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Click HERE to view photos and videos of Papa Wan. Feel free to read and add to the comments on the video and photos.
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Dad's fingerprint is everywhere in our lives. Especially in the form of his prayers for us.
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"Thank You for giving us lovable Min Min, Jia Jia, Wei Wei. (Note: his three kids) They are truly heavenly blessings. We praise and thank You. Bless them to be more patient, more understanding, and to put themselves in other people’s shoes. Help them to see what is Your good, pure, and pleasing will. To know Your great love, so they cannot help but please You and walk in Your will."
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My dad always had this picture of my mom in his wallet. It was his most precious photo. "Apparently dad took this picture of mom when they first met and before they were even dating!" -Joseph
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Dad always had a pocket calendar he carried with him at all times. He wrote things in his calendar to strengthen himself in the Lord. Philippians 2:19 says “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.”
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Our family loved singing hymns together. Every week we'd sing at church, family devotionals, and also in the prayer room. |
Official Obituary
On June 24th 2021 at 6:07pm, Pastor David C. Wan passed away at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio after a month and a half long battle with complications stemming from COVID-19. He is survived by his wife, Anne, and his three children, Priscilla, Joseph, and Johnny. He was 75 years old.
Throughout his life, David put his relationship with God and his family above all else. He was a devout follower of Jesus and a devoted husband and father. He took pride in his job as a chemical engineer as well, working from 1974 to 2007 for DuPont at branches in Circleville, Ohio and Foshan, China. Often traveling back and forth from China to America, David worked tirelessly to provide for his family. In retirement, he and his wife founded and pastored a church called Faith Hope Love House of Prayer and he became an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College.
David was born on March 1st, 1946 in Kunming, China to Kam-Ming Wan and Tsoi-Chue Wong Wan. His family moved to Hong Kong when he was a small child. His father established and became the first principal of Pui Ying Secondary School, a renowned institution in Hong Kong still operating with multiple local and international branches to this day. Pui Ying was where David and his older brother, Leonard, both lived and attended school. His mother taught high school at a nearby Hong Kong public school.
David attended college at National Taiwan University in Taipei from 1963 to 1967 and received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Following his undergraduate studies, David was accepted to the graduate program at University of Washington in Seattle, where he received a scholarship to complete his doctorate degree. He was active in his campus fellowship at Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle, where he eventually met his wife Anne, who was also a student at University of Washington. They were married on September 5, 1972 in Seattle.
After completing his PhD in 1973, David worked briefly in a postdoctoral research position at Rice University in Houston, Texas, prior to accepting a job with Dupont in Circleville, Ohio in 1974. He and his wife moved to Columbus, Ohio where they raised their three children. David greatly valued his children’s education, resolving to commute the hour drive back and forth to his work in Circleville so his family could live in and attend school in Columbus. He often came home from a long day of work to help his children with homework or just to read to them. Even more so, he valued their spiritual development and modeled serving Christ by leading weekly bible studies, prayer gatherings and taking on servant leadership positions at church. He and his wife helped establish the first Chinese church in Columbus in 1977, which continues to this day.
David loved to travel and often spent summers with his family doing mission work in Taiwan and China, or taking them on trips throughout Asia, Europe, and Israel. He also loved the outdoors, going on numerous backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest as a college student. He shared his love of nature with his children, and over the years they hiked many of the major national parks together such as Acadia, Arches, Zion, and Yosemite among others.
In retirement, David started a house church and prayer room with his wife out of their basement. When this outgrew their home and a bigger space was needed, he used his retirement savings to buy land and remodel a warehouse building to accommodate the growing ministry. He often spoke about the importance of fostering “an intimate loving relationship with God” and the blessing of being part of a spiritual family. David had a passion to build a place where people could experience walking together with the Lord as a spiritual family. In addition to pastoring a church, he followed in his parent's footsteps as educators and became an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College where he taught general and organic chemistry.
David loved classical music and hymns, and was a proficient pianist. He greatly enjoyed singing hymns with his church and with his family. Some of his favorites included Blessed Assurance, If I Have Wounded Any Soul, O To Be Like Thee and It Is Well With My Soul.
A memorial service and viewing is planned for July 10th, 2021 at 3 PM at Faith Hope Love House of Prayer located at 4983 Postlewaite Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43235. Flowers and memorial gifts to support his ministry may be made through the church website or sent by mail to the Faith Hope Love House of Prayer address.
Throughout his life, David put his relationship with God and his family above all else. He was a devout follower of Jesus and a devoted husband and father. He took pride in his job as a chemical engineer as well, working from 1974 to 2007 for DuPont at branches in Circleville, Ohio and Foshan, China. Often traveling back and forth from China to America, David worked tirelessly to provide for his family. In retirement, he and his wife founded and pastored a church called Faith Hope Love House of Prayer and he became an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College.
David was born on March 1st, 1946 in Kunming, China to Kam-Ming Wan and Tsoi-Chue Wong Wan. His family moved to Hong Kong when he was a small child. His father established and became the first principal of Pui Ying Secondary School, a renowned institution in Hong Kong still operating with multiple local and international branches to this day. Pui Ying was where David and his older brother, Leonard, both lived and attended school. His mother taught high school at a nearby Hong Kong public school.
