Paul Victor Greisen

Paul Greisen September 29, 1925 – January 5, 2020 Paul Victor Greisen was born September 29,1925 in Lawrence, Kansas. He went peacefully to be with his Lord, early in the morning on January 5, 2020 at his home at Cristwood Park in Shoreline, WA. He was the third child of Victor and Esther Greisen. He grew up in an Assemblies of God pastor’s home in Kansas. He attended Central Bible College and after graduation, pastored a small church in Kansas. At age 21, he took a memorable trip to Denmark with his parents, where he met his Danish grandparents and relatives for the first time. Continuing in ministry he became an associate pastor, and met Louise McLaughlin, from Tacoma, Washington. They bonded quickly because of their share desire to serve God, and their love of music. They were astonished to discover that they both played violin. This resulted in an immediate strong connection that led to marriage after a whirlwind romance of four months. He pastored 3 churches in Idaho and Washington and then made application to become a missionary. Leaving the US on a freighter in July 1960, he and Louise sailed for Hong Kong, with 3 small children and expecting a fourth. Starting Cantonese language study at age 35, he worked hard to prepare for assignments on the field. After working collaboratively with several missionary endeavors, he became the principal of Ecclesia Bible Institute (EBI), training pastors and leaders. Within just a few years, he felt the Lord calling him to reach the people inside Communist China, which was closed to all Christian outreach. The beginnings of China Radio were in a tiny space above the boys’ dormitory at EBI. He began developing programming, using the talents of local Christians to teach, read the Bible, and evangelize. Reel-to-reel tapes were sent to various transmitters in the Far East to be broadcast by short-wave. China Radio soon needed to build studios and offices in a new location. Soon they were producing more than 40 different programs a week, transmitting by short wave and also medium wave radio from Macau. They received thousands of letters in response to the radio broadcasts. Each letter was answered by dedicated staff in the China Radio offices. He knew that people all over China listened in secret. These radio programs were likely their only access to hearing the good news of Jesus Christ. Programs were also designed to encourage leaders of underground churches. During this time, Paul supervised the building of a 40 ft. ocean-going yacht to be used for reaching the people of the Marshall Islands. After completion of the project, Paul hired a captain, and with a small crew, sailed the boat 3000 miles, from Hong Kong to the Marshalls. In 1990, after 30 years, it was time to return to the US to spend more time with Louise’s aging parents, as well as invest time into the lives of their grandchildren. He continued traveling and raising funding for the Asia Project 2000, retiring from missions after 32 wonderful years. Accepting an offer to be Missions Pastor at Shoreline Community Church, his love for people built connections with the congregation and the many missionaries that the church supported. In addition, he served as an elder in the Northwest Ministry Network, mentoring and encouraging pastors. Settled in their home in Bothell, he relished this special time with his siblings, Louise’s parents, their children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed building friendships with his neighbors, and working in their garden. In 2015, he and Louise moved to Cristwood Park Retirement Community where they found themselves surrounded by caring friends that loved to laugh and enjoy each other’s stories. In August, 2019, they celebrated 70 years of marriage, joined by family and friends from far and near. He is survived by his beloved wife Louise, his brother Leon (& Janice) Greisen, his four children, Debbie, Steve (& Nelly), Heather, and Marc (& Jane), eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.