When the Covenant was founded in 1885, we were known as “Mission Friends,” with mission outreach as one of our core identities. This year nine faithful servants will retire from Covenant mission fields. We celebrate the decades of service of these retiring global personnel.
“We are rightly honoring an incredible group of ministers who have given themselves fully to the work of the Lord and who have honored and loved those with whom they walked, rejoiced, and cried,” said Grace Shim, executive minister of Serve Globally, as they were being celebrated at Gather last month. “They invested in learning the heart language of the people, wrestling with cultural understandings, and engaging in mutual friendship and partnerships so together God’s love and salvation might be known. Honestly, I both rejoice and grieve as they transition to their next chapters. We will greatly miss their presence with us.”
Erika and Nils Clauson
Mexico
2003–2024, 1998–1999 (Erika), 2003–2024 (Nils)
Nils and Erika Clauson were commissioned in 2003 as project missionaries by Covenant World Mission (now Serve Globally) and later consecrated as long-term missionaries at the 2010 Annual Meeting.
Erika began her service with Covenant World Mission in 1998 when she went to Oaxaca, Mexico, as a short-term missionary for one year. There she joined the newly formed Fuentes Libres team, a women’s community bank ministry. Nils and Erika had met at North Park University, and Nils visited Erika several times while she was in Oaxaca. They both share a family legacy of service with the Covenant, as Erika’s great-grandfather served as a Covenant missionary in Alaska, her dad as a Covenant pastor, and Nils’s parents served as lay leaders in various Covenant churches and as Covenant missionaries in Ecuador upon retirement. Nils and Erika began to consider serving full-time in cross-cultural ministry together, and they married in 1999 in Minneapolis.
Their first assignment was in the border town of Mexicali doing discipleship, evangelism, and healthy family ministry. In 2005 they moved to Monterrey to work with the Family Development Foundation (FUNDEFAM), a Covenant nonprofit that seeks to resource and empower families in a holistic way.
In 2011, they moved to Oaxaca, where they served alongside the Covenant Church of Mexico until 2020. Together with fellow global personnel Patty Restrepo, Erika helped to start a women’s discipleship group and MAEM (Ministering to the Abused and Exploited in Mexico) in Oaxaca, a ministry that raises awareness around the realities of abuse and violence by walking with church and community members, in their restoration process and training them in prevention and intervention from a Christian and inter-disciplinary perspective. Nils helped coordinate work teams, supported Fuentes Libres, and served as the Latin America liaison with Covenant World Relief and Development.
In 2020 they moved back to Minnesota, where Erika continued to serve as a national advisor for MAEM. Nils joined the staff of CWRD and is currently serving as manager of global partner relations. Erika plans to start a hospital chaplain residency program at the University of Minnesota Hospital this fall. They have three children, Matías (18), Lucas (17), and Maya (eight).
“Erika and Nils have served faithfully and diligently our Covenant brothers and sisters in Mexico and Latin America,” says Pia Restrepo, regional co-coordinator of Latin America. “Their gifts in teaching, leadership, and discipleship nurtured the church and the community at large. Their fervent commitment to care for others led them to be agents of the restoration and empowerment of those most vulnerable. Their dedication in serving throughout these years is an inspiration. Serve Globally has been enriched by Nils and Erika’s servant leadership. We are deeply grateful for their unconditional commitment to God’s kingdom.”
Receiving their honor, Erika said, “We start by saying thanks to God. Thank you to our partners in the US and Canada. You have been our partners in mission, and you have been here trusting in the good work God was doing in us. We want to say thank to our Mexican partners, for receiving us with open and gracious hearts. Mil gracias. One thousand thank yous.”
Lillian and Don Dwight
Taiwan
1986–2023
In 1986, Don and Lillian Dwight embarked on their mission journey to Taiwan, initially serving as short-term missionaries at Morrison Academy, a school for children of missionaries. That led to a long-term commitment to Covenant World Mission. They were officially commissioned in 1991.
The Dwights served their first term teaching in Kaohsiung and transitioned to Morrison’s Taichung campus in 1997, serving the school for the next 19 years. Don assumed roles as administrator, athletic director, and teacher, while also coaching multiple sports teams.
