Young pastor dies tragically, touches many

Nathan Toews

A sudden tragedy can impact many lives. On July 20, a traffic accident occurred on Highway 95 near Edgewater, B.C. It has touched the hearts of hundreds through an overwhelming internet-generated wave of prayer and support for the family.

Nathan Toews, his wife Rosanna, his brother Doug and Doug’s wife Elissa were driving to a Calgary wedding when the trailer of an oncoming semi suddenly flipped onto the Toews’ car. Nate died instantly. Elissa, in the seat behind him, was seriously hurt. She was 34 weeks pregnant. That evening, the baby, Caleb Nathan Toews, was delivered safely by C-section, but Elissa was left with severe shoulder injuries and faces a lengthy time of recovery.

Just three weeks previously, Nate had joined the staff of Ross Road MB Church in Aldergrove, B.C. as worship pastor. He was only 24 years old but had already touched hundreds of lives. Nate was a natural leader, a standout person at Bethany College in Hepburn, Sask., at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C., and at his home church, South Abbotsford MB. He had been a dynamic member of MBMSI’s TREK program during a 10-month ministry assignment in Germany.

Many of those who knew him thronged to an internet Facebook group created in his memory. In a short time the site filled with more than one hundred messages – expressions of grief, tribute, remembrance, prayer, and support. The Facebook site drew nearly 500 people into a shared, grieving community from geographically distant places such as Saskatoon, Kansas, Calgary, and many parts of B.C. A family member said just seeing the size of the group was an encouragement.

Postings on the group’s wall gave abundant testimony to Nathan’s influence. Contributors repeatedly mentioned his passion for Jesus, gifts in leading worship, love for people, and an even greater love for his Lord. People who knew Nathan and Rosanna spoke of a deep affection between them.

One member of the group wrote: “I didn’t even know Nathan Toews but from reading about him on so many people’s blogs and having so many of my friends affected by his death I have been touched by his life and challenged to live wholeheartedly for Jesus.” That’s the power of technology and the incredible power of a young life cut tragically short.

—Barrie McMaster