Vince Ward
Vince Ward was born in Quebec City, Quebec, and grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. He attended the University of Ottawa, graduating with a degree in physiotherapy, and went on to obtain his M.Div. from Ottawa Theological Hall. He served as a Reformed Presbyterian missionary in South Sudan for ten years, along with his wife Julie, and his children Samuel, Zakari, and Amina. He lives with his family in Ottawa, trains other missionaries and works with RP Global Missions.
Featured book
Pursuit of Glory: A Disciple's Journey with Jesus
When Vince Ward was growing up in Canada, he was obsessed with achieving personal glory in sports, music, or a flashy career. Upon his conversion, he became convinced of his need to seek Gods glory rather than his own. This pursuit led him, along with his wife and growing family, to the new mission field of South Sudan, where his love for his Savior and desire to serve Him deepened. In the ten years to follow, he saw Gods glory revealed in the most difficult circumstances.
Also included is the story of Samuel Ward, his son, born to a childhood very different from that of his fathers. Growing up in a hut amid threats of civil war, disease, and poisonous snakes, he watched his parents striving to spread the gospel in an unforgiving environment. His story is both astonishing and touching, a vivid portrayal of a boys experience growing up on the front lines of the mission field.
Crown and Covenant Publications will donate $2 from every book sale directly to RP Global Missions.
Joel and Carol Esther BelzIf your only exposure to 21st century missions is what’s happening in the slickly civilized cities of the world, it may be time to expand your horizons. In Pursuit of Glory, Vince Ward takes you to the rough and tumble primitive surroundings of South Sudan—where over the last decade, with no electricity or running water, he’s helped a small team plant a dozen local churches, launch a radio station, and create an elementary school with 165 students. But this is really two books in one. Ward’s 15-year-old son Samuel writes the final 12 chapters, challenging comfy stateside readers to watch the growth of God’s kingdom through the eyes of a wonderfully perceptive boy. The interplay between father and son (not to mention a remarkable cobra-killing wife and mother) will stretch your thinking about the courage and commitment it still takes to be a missionary in some parts of the world.
World Magazine
Pastor David HansonThe history of missions is not only a history of God molding fields in far off countries but of a God who molds missionaries both in preparation and in the field. In a very personal, realistic way Vince gives us both sides of missions history: God's work in his life and God's work in South Sudan. This book is an important reminder that the Potter is still at work in our world.
Southside Reformed Presbyterian Church; president, RP Global Missions Board
Dr. Jonathan M. WattPursuit of Glory offers two firsthand accounts of the formation and development of a brave gospel reach that extended from North America right into embattled Sudanese territory. From the mouths of father and son, we hear about how God orchestrated the spiritual formation of a man swept up in a call to minister and serve sacrificially, and then we learn from his growing son of the unusual life experiences that shaped their family even as they sought to represent Christ’s love to an impoverished land. Their stories will surely change the way you see Christian service.
professor, Geneva College
Pastor Rich GanzThis wonderful and exciting missionary account is worth every Christian reading it, especially if your heart is aflame for nations and peoples without Christ.
Ottawa Reformed Presbyterian Church
Barry YorkI highly recommend this book. For it shows that wonderful missions work is not just what the Lord has done in the past, but it includes the present as the glory of God is revealed among the nations.
president, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary