Medical considerations prompted Sundholm’s physicians to restrict his travel, disallowing international travel that would take him to underdeveloped countries lacking appropriate medical care facilities that can respond quickly and adequately to medical emergencies.
“Travel to remote areas that lack good medical facilities has been a fundamental part of Jim’s work with the Paul Carlson Partnership,” says Glenn Palmberg, who expressed deep regret that Sundholm will not be able to continue that work.
Medical needs, especially in Congo, are one of three primary areas of focus of the partnership’s work, notes Curt Peterson, executive minister of the Department of World Mission and PCP president. “Through Jim’s leadership over the past six years, PCP has been able to respond not only to health needs in Congo, but also needs in areas of education and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, working closely with the Covenant Church of Congo and the local communities.”
Palmberg praised Sundholm’s courage in venturing into remote and fairly primitive areas – “places where others often are not willing to go” – in sharing the good news of Christ’s love through the many compassionate initiatives developed by PCP. “Jim relates to people from all walks of life, radiating a sense of encouragement and joy as he helps them work through the harsh realities of everyday living. That is no doubt why the Congo people honored him with a special name – Esengo – which means joy.”
“We are indebted to Jim for his passion and gifts that have enabled the church to live out the compassion of the gospel with our brothers and sisters in need,” Peterson added. “Finding the right leader to carry PCP’s work forward will be quite a challenge.”
The partnership would like to have a new leader in place and ready to assume the executive director responsibilities on June 2.
This position directs all operations of the Paul Carlson Partnership, a not-for-profit aid and development organization that is affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) through its compassionate outreach initiatives. The position reports to the PCP president and is accountable to the PCP board and chair.
Responsibilities include giving leadership to the strategic direction of PCP and its organizational development, ensuring legal, regulatory, and mission compliance. Duties include project evaluation, approval, implementation, and monitoring; fund raising and marketing, and responsibility for communication and promotion. The position establishes and maintains relationships with PCP partners, including the Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM), and also manages the budget, staff and volunteers.
The successful candidate will demonstrate personal Christian faith and involvement in a local church, will hold a master’s degree or equivalent, and will have from four to 10 years of related experience and/or training.
Prior administration experience is desirable (non-profit organization preferred); prior community development experience is required as is prior experience in organizational development, cross-cultural and international venues. Connections to the Evangelical Covenant Church is preferred.
To read the complete job description, visit PCP Executive Director or locate the job description in the job opportunities section on the home page of the Covenant website.
By Monday, March 24, qualified candidates should send a cover letter, indicating reasons for interest in the position, and current resume to Marisol Medina, human resources director, Evangelical Covenant Church, 5101 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625. Material also may be emailed to Marisol Medina. Inquiries after this date are welcome if the position remains open.
For more information on the Evangelical Covenant Church, the Paul Carlson Partnership, and the Department of World Mission, visit the Evangelical Covenant Church website. Information also is available by calling Peterson at 773-907-3345 or by emailing Peterson.
Editor’s note: the top photo shows Sundholm greeting Covenanters upon arrival at the airport in Bumba, Congo, during a 2003 visit. The lower photo was taken during a worship service in Gbado during the same visit.