David attended college at National Taiwan University in Taipei from 1963 to 1967 and received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Following his undergraduate studies, David was accepted to the graduate program at University of Washington in Seattle, where he received a scholarship to complete his doctorate degree. He was active in his campus fellowship at Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle, where he eventually met his wife Anne, who was also a student at University of Washington. They were married on September 5, 1972 in Seattle.
After completing his PhD in 1973, David worked briefly in a postdoctoral research position at Rice University in Houston, Texas, prior to accepting a job with Dupont in Circleville, Ohio in 1974. He and his wife moved to Columbus, Ohio where they raised their three children. David greatly valued his children’s education, resolving to commute the hour drive back and forth to his work in Circleville so his family could live in and attend school in Columbus. He often came home from a long day of work to help his children with homework or just to read to them. Even more so, he valued their spiritual development and modeled serving Christ by leading weekly bible studies, prayer gatherings and taking on servant leadership positions at church. He and his wife helped establish the first Chinese church in Columbus in 1977, which continues to this day.
David loved to travel and often spent summers with his family doing mission work in Taiwan and China, or taking them on trips throughout Asia, Europe, and Israel. He also loved the outdoors, going on numerous backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest as a college student. He shared his love of nature with his children, and over the years they hiked many of the major national parks together such as Acadia, Arches, Zion, and Yosemite among others.
In retirement, David started a house church and prayer room with his wife out of their basement. When this outgrew their home and a bigger space was needed, he used his retirement savings to buy land and remodel a warehouse building to accommodate the growing ministry. He often spoke about the importance of fostering “an intimate loving relationship with God” and the blessing of being part of a spiritual family. David had a passion to build a place where people could experience walking together with the Lord as a spiritual family. In addition to pastoring a church, he followed in his parent's footsteps as educators and became an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College where he taught general and organic chemistry.
David loved classical music and hymns, and was a proficient pianist. He greatly enjoyed singing hymns with his church and with his family. Some of his favorites included Blessed Assurance, If I Have Wounded Any Soul, O To Be Like Thee and It Is Well With My Soul.
A memorial service and viewing is planned for July 10th, 2021 at 3 PM at Faith Hope Love House of Prayer located at 4983 Postlewaite Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43235. Flowers and memorial gifts to support his ministry may be made through the church website or sent by mail to the Faith Hope Love House of Prayer address.
Words from the Wan Family
Coming Soon
Highlights Picked by the Family
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Words from Friends
"David, a God fearing, people loving, authentic God lover! A spiritual father, a brother, closer than any of my family members. He and Anne provided countless rides to and from home to numerous FHL meetings. When I had no car, theirs became mine! No family here in Ohio, this couple became mine! And how he inspires each of us (me especially) to love people thru word and deeds. As a mentor, you led by example. I looked and looked and asked God for mentors. He gave me you, David and Anne. I will forever be grateful for God's gift of fellowship thru FHL!!!! And the much cherished friendship of Anne and David. I can never pay the debt I owe this family but I know God - He will!" -Delphine
"Faith, Hope, Love was my cherished big family in Christ while my family lived in Columbus, Ohio. Anne and David are great leaders! Love you all! I am confident for your faith and assurance that David is at the much better place, no pains, no sorrow, able to breathe freely, and most importantly, he is face to face with his beloved Jesus (oh, I remember one of his favorite songs was “Jesus, Jesus, dearest Jesus” “耶稣，耶稣，我的性命”), but I also understand how much you have missed him and the pains of the loss. His ministry, prayers, joy simplicity and authenticity had touched many lives; with his uncompromising faith, boldness in Christ and unselfish sacrifice, he had been the provider, defender and anchor for the family and the church! I understand the loss~ I believe Jesus would say “good and faithful servant” to David at his homecoming. His life was full and successful by God’s definition—he fulfilled both the great commandments and the great commission! What a legacy he had left for the family and the church!!!" - Terrie F
"Papa Wan is a legend and has left a legacy of faithfulness to Jesus that lives on in his natural and spiritual family. He wrote one of the best devotionals for Pray for Columbus a few years ago - his words of wisdom about how to have “heavenly joy” are still with me today. His humble spirit and passionate love for Jesus are what I remember most." - Ursula Kemp (Pray for Columbus - the article she mentioned)
