Ted Engstrom (1916-2006) former head of Youth for Christ & World Vision International

Theodore (Ted) Wilhelm Engstrom was the head of Youth for Christ and World Vision International. He was an evangelical leader, author of 50 books and known for instructing churches, ministries and other non-profit organizations how to apply business ideas and achieve financial aid. He was one of the founding architects of the Evangelical council for Financial Accountability.

Lela Gilbert in Ambassadors of Christ (A of C) looks at his first eighty years- he lived to the age of 90. His parents faith set a profound example for him as a youngster. It was as a freshman at college, on April 1st 1935, he had a ‘dramatic’ conversion which he never forgot. It launched his own dynamic and unique ministry.

He started his own printing business. He married Dorothy in 1940 and moved to Michigan where he was eventually promoted to general manager of Zondervan Publishing House.

In 1947, while employed by Zondervan, he became the local director of Youth for Christ International. Ted directed the 10 day crusade; Billy Graham - then a little known evangelist- conducted the crusade. This was the beginning of a life long friendship.

In 1948, whilst attending a World Congress of Evangelism, he had a second encounter with Jesus. This resulted In 1951 with him focusing his immense communications ability on a different front- evangelism. He resigned from Zondervan and became executive director of Youth for Christ International.
In this role he visited more than 60 nations and preached at rallies in most of the world’s major cities.

In 1963, a chance meeting with World Vision founder Bob Pierce, convinced him to join the then struggling World Vision. Ted eventually, sometimes reluctantly, sorted out the management and financial problems. As executive vice president (19 years) and later president (1982-7 ) he turned a small Christian agency into one of the World’s largest. ( Budget for 2007 was $2.6 billion).

During his life time he received many honours. World Vision President Dean R. Hirch said *His ability to integrate the Gospel with every day life was absolutely inspiring. Dr. Ted made work and faith walk together. *

The evangelical community today has lost one of the most influential leaders of the past 50 years. Richard E. Stearns president of World Vision

Ted most certainly did not squander his own lifetime. *He gathered and collected his best gifts over the years and has generously shared them with the world.

• Lela Gilbert

Included information about Youth for Christ International (YFCI)
and World Vision International
Sources used Ambassadors for Christ
wikipedia
Christianity for Today
Christian News Wire