Lillian, a registered nurse, served as the school nurse and led health classes, also nurturing the middle school chapel worship team. Their ministry took on an additional dimension in 1998 when they added the leadership of Jesus Covenant Church (JCC), a Filipino congregation in Fengyuan, to their commitments at Morrison. Lillian’s upbringing and empathy, stemming from her Filipino heritage, enriched their ministry as she facilitated Bible studies for female factory workers. She and Don hosted numerous gatherings for the community, providing a welcome home environment for many who were separated from their families.
In 2019, the Dwights decided to pursue full-time ministry with JCC to mentor and equip the church for God’s work of the gospel among overseas workers. In preparation for their ending of service, they successfully passed on the leadership of JCC to a Filipino pastor to care for the growing, faith-filled congregation in whom they had deeply invested.
Don, who spent his formative years in Taiwan as the son of Covenant missionaries, and Lillian, whose multicultural background enriched their mission, have made their journey a testament to God’s orchestration of their lives. Their steadfast passion and commitment of 37 years through teaching, nursing, pastoring, and discipleship leave an eternal impact on countless students and Filipino workers and their families for Christ.
The Dwights have five grown children: Peter (Anne Jeanette), Matthew, Andy, and twin daughters Megan and Olivia. They have one grandson, Tristan. Don and Lillian’s home church is Hilmar Covenant in Hilmar, California.
“The Dwights are a visible reminder of God’s love and sacrifice. With joy and dedication, they persevered, serving as missionaries in the midst of different seasons of life,” said Tip and Patrick Boonrang, regional coordinators for Asia. “They dwell with their people to dig deep into God’s Word and walk with them in difficulties. The Lord is their wisdom and strength. They are precious to all because they sacrificially loved those they served, faithful throughout their ministry.”
Receiving the recognition, Don recounted how his grandparents got on a boat in 1915 to travel to China as Covenant missionaries, where they served for 35 years and where his father and aunts and uncles were born. When they had to evacuate, his family began serving in Taiwan, where Don was born and raised and where he and Lillian were called to serve. “If you add all those years together, it’s a lot of years,” he said. “It has been an honor and privilege for our family and my family to serve with you.” He confessed that as he approached the end of their time of service, he was feeling some sadness because none of their children is involved in the mission service in Taiwan. “As I was struggling with this, the Holy Spirit started speaking to me and said, ‘By the way, Don, this is my church. It’s not your church or your family’s church. It’s mine and I’ve got this covered.’”
He concluded in a voice full of emotion, “So today I want to give praise and honor and glory to God for all the great things that he has done.”
Karen and Carl Groot
Thailand
1988–2024
Carl and Karen Groot were commissioned at the Annual Meeting in June of 1988 and moved to Bangkok two months later to serve in Thailand with Covenant World Mission.
After investing several years in language and cultural learning, they moved to Udon Thani in 1991 and began ministry training with Jim Gustafson, which laid the foundation for their involvement in community development and passion for evangelism and discipleship.
The following year, they returned to Bangkok, accompanied by two Thai couples, and together they started Abundant Life Center (ALC). It serves as a neighborhood center to integrate business, outreach, and community through weekly worship and regular outreach visitations. The Groots committed themselves to the growing ministries at ALC and the International Community School (ICS), with a heart to serve both the local and international communities.
ALC Crafts, a business venture of sewing handbags, began in 2002, and Karen focused on discipleship, leadership, and business training. Carl worked alongside local Thai staff at ICS, serving more than 1,000 students in campus development and facilities management. He also served as a liaison between local contractors, their employees, and school leadership, providing leadership for its new campus construction in northeast Thailand in 2019. In both settings, the Groots work with ethnic Thai people, mostly those who have moved to Bangkok from the less-resourced northeastern region of Isaan.
Since 2019, the Groots and ALC staff have expanded their ministry to support refugee and asylum seekers through advocacy and providing for physical needs. They also started ALC Breads as another small business venture, creating new jobs and opportunities for those seeking to care for their families. As they prepared to retire, God was raising up a generation of new local leaders for ALC and ICS.
Their decades of ministry are marked by Carl and Karen’s deep love, commitment, and perseverance. Their staff, community, and colleagues testify to their passion and energy to see others know Jesus and experience healing and freedom through the love of God’s people. Their legacy of faith and sacrifice extends into eternity with many who know the love of Jesus because of their humble and joyful presence and service for the last 35 years.