"I have so many happy memories of your dad from him doing full blown aerobic circuits in your house, the way he clapped his hands during prayer and worship and tossed his head back with the biggest smile. I can only imagine how he's feeling right now in the literal presence of Jesus." - Pastor Brian Williams (Hope City HOP)
"When I think of Papa Wan what first jumps out is faithful and full of joy the way he lives made you want to know Jesus like he did." - Pastor Paige Goslin (Vineyard Columbus)
We are deeply saddened at the passing of your precious father , so young. Thankful for blessed hope we have in Him, yet our hearts grieve with you as so many dreams and desires were left unfulfilled on this side of heaven. Grateful for the many lives he touched for eternity and we trust your beautiful family will carry on his legacy." - Lou and Therese Engle (The Call)
"I have known many pastors over the years, yet David Wan is the most humble and caring servant of Jesus I have yet to personally know. I loved his insights, his laugh and remarks, his footprint and legacy is great in the Kingdom of our God." -Tim James (Missionary in the Middle East)
"We will miss a great Prayer Warrior but he has joined the Great Prayer Team around Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit. He is living in the Kingdom forever and ever...we will miss him greatly...I will miss him." - David Ranjitsingh (Columbus Prayer Summit)
"We just met your dad once when we were in Columbus with our son Justin and his family. I happened to sit next to him at dinner. What I sensed most about him was his gentle spirit." -Anne Rizzo (IHOPKC)
"Earths loss and Heavens gain!! May the love of our Father comfort you and your community. And may all the glorious attributes of your father continue to blossom and prosper in your community and the Columbus area." -Benjamin Atkinson (Holy Clubs)
"I thank God for Pastor David Wan. I have been greatly blessed by his presence and participation at MTC.At the MTC conference in Nov 2020, I was honored to be part of the round table speakers with Ps. Wan and Priscilla. He was truly a humble, anointed man of God and will be greatly missed. The cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1) just got heavier with the addition of Ps. Wan." -Philip P
"What a gentle giant he was. In my brief interactions with him, he was so personable, affable, and quite funny. As the picture above shows, he always had a smile on his face as he welcomed us into your home." -Pastor Alfred Tagoe (CoHOP)
"The few times that I was with him at FHL, I remember his tenderness and his smile. He loved his family and it showed in his eyes when looking at you all." - Denise Emerine (Greater Toledo HOP)
"Praying for you all. Your dad was so sweet" -Naomi Rizzo (IHOPKC)
"I felt an incredible warmth and kindness from him. He had a father's heart even for strangers." - Pastor Isaac Surh (Chroma Church)
"I’ll never forget your dad trying to explain Cantonese tones at FHL and why he never taught you. It went something like 'dong dong dong dong dong dong' <3" -David W
"Thank you Papa Wan for showing me what true humility and true kindness looks like in leadership within the body of Christ. I have memories of your dad reading scripture around the table at your house and of him worshiping at church and the house of prayer. Overall the biggest impression I have is of your dad’s joy. I said this already, but both of your parents made such an impact on me and my walk with the Lord." - Kelsey R
"I remember when we first met at Hope for Columbus when we were at Shiloh on a Zadok night I believe. I was manning the door and greeting people as they came in. I will never forget the way Papa Wan embraced me with such an invasive warm and welcoming hug when I reached out to shake his hand. I've never been any type of racist, but I literally felt a barrier of cultural divide collapse within me. He very much made me feel like family. It is a memory I cherish. He was a man only seen with such a rich and lifted countenance; a truly beautiful soul." Kris P
"When I think of your dad, I think of pure joy and happiness. He always made me feel so loved at Thanksgiving and genuinely wanted to know me and the kids." -Julie C
"I will always remember the powerful lessons your Dad has taught me in the short time I have known him." Janice Stewart (TJCII Columbus)
"Larry & I will always remember your sweet smile, affirming words & welcoming heart & home to all! You were one of the happiest people we knew...truly, the Joy of the Lord embodied you & you leaked it out upon everyone you met! We know you’re HOME at last, but we’ll miss you GREATLY here, as we too, finish our race on earth. Our gathering times won’t be the same without you. Your presence will be GREATLY missed...but, you’ve left a legacy that lives on through all of us who’ve known you & experienced your love & leadership! Until we see you again, Papa Wan, we will cherish our memories of sweet times spent with you!!" -Robyn Morris (Kairos Coffee)
"'...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.' Joshua 24:15 That was the Verse in my mind whenever I met Pastor Wan and the family. At the MTC Nov'20, they took a long drive from Columbus to serve Lord and His beloved, as they always did. I learned great messages from him that we need to stay in and be overwhelmed by Lord's love, and have self denial to be able to really serve. I believe Lord's beautiful will has been fulfilled in Pastor Wan's life!" -Nikki L
"We loved his fun, gentle nature. Felt like my second dad." - Becky U
"Such a sweet, Godly, and good man. My heart is broken for you. I’m so sorry. You’re all in my prayers for peace and strength." -Pastor Kelly Letner (Kingdom Life)
