Pioneer Missionary Dies

Rev. Elmer J. Sahlberg, retired missionary to Thailand, went to be with the Lord December 5, 2006, in New Port Richey, Florida. He was 86 years old. Rev. Sahlberg, along with his wife Corrine, served as missionaries with The Christian and Missionary Alliance from 1950 to 1985.

Elmer was nearly 22 years old when he was led to the Lord while on duty with the U.S. Army at Aberdeen, Maryland. He learned about the C&MA from a fellow soldier and a chaplain. He sensed God’s call to the mission field, so in 1946 he entered Nyack Missionary College, graduated in 1948 and married Corrine that same year. After fulfilling their home service in Prattville, Alabama, they traveled to Thailand to minister in the villages of Nongkai, doing evangelism and church planting.

The Sahlbergs were the first pioneer missionaries to this area. Serving in evangelistic ministry would eventually take them into 15 provinces. In 1960 Elmer became the director for the Alliance Literature Office in Bangkok. In 1964 Elmer became field director for three years and then again from 1975 to 1977. Elmer also served as chairman of the Dalat School Board for a number of years, was chairman of the Advisory Board of Overseas Christian Servicemen’s Centers in Thailand, and served on the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand and Bangkok Bible College. The Sahlbergs were involved in several other ministries as well.

Rev. Sahlberg is survived by his wife Corrine; sons David Sahlberg and Dale Sahlberg; daughters Evelyn Lundberg Stratton and Esther Cahal; and family. The viewing will take place at Faupel Funeral Home in New Port Richey, Florida, on Thursday, December 7, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the burial immediately following at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. For the viewing, Rev. Melvin L. Carter, retired missionary to Gabon and ICA, will represent International Ministries and Rev. Mark T. O’Farrell, president of Trinity College, will represent the National Office and Board of Directors. Rev. T. Grady Mangham Jr., retired missionary to Vietnam, will speak a few words at the interment.

For more information about the Sahlberg’s, please see the book in the Jaffray series, “Please Leave Your Shoes at the Door”.

Memorials for Rev. Sahlberg can be sent to The Christian and Missionary Alliance for Northeast Institute of Theology in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Cards for Corrine Sahlberg and the family:

Mrs. Corrine Sahlberg
9430 Royal Palm Ave.
New Port Richey, FL 34654

Share

Get Involved...

Pray.

We cannot “Live the Call Together” unless prayer is central to all we do.
Pray with us »

Serve.

Is God calling you to service? We’re here to help you connect your passion with God’s purpose.
Serve with The Alliance »

Give.

Help build Christ’s Church by supporting the ministry and workers of The Alliance.
Give today »