Condolences

• February 16, 2026

  Dr. Woyita Woza

  Condolence Message From Woyita and Family Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. PS. 116:15 Dear Mama Lila, Allen, Loren Kevin and all other family members and friends, My family and I express our sincere condolence when you go through this time of grief. My family and I heard the glorification of our spiritual Dad/Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul Balisky at 9:00pm on Feb. 11, 2026. We received it with a deep grief, knowing that we miss him here on earth, his great fatherly love, leadership, guidance, counseling, and compassionate care. We all, who raised by him, experienced and benefitted from life and ministry of Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul, are equally sharing with you deep grief. Nevertheless, we all are proud of Aba, Evangelist Dr. Paul Balisky for his great achievements in his life time. It is indeed a life worth lived. He finished well his race superbly. His passion, zeal and commitment for the Gospel, his love for Ethiopian people with whom he lived and served (at Aleta Wondo, Jimma, Addis Ababa, Kamba and rest of other places), his special hospitality and care for many Ethiopian families and friends, and the impact that he produced in us and our churches, especially his great contribution to theological education and training ministers for churches, his commitment and act of compassion and generosity to the poor and needy, his great commitment to Ethiopian Church History, his impressive holistic development and humanitarian aid ministries especially in Kamba Woreda during the communist regime of Ethiopia and other numerous marvelous duties that he accomplished will be long remembered in our family life and our churches in Ethiopia. Thus we are indebted to say thank you to Aba Evangelist, Dr. Paul, your legacy sets a bedrock for us to follow in the coming years. Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul was not only the father for his bloodline children, but also he was great father to me and my family. The first time I met him as if I encountered an Angel of the Lord when I was persecuted and seeking a refuge in Kamba SIM Station. He accepted me as one of his sons, raised me as father. He taught me how to pray, read Scripture, develop Christian character, and grow towards spiritual maturity. Moreover, he disciple me and mentored me to come to full time ministry in the church. When I was in Kamba, while I was assisting him in translating manuscripts of his doctoral dissertation data for about a year, he trusted me, offered his own car as an office, fed me when I was hungry, rescued me by hiding me in inner office place when the communists were harassed me to put in jail and send me to war place. Also he trained me by sending me to typing school and taught me to continually practice typing skill. While I was in theological college and graduate school and then all the way to my doctoral studies, when I was in need, he provided to meet my basic needs. Countless gifts, cheerful encouragements, persistent follow ups through directive and inspiriting letters are never forgettable. Above all, his prayer life, awaking us every Monday early morning at 10am for prayer when we were in Kamba, created in us a prayer life discipline. There are lots of great stories to tell about Aba, Evangelist Dr. Paul. What a blessed life! Though, we miss his counsel, cheers, love and smiles here on earth, we all know that this time he is enjoying the great delight and joy with his beloved father, the Lord Jesus, whom he loved most and served Him throughout his life time. We will meet him in the next world in the eternity future. Meanwhile, we say-Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul, we love you, rest in peace till the time of resurrection. Dear Mama Lila, Alen, Loren, Kevin, and all other family members of Balisky, my family and I, our churches in Kamba and all over Ethiopia, pray that the God of comfort may comfort you all. May God help each one of us to continue the legacy that Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul Balisky left for us! Woyita W. Olla (PhD) and Family From Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Humanitarian Aid and Development Commission Deputy Commissioner