"I remember years ago before I moved back to Columbus I came to your house where you had prayer in the basement Of your mom and dad’s house and your dad and mom were so inviting and friendly and I felt really accepted.." -Pastor Connie Tucker (Father Heart Ministries)
"I still remember the first time we met, he was so gracious and lit us up with his megawatt smile and infectious laugh. He will be missed by all." -John H
"He seemed full of zeal and devotion for the Lord. You and your family ministered to me by praying for me so much and opening up your home as a place of peace where I could truly encounter the Love of God and I'm forever grateful." - Amy M
"Miracle believing, heart of the father, Love of family spilled out onto us. His wisdom and joy - soo many lives touched..." -Dawn H
"I remember coming to preach for your church. And I would say a few words and he would say a few words of interpretation. The 2nd time I said a few words, he went longer and I thought his interpretation was going to be shorter like the last statement I made but it was longer and I started to talk. He looked at me and said something and he continued on interpreting and then looked at me and smiled and said “Your turn, you can speak now”. Something to that effect and we all laughed. We so enjoyed talking with your dad and we are going to miss him ." -James S
"Your father was ALWAYS kind to me . In fact, your family shows much of God’s kindness. I’m thankful to have known him. He was a faithful man before the Lord." -Julia H
"When I think of Papa Wan I think of the joy that he carried. I don’t think I have ever seen him without a smile on his face." -Ricardo C
"i first met your dad I could see that he was someone who carried the light of christ. He was so welcoming and kind! It was truly your dad’s joy to serve the Lord and to be used by Him in advancing the kingdom of God! He He will be missed!" -Alisha W
"I was so impressed by how he sat and watched the younger people who were leading worship that he watched over. He seemed to intentionally sit and watch to be a supportive father figure. I also enjoyed watching him with your mom, they seemed so inseparable, as they prayed together with the Indian couple who attend Bible study." -Shannon K
"I just remember the moment of joy when I started speaking Cantonese with him at FRCC. I felt like an outsider because I couldn't speak Mandarin, but our shared language is what connected us and that will always be a precious memory for me." -Josh N
"I met your dad one time when we went to Onething. I remember he was funny and had a big and friendly smile. He made me feel welcome and at ease." - Karen Z
"We had a great time serving with David and Ann in Columbus Chinese Christian Church under the guidance of Pastor Peter Ning in 1977-79. Deborah had the pleasure of preaching in the Sunday worship service of Faith Hope Love Church (which David pastored) on Oct. 14, 2018. David’s parents and family were known to Deborah at Hop Yat Church in Hong Kong in the 1960s.We have long been impressed with David’s energy, charisma, natural friendliness and ability to connect with people for the Lord. We shall miss him. In honor of David, we would like to share with his family, friends and church the following video in Mandarin Chinese made in June 2021 by Deborah about the life of a scientist and a follower of Christ, as David had this characteristic." -Deborah Chung and Lan Wong
"I remember meeting your dad briefly when I visited Columbus a few years ago. We all went on a walk on one of the nights and saw fireflies, this was one of my personal favorite memories and your dad was there." -Jess M
"...he was a very kind man who always seemed to be smiling and laughing. I only knew him a little bit but he always seemed to carry the light of Jesus with Him. God gained a very special angel." - Christina C
"I remember David’s oxtail soup and how he made his house and church into fun and welcoming places." -Stephen H
"I remember watching you read the Bible with chirp chirp on your shoulder. And the times we can have conversation about you while you had no idea we were talking about you! You are a man of intelligence and focus with an extreme love for the Lord. May your legacy continue through the lives of your children." -Tiffany K
"...he has always been really kind and loving to us, always carrying a warm loving smile that lights up the day. I remember him taking care of me that weekend I visited Ohio" -Samuel T
"Pastor Wan and his wife live a simple life and devote their time, energy and resources for the Kingdom of God. A few things I would like to share about Pastor Wan: 1. He loves to sing praises to the Lord and always with a loud voice. 2. He prays earnestly for the salvation of unbelievers and all the brothers and sisters in need. 3. He cares about people, always shares the Gospel with everyone and invites them to the church. 4. He is always willing to drive long distance to pick up friends, brothers and sisters to attend christian meetings under all weather conditions and take them home afterwards no matter how late it was. 5. For years, he is the sole interpreter of English and Mandarin in all the meetings. Even in his old age, by God’s grace, he can stand for hours to interpret." Chiang-Shiang Lu
"Papa Wan was always so encouraging. One thing he counseled me with, that has left a deep impression, was to always read/hear the testimony of the saints, and to occupy my mind with it. In Revelation 12:11, it says the saints overcame the devil "by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Papa Wan gave me several Guideposts magazines to read, to practice this. And we know, , he was always reading those Guideposts himself as well, and he usually had one in his "pocket"." -Victor L
