Promise Ministries Bob Johnston

Rev. Robert (Bob) Johnston, D.D.
December 19, 1926 - April 10, 2009

The promise of life which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 1:1)

Rev. Robert (Bob) Lacy Johnston, D.D., went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Friday, April 10, 2009. He was 82. He was born in Spokane, Washington to Bert R. and Lulu Mae (Lacy) Johnston (both deceased) on December 19, 1926. The family later moved to Pontiac, Michigan before permanently settling in Battle Creek.

Bob served honorably in the United States Navy during WWII. He married Merry L. Moser in 1947. She remained the love of his life all of his life. He also loved his family and rooting for the Detroit Tigers.

When Bob, a skilled carpenter and natural jokester retired from Clark Equipment Company he was able to devote more time to Promise Ministries, the nationally recognized Bible school for prisoners founded in 1981 by Dr. Mike. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry shortly after and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Calvary Christian College and Seminary of South Bend, Indiana in 1994.

Bob loved his life's work with PMI and many precious souls were evangelized, equipped, and encouraged by Bob’s tireless efforts that spanned over two decades of faithful service to the oft forgotten individuals behind bars. Letters fill the PMI files from grateful men and women who benefited from the years of Bob’s godly counsel and gracious encouragement to them. In 2008 health issues necessitated his retirement from the ministry work he so dearly loved.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Merry (2006). He is survived by his sister Betty (Charles) Rockette; 3 sons Michael (Ann) Johnston, Bradley (Cindy) Johnston, Martin (Robin) Johnston, 7 grandchildren, 3 great grand children and a glowing legacy of some 20,000 souls he influenced for Christ during his fruitful years with Promise Ministries.

Our dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, relative, friend and brother in Christ Bob Johnston will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, and loved him. But that parting will only be temporary for those who know the Jesus he knew. In one of his final conversations with Mike, Bob shared his growing desire to not only be reunited with his wife, but perhaps have many folks follow Christ by repenting of their sins and receiving Him as their Savior and Lord when it finally happened. You would honor this great man’s memory best by committing yourself to the same Lord and Savior he loved, worshiped, and served for so many years.

A Memorial Service was held Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 11:00 am at the South Side Bible Church, Pastor Mike Brown officiating. Bible study donations can be made to the R.L. Johnston School of Biblical Studies c/o Promise Ministries, POB 177, Battle Creek, MI 49016 (checks payable to PMI). Or through Pay Pal (below):

Thank you so very much for caring enough to give in the name of the great and humble servant of our Savior!