Paul George Cowan was born in Mexico October 6, 1944. His parents were there translating the Bible into the Mazatec language. He lived with them among the Mazatec people in a thatched hut in the mountains of southern Mexico. Each summer his parents taught at a Summer Institute of Linguistics and Paul often went along with them to Canada and England.
His education began with home schooling in the tribe then to the Mexican-American school in Mexico City. At the age of ten he went to the Wycliffe Children’s Home in Arkansas where he completed grade school. His family relocated in 1960 to California where he completed High School, then went on to Wheaton College in Illinois.(1962-1966).
In 1966 Paul joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ where he served on the University Ambassador Team. The team was composed of 55 young people who went to England for 3 years to begin a ministry with university students. During this time he courted another team member -- Susan Ortlund -- and they were married in 1969.
From 1970 – 74 Paul attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, receiving a Master of Divinity degree.
Paul and Sue returned to Europe with Campus Crusade and set up residence in France. Paul was asked to direct the work in France and coordinate the ministry in Southern Europe. In 1980 he turned both of these responsibilities over to Europeans.
In subsequent years Paul followed his calling to a Barnabas-like role with leaders of Catholic Evangelistic Movements. Serving as a consultant, he would come alongside these leaders to encourage, impart vision and share methods for evangelization. He began traveling to numerous countries of the world, helping Catholic groups develop materials and organize large showings of the JESUS film.
To meet Paul was to be his friend. He had a passion for truth, a heart for the underdog, keen insight and amazing knowledge in numerous areas, and yet a humble spirit. He would often say, “I am just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”
He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a faithful and loving husband, and dedicated father.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan, his four children -- Nathan (Sandy) Cowan, Krista Cowan, Matthew (Kristina) Cowan and Rebecca (Jeff) Muyres – plus four grandchildren, his father, George Cowan, and two sisters, Esther Cowan and Ruth Cowan.
Paul died in July 2010 with Non-Hodgkin follicular lymphoma.
Thanks, Dan for sharing your memories of Paul's life after high school, what a wonderful tribute for the gentle boy we all knew in high school. I remember talking to his father on the phone during my search for classmates, neither of us knowing Paul would be gone before our 50th reunion. See you on the other side, Paul.
Daniel E. Griset
Paul George Cowan was born in Mexico October 6, 1944. His parents were there translating the Bible into the Mazatec language. He lived with them among the Mazatec people in a thatched hut in the mountains of southern Mexico. Each summer his parents taught at a Summer Institute of Linguistics and Paul often went along with them to Canada and England.
His education began with home schooling in the tribe then to the Mexican-American school in Mexico City. At the age of ten he went to the Wycliffe Children’s Home in Arkansas where he completed grade school. His family relocated in 1960 to California where he completed High School, then went on to Wheaton College in Illinois.(1962-1966).
In 1966 Paul joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ where he served on the University Ambassador Team. The team was composed of 55 young people who went to England for 3 years to begin a ministry with university students. During this time he courted another team member -- Susan Ortlund -- and they were married in 1969.
From 1970 – 74 Paul attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, receiving a Master of Divinity degree.
Paul and Sue returned to Europe with Campus Crusade and set up residence in France. Paul was asked to direct the work in France and coordinate the ministry in Southern Europe. In 1980 he turned both of these responsibilities over to Europeans.
In subsequent years Paul followed his calling to a Barnabas-like role with leaders of Catholic Evangelistic Movements. Serving as a consultant, he would come alongside these leaders to encourage, impart vision and share methods for evangelization. He began traveling to numerous countries of the world, helping Catholic groups develop materials and organize large showings of the JESUS film.
To meet Paul was to be his friend. He had a passion for truth, a heart for the underdog, keen insight and amazing knowledge in numerous areas, and yet a humble spirit. He would often say, “I am just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”
He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a faithful and loving husband, and dedicated father.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan, his four children -- Nathan (Sandy) Cowan, Krista Cowan, Matthew (Kristina) Cowan and Rebecca (Jeff) Muyres – plus four grandchildren, his father, George Cowan, and two sisters, Esther Cowan and Ruth Cowan.
Paul died in July 2010 with Non-Hodgkin follicular lymphoma.
Lynda Goff (Maloney)
Thanks, Dan for sharing your memories of Paul's life after high school, what a wonderful tribute for the gentle boy we all knew in high school. I remember talking to his father on the phone during my search for classmates, neither of us knowing Paul would be gone before our 50th reunion. See you on the other side, Paul.
Charla L. Hayden
Yes, I remember he was the person Dan and Lynn have described. It's lovely that he left such a family to remind people of who he was. Best, Charla
Janice M. Sedberry (Wulfkuhle)
What an impressive CV. Paul was blessed with great parenting and divine direction. I remember him, but did not know him, which is my loss.Glenda K. Hardcastle (Jansson)
What a wonderful legacy Paul left for his family, and for all who knew him.