"Papa Wan lived out the great commandment so well. Every sermon he preached was an encouragement to have an intimate loving relationship with God. You could feel and tell Papa Wan had this intimacy with God by the way he clasped his hands, closed his eyes, and tilted his head up as he gently and lovingly encouraged us to pursue the same relationship. One of the ways he loved his neighbors so well was by having conversations then actively praying for you. Whether it was your first time at church or your 100th time, he would always walk up to you with the biggest smile on his face and genuinely wanted to know more about you. Then the following week you could tell he kept you in his prayers and thought about the conversation because he would follow up on the conversation. Papa wan was even-tempered, kind-hearted, humble and full of joy. I am thankful for the many years I had to serve with him and to learn from him." -Marissa J
"Poppa Wan knew how to make a person feel welcome. We will always remember this because his family Momma Annie, Priscilla and Joseph and Johnny are still with us to model this grace of belonging in the family if God. Praise God." -Jeff U
"What a legacy of reconciliation unto God and people . TRUE heart of a Father." -Melody R
"I loved your father’s love for Jesus. He always greeted me with a smile & made me feel welcome. " Don H
"I will always remember him as a Wise Man, because he loved to preach Jesus and win souls." -AJ K
"I remember him being full of joy, so welcoming & friendly to us new visitors, he was excited to connect with me cuz I was from WA (and went to UW, too) !" - Liza
"He was just the sweetest man and I was blessed every time I got to say hello to him!" -Megan K
"在纪念温牧师回天家的时刻！我也愿意分享温家＜那个时候他们还不是牧师＞对我们家特别是对我属灵生命的影响。2005年初我到Columbus Ohio ，参加的第一个姐妹祷告会就是在温家／安华姐家。那个时候我还是慕道友，被周围的基督徒朋友们关怀照顾着。我对温牧师了解不多，只感觉他对人和气，讲话幽默。但在他家的祷告会孕育了我属灵的幼小生命。我的第一个祷告，第一声赞美都是从那里开始。2006年夏天我们举家搬到芝加哥，是安华和其他姐妹们推荐我加入CASC大家庭。记得有一年感恩节特会我们家接待了来自OHIO 团队所有成员一起聚餐。那是人数最集中的一次，大家喜乐满溢，感谢神留下美好回忆。后来每一年的感恩节特会也是我们彼此问候的特别时刻。我知道有很多忠心爱主的弟兄姐妹们从这个祷告会走出去，分散到不同的地区国家服事神。并且神使用安华姐夫妇将祷告会提升成一家教会，他们也成了牧师。我非常感谢这个家庭还有曾经在这个家一起祷告的姐妹们，她们为我们家能够认识耶稣付了代价。感谢主卸了温牧师在地上的工作，被接天家，享受永恒的快乐。愿主纪念安华牧师和她的三个孩子们在主里得享平安，得安慰。盼望有一天我们都在天上再见!" -Yanlin Yang
"The following sweet memories for Pastor David Wan: 1. A Loving Father – Our first impression was he carried his first-born child, Priscilla in his arms all the time! They were kind of inseparable for a while! We didn’t remember if we had even seen Priscilla walking in her entire childhood. 2. A Trust-Worthy Husband – Before his retirement, he worked in southern China for several years. When his wife, Ann was asked if she would worry about David’s faithfulness. She paused and replied: I trust David because he fears the Lord and God will watch him for me. 3. A Caring Son – For many years, David and Ann took good care of David’s father (who was disabled from his stroke). They even converted their living room into his bedroom to facilitate the homecare. What a great testimony! Last but not the least, 4. A Faithful Servant – He cared for God’s kingdom and His people in all his years on earth. A final note, we will always remember David’s loud, energetic and high-pitched voice. Every time our church needed someone to make a prompt announcement among a noisy crowd, he was the guy to get the job done (without a microphone)!" -Cindy & Daniel D
"When we visited your church the first time he was very welcoming hospitable and very kind. His love for Jesus was very visible." Theodore A
"I remember your Dad, to be always jolly, bubbling with joy..! So passionate for the Mission." Karthik R
"Your dad was a good man. I remember he was always smiling. He had such a joyful spirit and his face would warm our hearts every time we saw him." Hannah P
"He was a very very kind Man a lover of God and people!" Derek W
"Your dad was a very welcoming person and helped bring unity in Christ between many ethnic backgrounds. He made Faith Hope Love a very welcoming place where people serve the Lord well beyond the church's walls." Keith B
"I remembered the early days of FHL when it was at their house and baptisms in the bathtub were a thing. He was so happy to give baptism certificates to Mark and Janika. I laughed thinking about this day and how simple life used to be that a bathtub baptism followed by the presentation of a certificate brought so much joy. It made me think about how your dad always was joyful, despite what the circumstance was. Nothing needed to be some fancy shmancy event or a professionally curated catering of food on display. A homemade potluck was just as great to him. Its a great reminder really, life gets so complicated and his ability to find joy in the simplest things is such a great reminder of what truly is important." MJ B
"Faith, Hope, Love was my cherished big family in Christ while my family lived in Columbus, Ohio. Anne and David are great leaders! Love you all! I am confident for your faith and assurance that David is at the much better place, no pains, no sorrow, able to breathe freely, and most importantly, he is face to face with his beloved Jesus (oh, I remember one of his favorite songs was “Jesus, Jesus, dearest Jesus” “耶稣，耶稣，我的性命”), but I also understand how much you have missed him and the pains of the loss. His ministry, prayers, joy simplicity and authenticity had touched many lives; with his uncompromising faith, boldness in Christ and unselfish sacrifice, he had been the provider, defender and anchor for the family and the church! I understand the loss~ I believe Jesus would say “good and faithful servant” to David at his homecoming. His life was full and successful by God’s definition—he fulfilled both the great commandments and the great commission! What a legacy he had left for the family and the church!!!" - Terrie F