Tip and Patrick Boonrang, regional coordinators for Asia, say, “The Groots are an example of living sacrifice. Their lips give kind words, their hands lift people up, their feet escort the lost, the last, and the least to find rest in Jesus Christ and never want anything in return as their lives shout out,” say
The Groots have three adult children: Daniel (Sarah), Naomi (Ryan), and Bethany. Carl and Karen are members of Berkeley Covenant Church in Berkeley, California.
Upon receiving their citation at Gather, Karen said, “Each of us understands the messiness and the gloriousness of being church and doing church wherever God puts us in the world. I give a shoutout to local churches who partnered with us and supported us.”
Carl added, “You probably know that ministry in Thailand is uphill. At the same time, I’m so thankful for this covenant we’ve had with the Covenant. God is with us in this! And I see God transforming lives, even in the struggle in Thailand. For that I’m thankful and thankful for your partnership.”
Becci Swearingen
Kenya
2018–2024
Becci Swearingen made significant contributions to the Eldoret community, particularly through her work with the Jami School and various local initiatives. Her collaboration with teachers at the Jami School not only enhanced educational experiences but also fostered a nurturing and supportive environment for students. Her efforts were instrumental in creating a positive and lasting impact on the community.
As Becci embarks on new adventures, the Eldoret community and her colleagues extend their heartfelt blessings and best wishes for her future endeavors. Her impact will be felt for years to come.
“The last seven years working with Serve Globally and serving in Kenya, have been some of the most formative years in my entire life. To say that I’m grateful for everyone I’ve worked with would be an understatement,” Becci said.
Josef Rasheed, regional coordinator for Africa says, “As a dedicated member of the Africa team, Becci demonstrated unwavering commitment and genuine love for the people of Kenya, embodying the principles of Christ’s love in every action. I have been blessed by her boundless joy and enthusiasm. Her presence has been a source of inspiration and strength, adding immeasurable value. Thank you for your remarkable contributions and for embodying the spirit of true service.”
She was honored at Gather in absentia.
Janet and Ron Ziegelbaur
Zaire, Central African Republic, Cameroon
1988–2024 (Janet), 1991–2024, 1986–1988 (Ron)
In 1984, when Zaire missionary Bob Thornbloom spoke at a men’s prayer breakfast, Ronald Ziegelbaur (who was working at 3M as a chemical engineer at the time) was excited to learn that people with technical backgrounds could serve God on Covenant mission fields. Janet George traces her call to attending Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp as a fourteen-year-old. Years later at the 1981 Urbana mission conference, she committed herself to pursue overseas ministry.
Ron was commissioned as a missionary to Zaire at the 1991 Covenant Annual Meeting, and Janet was called to work in Zaire at the 1993 Covenant Annual Meeting. After they married, Ron and Janet served in Zaire until 1996 when unrest in the country thwarted their return. From 1998 to 2001 they served in Central African Republic (CAR). They returned to CAR to work with a non-government water well-drilling organization from 2005 to 2007.
From 2010 to 2024 the Ziegelbaurs served in Yaoundé, Cameroon, enabling a wider community to work in central African countries by providing education for their children. Ron was director of technical services at the Rain Forest International School (RFIS), where he supervised the Cameroonian grounds and maintenance staff. Janet was the country coordinator for Covenant mission in Cameroon, and RFIS guidance counselor. Both Ron and Janet were involved in teaching and discipleship of staff and students at RFIS. In addition to landscaping and several other construction projects at RFIS, Ron engineered the biggest project in his career: construction of a covered athletic facility at RFIS.
“Ron and Janet have consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication in their call to service as global personnel. Their commitment to serving the Rain Forest International School in Cameroon community transcends mere duty, as they continually strived for excellence in all their endeavors,” says Josef Rasheed, regional coordinator for Africa, “Whether it’s through their tireless efforts in educational initiatives or their involvement in development projects, the Ziegelbaurs have demonstrated steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards. I am honored to serve with them.”
Receiving their citation, Ron said, “It’s been an adventure with God. 33 years ago in 1991 in the old North Park gym, I was commissioned to head out to Zaire. A couple of months later I got on a plane with ten pieces of luggage and my Kawasaki KLR250 packed in my baggage.”
Janet added, “Whatever adventure God is leading us in, as a denomination, as congregations, as individuals, remember that network of support that we are to each other. Fuel up on the Word of God. Drink in the living water, and follow the guide. The longer we know Jesus the easier it is to trust him.”
