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Tieszen remembers being called to missions when she was twelve years old. She enjoyed listening to missionary reports in church and loved reading missionary stories in Sunday school and vacation Bible school.
When she was a young woman, the MB mission board called her to service in Colombia. Since then, she has had many responsibilities, including coordinating elementary schools in churches, directing Colegio Americas Unidas School, assisting as adviser for women's and youth work, and organizing youth camps and adult retreats.
"Through her gentle nature and her abilities as an educator and leader, Elizabeth provided a positive influence to several generations of Colombian students and churches," said Harold Ens, general director of MBMS International. "We deeply appreciate her years of humble service."
Tieszen said she watched missionary work progress from being directed from North America to being nationally-based.
"In 1957, we had missionary council meetings that made all the plans, objectives and strategies," she recalled. "Later, we had a committee of missionaries and Colombians; then an administrative committee of all Colombians and one missionary as an adviser. Until today, a board of Colombian pastors guided the work of both Colombian and North American missionaries."
The Colombian Conference has grown to 30 churches with 2,400 members. Beginning next year, Colombian Miguel Forero will be MBMS International's regional secretary for Latin America, and a Colombian couple will go to Peru as missionaries.
Looking back, Tieszen said it was the personal contact that was her most effective ministry. "When I said farewell to the churches, I noticed that all of my activities had not been of the greatest importance. What they appreciated was who I had been."
After visiting MB churches in the US Central District Conference, Tieszen plans to settle in California.--
Brad Thiessen, MBMS International
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