"Papa Wan is a legend and has left a legacy of faithfulness to Jesus that lives on in his natural and spiritual family. He wrote one of the best devotionals for Pray for Columbus a few years ago - his words of wisdom about how to have “heavenly joy” are still with me today. His humble spirit and passionate love for Jesus are what I remember most." - Ursula Kemp (Pray for Columbus - the article she mentioned)
"I have so many happy memories of your dad from him doing full blown aerobic circuits in your house, the way he clapped his hands during prayer and worship and tossed his head back with the biggest smile. I can only imagine how he's feeling right now in the literal presence of Jesus." - Pastor Brian Williams (Hope City HOP)
"When I think of Papa Wan what first jumps out is faithful and full of joy the way he lives made you want to know Jesus like he did." - Pastor Paige Goslin (Vineyard Columbus)
We are deeply saddened at the passing of your precious father , so young. Thankful for blessed hope we have in Him, yet our hearts grieve with you as so many dreams and desires were left unfulfilled on this side of heaven. Grateful for the many lives he touched for eternity and we trust your beautiful family will carry on his legacy." - Lou and Therese Engle (The Call)
"I have known many pastors over the years, yet David Wan is the most humble and caring servant of Jesus I have yet to personally know. I loved his insights, his laugh and remarks, his footprint and legacy is great in the Kingdom of our God." -Tim James (Missionary in the Middle East)
"We will miss a great Prayer Warrior but he has joined the Great Prayer Team around Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit. He is living in the Kingdom forever and ever...we will miss him greatly...I will miss him." - David Ranjitsingh (Columbus Prayer Summit)
"We just met your dad once when we were in Columbus with our son Justin and his family. I happened to sit next to him at dinner. What I sensed most about him was his gentle spirit." -Anne Rizzo (IHOPKC)
"Earths loss and Heavens gain!! May the love of our Father comfort you and your community. And may all the glorious attributes of your father continue to blossom and prosper in your community and the Columbus area." -Benjamin Atkinson (Holy Clubs)
"I thank God for Pastor David Wan. I have been greatly blessed by his presence and participation at MTC.At the MTC conference in Nov 2020, I was honored to be part of the round table speakers with Ps. Wan and Priscilla. He was truly a humble, anointed man of God and will be greatly missed. The cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1) just got heavier with the addition of Ps. Wan." -Philip P
"What a gentle giant he was. In my brief interactions with him, he was so personable, affable, and quite funny. As the picture above shows, he always had a smile on his face as he welcomed us into your home." -Pastor Alfred Tagoe (CoHOP)
"The few times that I was with him at FHL, I remember his tenderness and his smile. He loved his family and it showed in his eyes when looking at you all." - Denise Emerine (Greater Toledo HOP)
"Praying for you all. Your dad was so sweet" -Naomi Rizzo (IHOPKC)
"I felt an incredible warmth and kindness from him. He had a father's heart even for strangers." - Pastor Isaac Surh (Chroma Church)
"I’ll never forget your dad trying to explain Cantonese tones at FHL and why he never taught you. It went something like 'dong dong dong dong dong dong' <3" -David W
"Thank you Papa Wan for showing me what true humility and true kindness looks like in leadership within the body of Christ. I have memories of your dad reading scripture around the table at your house and of him worshiping at church and the house of prayer. Overall the biggest impression I have is of your dad’s joy. I said this already, but both of your parents made such an impact on me and my walk with the Lord." - Kelsey R
"I remember when we first met at Hope for Columbus when we were at Shiloh on a Zadok night I believe. I was manning the door and greeting people as they came in. I will never forget the way Papa Wan embraced me with such an invasive warm and welcoming hug when I reached out to shake his hand. I've never been any type of racist, but I literally felt a barrier of cultural divide collapse within me. He very much made me feel like family. It is a memory I cherish. He was a man only seen with such a rich and lifted countenance; a truly beautiful soul." Kris P
"When I think of your dad, I think of pure joy and happiness. He always made me feel so loved at Thanksgiving and genuinely wanted to know me and the kids." -Julie C
"I will always remember the powerful lessons your Dad has taught me in the short time I have known him." Janice Stewart (TJCII Columbus)
"Larry & I will always remember your sweet smile, affirming words & welcoming heart & home to all! You were one of the happiest people we knew...truly, the Joy of the Lord embodied you & you leaked it out upon everyone you met! We know you’re HOME at last, but we’ll miss you GREATLY here, as we too, finish our race on earth. Our gathering times won’t be the same without you. Your presence will be GREATLY missed...but, you’ve left a legacy that lives on through all of us who’ve known you & experienced your love & leadership! Until we see you again, Papa Wan, we will cherish our memories of sweet times spent with you!!" -Robyn Morris (Kairos Coffee)
