N E W S DE SK
Tribute to Theodore Benson By Ricardo Graham
I
have worked in administration at both the local and union conference level for the past 24 years. For 13 of those 24 years I have worked at the Pacific Union Conference, with Ted Benson as a co-worker in this part of the Lord’s vineyard. Ted has been a great treasurer for the Union, following the fine tradition of those who preceded him and served with distinction. He has continued the practice of excellence, building on what his predecessors accomplished. Because of this, the Pacific Union continues to have “clean” financial audits, which means that the auditors, after spending weeks every year examining the various accounts, have found that all the funds received are accounted for and transferred to the predetermined agencies. Ted has been ever mindful that he is the “chief steward” of the Pacific Union’s financial resources, yet he has always found a way to fund the mission of the Church—reaching people with the hope that Jesus guarantees. He is not a “no first” treasurer. He has sought to help empower the local conferences, schools, and churches that operate within our Union. In our officers meetings, Ted has always helped to round
out our deliberations on how to best face some of the issues that come to the Union. We always share our collective wisdom and prayerfully come to a united conclusion. Ted has been a unifier in our discussions. Professionally, Ted has been extremely competent. His reports are always easy to follow, and the breadth of his knowledge is obvious as he answers questions when giving the treasurer’s report to the Executive Committee or reporting in the Union’s quinquennial constituency meetings. Any questions asked are always answered with transparency and detail. While he has assistants, the burden of leading out, organiz-
ing the work, and ensuring that it gets done in a timely fashion has fallen on him. He has led his staff admirably. It is no secret that Ted has been dealing with a serious health challenge for some time. We praise the Lord for His healing power. During these last several years of fighting for his health, Ted has not neglected his work. He capably moved from doctors’ appointments to committee meetings and never complained about his illness. In the estimation of those who work closely with him, he has been faithful in the Lord’s cause. We will miss Ted as he moves into the next phase of his life, believing that one day, he will hear the Lord say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21, KJV).
M AY 2019
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