(615)742-5470 Nashville,
Tenn.     {688}

NOTE:  A photo is available with this story.

By United Methodist News Service

A Houston clergy couple --- Rudy and Juanita C. Rasmus --- have been
honored for their work as evangelists by the Foundation for Evangelism,
an organization affiliated with the United Methodist Board of
Discipleship.

The annual Distinguished Evangelist Award for 1998 was presented to the
Rasmuses early in November at Lake Junaluska, N.C., where the foundation
has offices. 

Bishop Ernest Fitzgerald, president of the foundation,  praised the work
of the Rasmuses.  "Their remarkable ministry reminds the entire church
of what can happen when persons are totally dedicated to proclaiming the
Good News," he said.

When the Rasmuses were appointed co-pastors of St. Johns Church in 1992
the congregation had nine members.  Today it has more than 3000 and has
one of the most diverse congregations in the United States.  

The church's Bread of Life Homeless Project serves more than 6,000 meals
each month, provides emergency clothing through its Clothes Closet, and
offers job training opportunities.  The congregation also operates the
DayBreak facility which provides showers, laundry, medical and HIV
services to the homeless in downtown Houston.

St. John's recently began construction on a $2.2 million Center for
Hope, which will house the St. John's Academy, a "home away from home"
for children born with special challenges such as pre-natal exposure to
HIV, drugs or difficult home environments.

The Rasmuses have two daughters, Morgan Elena, 11, and Ryan Victoria, 9.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/