"'...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.' Joshua 24:15 That was the Verse in my mind whenever I met Pastor Wan and the family. At the MTC Nov'20, they took a long drive from Columbus to serve Lord and His beloved, as they always did. I learned great messages from him that we need to stay in and be overwhelmed by Lord's love, and have self denial to be able to really serve. I believe Lord's beautiful will has been fulfilled in Pastor Wan's life!" -Nikki L
"We loved his fun, gentle nature. Felt like my second dad." - Becky U
"Such a sweet, Godly, and good man. My heart is broken for you. I’m so sorry. You’re all in my prayers for peace and strength." -Pastor Kelly Letner (Kingdom Life)
"I remember years ago before I moved back to Columbus I came to your house where you had prayer in the basement Of your mom and dad’s house and your dad and mom were so inviting and friendly and I felt really accepted.." -Pastor Connie Tucker (Father Heart Ministries)
"I still remember the first time we met, he was so gracious and lit us up with his megawatt smile and infectious laugh. He will be missed by all." -John H
"He seemed full of zeal and devotion for the Lord. You and your family ministered to me by praying for me so much and opening up your home as a place of peace where I could truly encounter the Love of God and I'm forever grateful." - Amy M
"Miracle believing, heart of the father, Love of family spilled out onto us. His wisdom and joy - soo many lives touched..." -Dawn H
"I remember coming to preach for your church. And I would say a few words and he would say a few words of interpretation. The 2nd time I said a few words, he went longer and I thought his interpretation was going to be shorter like the last statement I made but it was longer and I started to talk. He looked at me and said something and he continued on interpreting and then looked at me and smiled and said “Your turn, you can speak now”. Something to that effect and we all laughed. We so enjoyed talking with your dad and we are going to miss him ." -James S
"Your father was ALWAYS kind to me . In fact, your family shows much of God’s kindness. I’m thankful to have known him. He was a faithful man before the Lord." -Julia H
"When I think of Papa Wan I think of the joy that he carried. I don’t think I have ever seen him without a smile on his face." -Ricardo C
"i first met your dad I could see that he was someone who carried the light of christ. He was so welcoming and kind! It was truly your dad’s joy to serve the Lord and to be used by Him in advancing the kingdom of God! He He will be missed!" -Alisha W
"I was so impressed by how he sat and watched the younger people who were leading worship that he watched over. He seemed to intentionally sit and watch to be a supportive father figure. I also enjoyed watching him with your mom, they seemed so inseparable, as they prayed together with the Indian couple who attend Bible study." -Shannon K
"I just remember the moment of joy when I started speaking Cantonese with him at FRCC. I felt like an outsider because I couldn't speak Mandarin, but our shared language is what connected us and that will always be a precious memory for me." -Josh N
"I met your dad one time when we went to Onething. I remember he was funny and had a big and friendly smile. He made me feel welcome and at ease." - Karen Z
"We had a great time serving with David and Ann in Columbus Chinese Christian Church under the guidance of Pastor Peter Ning in 1977-79. Deborah had the pleasure of preaching in the Sunday worship service of Faith Hope Love Church (which David pastored) on Oct. 14, 2018. David’s parents and family were known to Deborah at Hop Yat Church in Hong Kong in the 1960s.We have long been impressed with David’s energy, charisma, natural friendliness and ability to connect with people for the Lord. We shall miss him. In honor of David, we would like to share with his family, friends and church the following video in Mandarin Chinese made in June 2021 by Deborah about the life of a scientist and a follower of Christ, as David had this characteristic." -Deborah Chung and Lan Wong
"I remember meeting your dad briefly when I visited Columbus a few years ago. We all went on a walk on one of the nights and saw fireflies, this was one of my personal favorite memories and your dad was there." -Jess M
"...he was a very kind man who always seemed to be smiling and laughing. I only knew him a little bit but he always seemed to carry the light of Jesus with Him. God gained a very special angel." - Christina C
"I remember David’s oxtail soup and how he made his house and church into fun and welcoming places." -Stephen H
"I remember watching you read the Bible with chirp chirp on your shoulder. And the times we can have conversation about you while you had no idea we were talking about you! You are a man of intelligence and focus with an extreme love for the Lord. May your legacy continue through the lives of your children." -Tiffany K
"...he has always been really kind and loving to us, always carrying a warm loving smile that lights up the day. I remember him taking care of me that weekend I visited Ohio" -Samuel T
"Pastor Wan and his wife live a simple life and devote their time, energy and resources for the Kingdom of God. A few things I would like to share about Pastor Wan: 1. He loves to sing praises to the Lord and always with a loud voice. 2. He prays earnestly for the salvation of unbelievers and all the brothers and sisters in need. 3. He cares about people, always shares the Gospel with everyone and invites them to the church. 4. He is always willing to drive long distance to pick up friends, brothers and sisters to attend christian meetings under all weather conditions and take them home afterwards no matter how late it was. 5. For years, he is the sole interpreter of English and Mandarin in all the meetings. Even in his old age, by God’s grace, he can stand for hours to interpret." Chiang-Shiang Lu
