In Memory

Patricia Audrey Thompson was born in Hartford, Connecticut on November 12, 1945, the second daughter of Rosina K. and John T. Thompson. Her nickname was “Treesha” growing up. She lived on a second floor “railroad flat” apartment with her mother, father, and older sister Dolores. From the start, she lived with adversity. While her mother worked nights to support the family, her alcoholic father was verbally and physically abusive to Treesha and her sister, but especially to Treesha since she was considered “weaker” and less likely to stand up for herself.

At the tender age of 16 she escaped from her childhood home by marrying Bob Muszynski. They were married for over 51 years. By the age of 17 she was the mother of a daughter, Dawn, and by 20 she had a son, David. Two more sons, Jonathan and Andrew, came along 9 and 13years later. (Pat and Bob didn’t want to feel “left out” when everyone else their age was starting their families at the “normal” age of late 20’s to early 30’s.) Even in parenting, Pat faced many challenges. Her children ranged from honor students to severe learning disabilities, 3 suffered from mental illnesses, but all were loved equally and well and taught to live up to their own greatest potential.

In her 40’s, Pat was diagnosed with diabetes and later suffered from other ailments ranging from cancer to severe leg and back pain. But through it all, her faith in God shone through. She was always thinking of the other person and was known for her warm smile, her wacky sense of humor, her optimistic outlook on life, and her generous spirit (she would bake over 80 dozen Christmas cookies each year and construct gift baskets for friends, family, coworkers, and even her doctor). She was also a savvy shopper and would always find the best bargains and surprise you with a little gift of clothing or some household item or jewelry (“Don’t worry – I didn’t pay too much for it!”). She was always giving of herself and her time and her love.

Pat accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 19 and for the rest of her life devoted herself to serving Him and growing ever closer to Him as the years passed. Among her many gifts were teaching and words of knowledge. If Pat were here with us today, she would be so honored to be associated with Empower International Ministries because she knew what it was like to struggle and yet be victorious and joyful because of what Christ did for her and through her. In fact, she probably would have loved to go along on one of the mission trips if she could, just to witness first-hand to women in other countries about the love of Christ and how He can empower anyone no matter what their situation.

We wish Pat had had the opportunity to join us on one of our trips. Please pray for her friends and family who miss her every day.

Empower is pleased to announce that we will dedicate our 2019 trips to the memory of Ruth Hathaway Mauss, who passed away two days short of her 89^th birthday on November 20, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. She is survived by her husband of more than 67 years, Armand L. Mauss, and eight children, twenty-one grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Ruth was a remarkable woman for her generation. She attended the University of Utah, then interrupted her studies to join the United States Air Force, where she earned the rank of sergeant while serving with the American occupation forces in Tokyo, Japan. It was there that she met and married Armand, also recently inducted into the Air Force.

While much of her time was devoted to raising her eight children, she also worked as an evening dispatcher for the Pullman, WA Police Department while she also earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington State University. That was followed by a career at the same university for more than a decade, where she was responsible for student records, at first in the Registrar’s Office and then in the Department of Speech and Hearing.

The family was always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Margaret Kiswiriri was the president of Empower International Uganda. She passed away suddenly in 2016, and our trips in 2017 are dedicated to her memory. A midwife, Margaret operated a childbirth clinic in Kampala and was active in ministry her whole life.  She’d been involved with Empower since 2005. She taught New Man, New Woman, New Life all over Uganda and in Kenya. She was also a board member of World Shine Ministries in Uganda.  She is survived by three grown children and grandchildren.

Empower’s 2015 Ministry Trips are dedicated to the memory of the parents of two of our board members, Doris Hoar (mother of Linda Ikeda) and William Stefan (father of Bill Stefan).

Doris Elaine Hoffman Hoar was born March 7, 1927 and died 3 days short of her 88^th birthday. She was the mother of Linda Hoar Ikeda, Director of Created to Belong, and mother-in-law to Russel Ikeda, Advisory Board Member.

