Husby, who along with his wife, Ronna, currently serve as Asia regional coordinators for the Department of World Mission, will assume his new responsibilities on May 11. He replaces retiring director Jim Sundholm, who last year also relinquished his responsibilities with the Paul Carlson Partnership.
Giftedness, experience, passion and a deep sense of commitment were key attributes that led to Husby’s selection, says Blue, who recalled a trip with Husby and others last year to several places in India, including the infamous slums that inspired the compelling movie Slumdog Millionaire.
“I believe it was a God-ordained opportunity that allowed me to travel with Dave,” Blue says. “It was in India’s slums, garbage dumps, eunuch communities and villages of the ‘untouchables’ that I saw a reflection of Jesus walking with the poorest of the poor. David’s love for Jesus and for every person created in the image of Christ was evident in his work with others in helping to transform communities.
“In a broken and hurting world, the work before the Department of Compassion, Mercy and Justice and that of Covenant World Relief is huge,” Blue observes. “Dave brings to the team his giftedness, passion, experience and commitment to the whole mission of the church. We are excited to have him as part of the team.”
Husby has served as a Covenant missionary for more than 20 years. In his various mission roles, he has provided leadership in mentoring, coaching, pastoral care, and development of staff as well as indigenous development and church organization leadership.
He also has been involved in strategic planning and vision casting as well as developing partnerships and facilitating collaboration and networking among partners, including those involved in economic development projects. As part of that work, Husby has trained those involved in the initiatives and has closely monitored the progress of the various projects.
“David is a person of conviction and integrity, a spirit of truth and grace, and a humble, servant leader,” says World Mission Executive Minister Curt Peterson of Husby’s work. “He has provided screening, coaching and evaluation support for all Covenant World Relief and World Mission projects associated with our mission partnerships in Asia for the past 10 years. David is a learner and listener as well as an able leader. He presents the vision and impact of world mission very effectively to mission partner churches and individuals in the ECC.”
The Husbys served as Covenant short-term missionaries in Japan from 1983-85 and were commissioned as long-term missionaries for Japan in 1987. They began serving as Asia regional coordinators in 1999. Ronna will continue to handle the regional coordinator responsibilities on a limited basis for the coming year.
The couple, whose home church is Newport Covenant in Bellevue, Washington, have three daughters: Kristina, who graduates from North Park University in May; Jennifer, a sophomore at Seattle Pacific University, and Erika, a junior in high school in Japan.
“Jim Sundholm has worked hard to develop Covenant World Relief into a strong and effective organization that serves the poorest of the poor and the marginalized around the world,” Husby said in accepting this call. “I look forward to learning from him and to seek ways to continue to build on what Jim has accomplished. I am also looking forward to working with Debbie Blue in the Department of Compassion, Mercy, and Justice. It is a great honor to be able to serve God and the Covenant in this way.
“Scripture is clear that God is on the side of the poor, the powerless, and the oppressed,” Husby emphasizes. “I’m proud to be a part of a denomination that prioritizes service to these precious people. I have been privileged to represent the Covenant in Asia for most of the past 25 years, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God in word and deed. Although my focus will change a bit in this new position, Covenant World Relief represents a core component of the ministry of the Covenant as it seeks to participate with God in his mission to the world.”