"Papa Wan was always so encouraging. One thing he counseled me with, that has left a deep impression, was to always read/hear the testimony of the saints, and to occupy my mind with it. In Revelation 12:11, it says the saints overcame the devil "by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Papa Wan gave me several Guideposts magazines to read, to practice this. And we know, , he was always reading those Guideposts himself as well, and he usually had one in his "pocket"." -Victor L
"Papa Wan lived out the great commandment so well. Every sermon he preached was an encouragement to have an intimate loving relationship with God. You could feel and tell Papa Wan had this intimacy with God by the way he clasped his hands, closed his eyes, and tilted his head up as he gently and lovingly encouraged us to pursue the same relationship. One of the ways he loved his neighbors so well was by having conversations then actively praying for you. Whether it was your first time at church or your 100th time, he would always walk up to you with the biggest smile on his face and genuinely wanted to know more about you. Then the following week you could tell he kept you in his prayers and thought about the conversation because he would follow up on the conversation. Papa wan was even-tempered, kind-hearted, humble and full of joy. I am thankful for the many years I had to serve with him and to learn from him." -Marissa J
"Poppa Wan knew how to make a person feel welcome. We will always remember this because his family Momma Annie, Priscilla and Joseph and Johnny are still with us to model this grace of belonging in the family if God. Praise God." -Jeff U
"What a legacy of reconciliation unto God and people . TRUE heart of a Father." -Melody R
"I loved your father’s love for Jesus. He always greeted me with a smile & made me feel welcome. " Don H
"I will always remember him as a Wise Man, because he loved to preach Jesus and win souls." -AJ K
"I remember him being full of joy, so welcoming & friendly to us new visitors, he was excited to connect with me cuz I was from WA (and went to UW, too) !" - Liza
"He was just the sweetest man and I was blessed every time I got to say hello to him!" -Megan K
"在纪念温牧师回天家的时刻！我也愿意分享温家＜那个时候他们还不是牧师＞对我们家特别是对我属灵生命的影响。2005年初我到Columbus Ohio ，参加的第一个姐妹祷告会就是在温家／安华姐家。那个时候我还是慕道友，被周围的基督徒朋友们关怀照顾着。我对温牧师了解不多，只感觉他对人和气，讲话幽默。但在他家的祷告会孕育了我属灵的幼小生命。我的第一个祷告，第一声赞美都是从那里开始。2006年夏天我们举家搬到芝加哥，是安华和其他姐妹们推荐我加入CASC大家庭。记得有一年感恩节特会我们家接待了来自OHIO 团队所有成员一起聚餐。那是人数最集中的一次，大家喜乐满溢，感谢神留下美好回忆。后来每一年的感恩节特会也是我们彼此问候的特别时刻。我知道有很多忠心爱主的弟兄姐妹们从这个祷告会走出去，分散到不同的地区国家服事神。并且神使用安华姐夫妇将祷告会提升成一家教会，他们也成了牧师。我非常感谢这个家庭还有曾经在这个家一起祷告的姐妹们，她们为我们家能够认识耶稣付了代价。感谢主卸了温牧师在地上的工作，被接天家，享受永恒的快乐。愿主纪念安华牧师和她的三个孩子们在主里得享平安，得安慰。盼望有一天我们都在天上再见!" -Yanlin Yang
"The following sweet memories for Pastor David Wan: 1. A Loving Father – Our first impression was he carried his first-born child, Priscilla in his arms all the time! They were kind of inseparable for a while! We didn’t remember if we had even seen Priscilla walking in her entire childhood. 2. A Trust-Worthy Husband – Before his retirement, he worked in southern China for several years. When his wife, Ann was asked if she would worry about David’s faithfulness. She paused and replied: I trust David because he fears the Lord and God will watch him for me. 3. A Caring Son – For many years, David and Ann took good care of David’s father (who was disabled from his stroke). They even converted their living room into his bedroom to facilitate the homecare. What a great testimony! Last but not the least, 4. A Faithful Servant – He cared for God’s kingdom and His people in all his years on earth. A final note, we will always remember David’s loud, energetic and high-pitched voice. Every time our church needed someone to make a prompt announcement among a noisy crowd, he was the guy to get the job done (without a microphone)!" -Cindy & Daniel D
"When we visited your church the first time he was very welcoming hospitable and very kind. His love for Jesus was very visible." Theodore A
"I remember your Dad, to be always jolly, bubbling with joy..! So passionate for the Mission." Karthik R
"Your dad was a good man. I remember he was always smiling. He had such a joyful spirit and his face would warm our hearts every time we saw him." Hannah P
"He was a very very kind Man a lover of God and people!" Derek W
"Your dad was a very welcoming person and helped bring unity in Christ between many ethnic backgrounds. He made Faith Hope Love a very welcoming place where people serve the Lord well beyond the church's walls." Keith B
"I remembered the early days of FHL when it was at their house and baptisms in the bathtub were a thing. He was so happy to give baptism certificates to Mark and Janika. I laughed thinking about this day and how simple life used to be that a bathtub baptism followed by the presentation of a certificate brought so much joy. It made me think about how your dad always was joyful, despite what the circumstance was. Nothing needed to be some fancy shmancy event or a professionally curated catering of food on display. A homemade potluck was just as great to him. Its a great reminder really, life gets so complicated and his ability to find joy in the simplest things is such a great reminder of what truly is important." MJ B