• February 16, 2026

  Dr. Woyita Woza

  Condolence Message From Woyita and Family Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. PS. 116:15 Dear Mama Lila, Allen, Loren Kevin and all other family members and friends, My family and I express our sincere condolence when you go through this time of grief. My family and I heard the glorification of our spiritual Dad/Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul Balisky at 9:00pm on Feb. 11, 2026. We received it with a deep grief, knowing that we miss him here on earth, his great fatherly love, leadership, guidance, counseling, and compassionate care. We all, who raised by him, experienced and benefitted from life and ministry of Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul, are equally sharing with you deep grief. Nevertheless, we all are proud of Aba, Evangelist Dr. Paul Balisky for his great achievements in his life time. It is indeed a life worth lived. He finished well his race superbly. His passion, zeal and commitment for the Gospel, his love for Ethiopian people with whom he lived and served (at Aleta Wondo, Jimma, Addis Ababa, Kamba and rest of other places), his special hospitality and care for many Ethiopian families and friends, and the impact that he produced in us and our churches, especially his great contribution to theological education and training ministers for churches, his commitment and act of compassion and generosity to the poor and needy, his great commitment to Ethiopian Church History, his impressive holistic development and humanitarian aid ministries especially in Kamba Woreda during the communist regime of Ethiopia and other numerous marvelous duties that he accomplished will be long remembered in our family life and our churches in Ethiopia. Thus we are indebted to say thank you to Aba Evangelist, Dr. Paul, your legacy sets a bedrock for us to follow in the coming years. Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul was not only the father for his bloodline children, but also he was great father to me and my family. The first time I met him as if I encountered an Angel of the Lord when I was persecuted and seeking a refuge in Kamba SIM Station. He accepted me as one of his sons, raised me as father. He taught me how to pray, read Scripture, develop Christian character, and grow towards spiritual maturity. Moreover, he disciple me and mentored me to come to full time ministry in the church. When I was in Kamba, while I was assisting him in translating manuscripts of his doctoral dissertation data for about a year, he trusted me, offered his own car as an office, fed me when I was hungry, rescued me by hiding me in inner office place when the communists were harassed me to put in jail and send me to war place. Also he trained me by sending me to typing school and taught me to continually practice typing skill. While I was in theological college and graduate school and then all the way to my doctoral studies, when I was in need, he provided to meet my basic needs. Countless gifts, cheerful encouragements, persistent follow ups through directive and inspiriting letters are never forgettable. Above all, his prayer life, awaking us every Monday early morning at 10am for prayer when we were in Kamba, created in us a prayer life discipline. There are lots of great stories to tell about Aba, Evangelist Dr. Paul. What a blessed life! Though, we miss his counsel, cheers, love and smiles here on earth, we all know that this time he is enjoying the great delight and joy with his beloved father, the Lord Jesus, whom he loved most and served Him throughout his life time. We will meet him in the next world in the eternity future. Meanwhile, we say-Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul, we love you, rest in peace till the time of resurrection. Dear Mama Lila, Alen, Loren, Kevin, and all other family members of Balisky, my family and I, our churches in Kamba and all over Ethiopia, pray that the God of comfort may comfort you all. May God help each one of us to continue the legacy that Aba, Evangelist, Dr. Paul Balisky left for us! Woyita W. Olla (PhD) and Family From Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Humanitarian Aid and Development Commission Deputy Commissioner

• February 16, 2026

  Lloyd Alstad

  Paul became a significant influence in my life beginning in 1965 when he came home to PRBI to teach in what was my senior year. Since then he has remained an encourager; a source of wisdom; and faithful friend. Paul leaves a remarkable legacy. May it continue to encourage, motivate, and illuminate the way for, -each of us. Special love and prayers for Lila, and the families of Allen and Beth, Loren and Tama, and Kevin and Jane. Love, Lloyd and Marti Alstad.

• February 15, 2026

  Iona Newnham

  Our thoughts and prayers to you Lila and your family...Paul was an extremely unique "Canuck" (as all Balisky's are! ) I received a wonderful heart felt email from Paul when mother passed: Lillian Newnham - (nee JACKSON) Feb 7/25, and it truly meant so much to us... xoxo

• February 15, 2026

  Pat Wearmouth

  My condolences to Lila and the family on Paul's passing. He was a gracious, interesting, and interested man. I was very fortunate in knowing him through the local historical society. Pat Wearmouth

• February 15, 2026

  Brian Fargher

  TRIBUTE TO E. PAUL BALISKY 12 February 2026 We shared house arrest under the Communist government. We shared a raucous birthday party as prisoners. We shared being conducted to the airport by armed soldiers when they evicted us from the Bible College in Jimma. Then we were confined to the city of Addis Ababa for years. For those years we lived a few meters apart on the S.I.M. Press Compound in Addis Ababa. I'll forever remember Paul as the Happy Whistler. But Paul was much much more than that. He was a Peace Maker wherever he went. He was Dr. Always Available. Does anyone need anything done? Paul's available, always ready to help with all his practical skills and a cheerful whistle. He was Dr. Promoter – forever helping his Ethiopian co-workers move on and up. Paul was a friend, a scholar and a role model for me. But not only to me but to all those with whom he ministered. His family, his books and his disciples are permanent confirmation of a life deeply committed to the service of the Lord Jesus whom he loved and served. Well lived my friend. Your life will continue to be an inspiration to me. Brian Fargher, Edmonton.

• February 15, 2026

  Addis Kassahun Mulat

  Dr. Paul Balisky was one of the best leaders who thought me the importance of wisdom and patience in leadership journey and family life. May Peace and Love of our LORD JESUS be with all the family! Addis and Rahel from Ethiopia

• February 14, 2026

  Tim Callaway

  "With Christ, which is FAR BETTER." Paul will be greatly missed by his dear wife and family. Praying that some of the FAR BETTER comfort stuff trickles down into your worlds! Tim W Callaway

• February 13, 2026

  Ashebir

  Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May the love of God surround you during this time of sorrow and bring you peace. Ashebir &Hana