Doris had a soft heart for children after losing her fourth and youngest child in 1969, at eleven years of age. Hearing about the traumas and challenges of orphaned and suffering children around the world moved her to be a prayer and financial supporter of EIM.  She was an enthusiastic cheerleader of her oldest daughter as well, Susan Hoar Pool, who faithfully creates ethnic appropriate puppets to be used in helping traumatized kids in our Created to Belong and Healing From Trauma programs. She will be missed until we see her again on the other side!

Bill Stefan served on the Chula Vista Police Department from 1953 to 1984, when he retired as a Lieutenant.  He also served in the US Naval Reserves from 1943 to 1985, retiring as a CWO-4 and combat tours in World War II and Korea).  He is survived by his son (Bill Jr.), daughter (Bonnie), 2 granddaughters (Bonnie Clemente and Alexandra Faulkner), 2 great-granddaughters (Eva Faulkner and Anngelina Clemente), and many friends who will deeply miss his kindness and love.

Biography here.

Dr. Laurence Iannaccone, father-in-law of Empower board president Carrie Miles.

Russell Bryant was born September 19, 1919, in Illinois. One of six children, he was raised by a single mother. As a result, he had a deep understanding of the burdens placed on women by the world.

He served in  the 94^th Infantry Division as part of the Third Army, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in combat in Germany and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for individual valor. After the war, he met and married Juanita, and they were blessed with 65 years of marriage.

Russ overcame a severe stutter to become a community college speech instructor, teaching speech and communications at Cabrillo College from 1964 to 1987. Many returning veterans found encouragement from his wisdom, counsel and experience. He also served as the faculty advisor to the Christian Student Club.  Russ was active in his church, serving in leadership, education and youth ministry. 

Russ loved to attend his army division reunions and was often sought out by those drawn by his wisdom, incredible memory, and generosity of spirit. Russ touched the lives of thousands of people through his years of teaching college, church ministry, army reunions, and friendships.

He was very proud of his daughter, encouraging her work with Empower International Ministries. He died October 8, 2013, and is greatly missed.

Noel Brian Crawford is the son of Empower supporters Linda and David Crawford, from Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana, California. This biography was written by his mother. Empower is proud to dedicate our 2018 program to the memory of this outstanding young man.

Noel Brian Crawford died of pancreatic cancer in April 2018. He was born December 27, 1975 in Orange, California. As a child he was inquisitive, often taking things apart to see how they worked or reading maps. While at Calvary Church School during his elementary days he won several leadership awards, and his charisma brought him many friends.

Noel loved sports, both playing and following. He played youth baseball, basketball and football competitively. He loved fun and adventure and participated in several short-term mission trips to Mexico, Arizona and San Francisco.

As a young adult, Noel volunteered in the youth program at Trinity, leading both junior high and high school aged boys. His love and commitment to the Lord was what he wanted the boys to experience.

As a young adult he managed several stores and a restaurant. Later he worked for several companies where he supervised project teams managing the computer tracking of corporate retirement accounts. He was always a hard worker and a team player.

Noel and Stephanie met each other at Trinity and were married in 2000. Their son Ethan was born in 2005. When Ethan was 2 the family moved to Denver, Colorado for a new job opportunity for Noel. Annie was born in 2008. Noel was very active in coaching and supporting his children’s many activities. They joined Parkhill Methodist Church where Ethan is active in the youth group.

Noel is survived by his immediate family members, wife Stephanie, children Ethan and Annie, brother Bret, and parents Dave and Linda.

Nita Bryant, mother of Empower Minister Sally Bryant, passed in April 2018, at age 93. Our summer 2018 trips are dedicated to her memory.

Nita Bryant (July 14, 1924 – April 7, 2018) of Arlington, CA, created the Medical Assisting program at Cabrillo College in California. Through her years of teaching, she influenced countless men and women, offered life-changing career opportunities, and was a winsome example of a “New Woman.” As a wife, mother, and trailblazer. she knew the importance of biblical equality in order to live out God’s intention for her life.