Multi-talented HCJB Global Retiree Harry Yeoman Dies in New Zealand at 90

Source: HCJB Global (written by Harold Goerzen)

One of HCJB Global’s many versatile missionaries, serving on four continents during a span of 41 years, Harry Yeoman died in New Zealand Tuesday, Feb. 23, following a lengthy illness. He was 90.

Born on Dec. 19, 1919, in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, he gave his heart to the Lord as a child and endeavored to serve Him throughout his life.

A World War II veteran, he served as a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (mostly in the U.K.) for five years. While in London he met May McAdam, and they married on July 17, 1943.

After the war, Harry returned to his home country to teach, including six years in special education, working with prisoners and delinquents. He later received a teaching diploma from Wellington Teacher’s College, graduating in 1953, and a bachelor’s degree in English, education and music from the University of Canterbury.

The Yeomans joined HCJB Global in 1969, fulfilling a vision dating back to 1958. As Harry put it in an earlier interview, “The Lord led us one step at a time, first into a gradually increasing part-time involvement in missionary radio in New Zealand, and then a challenge to full-time service at Radio Station HCJB in Quito, which we accepted.”

After a year of Spanish language study in Costa Rica, the Yeomans arrived in Quito, Ecuador, in April 1970 to work in the English Language Service, producing the daily radio program, “Shalom.” Harry also helped launch the popular magazine program, “Passport,” and was actively involved in music.

“Both Harry and May were excellent radio program producers and you could always find Harry playing an organ somewhere,” said Jim Allen, HCJB Global’s vice president of team development.

During Harry’s first decade with the mission, he also held various administrative roles, including English Language Service director (1971-1973), associate broadcasting director (1974) and director of World Offices (1974-1979) and the Canadian office (1975-1977).

In 1979 the Yeomans were reassigned to Europe, first to Italy where continent-wide media monopolies had been broken, opening the door for local Christian radio stations. They spent four years establishing a radio production studio, offices and workshops, and later a television department.

Initiating a prototype that, unknown to him, would lead to an outreach dubbed “radio planting” a decade later, Harry emphasized program production for private Christian stations, technical services and training for nationals. “We did not aim to own radio stations ourselves, but to provide supporting services for national enterprises,” he said.

Before “retiring” to New Zealand in 1986, the Yeomans served in France, the HCJB Global-UK office in Bradford and then at the South Pacific island of Saipan, helping in a cooperative ministry with Far East Broadcasting Co. Upon retirement, they continued to help at the New Zealand office, especially in the prayer ministry.

“Retirement didn’t slow them down a bit, but they both just stepped into other ministry roles without missing a beat,” Allen added.

When asked to share a particularly satisfying experience, Harry replied, “The rich intercultural experience of working with people from such a wide variety of backgrounds, yet finding our oneness in Christ. Also, the deep satisfaction of producing a radio program when the Lord gave the inspiration so that words and music fused into one whole as His message.”

Despite his failing heart, Harry completed his autobiography, Joy in the Journey, in 2009. “His autobiography was titled well,” Allen related. “Harry attacked life with a joy and vigor that most of us only dream about. It seemed like he never stopped but was always available to work or minister to someone.”

Harry and May, married for 66 years, had six children: David (deceased), Keith, Andrew, Janet, Kathy and Margie. Margie and her husband, Ken McLeay, served as HCJB Global missionaries in Shell, Ecuador, for eight years.

A memorial service will be held in Wanganui, New Zealand, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.

HCJB Global-UK Retiree Brian Cooke Had Contagious Passion for Missions

A laser focus is important, but even more so during one's last months of life. So it was for Pastor Brian Cooke. In failing health and with his own mortality looming before him, Cooke marshaled his energies for a long-held earthly passion before meeting his Savior.

Cooke coordinated one last church work team, traveling thousands of miles to help Ecuadorians build and maintain a clean water project.

Cooke died on May 31, 2009, with loved ones and friends holding a thanksgiving service honoring him at Mayfield Community Church in Harrogate on June 11. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Enid, a son, Tim, and a daughter, Alison.

Born the fourth of five children in 1937 in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, he was educated at Monmouth School for boys. He came to know Christ as his Savior during his years at the school.

Following agriculture college, he joined the Animal Health Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and was moved to Somerset where he met and married Enid. Brian threw himself into Sunday school and youth work, preaching in local churches and heading up Christian campaigns and crusades. His work with the government moved the family to Wales, Wiltshire and again to Somerset where he took on the role of a lay pastor for many years.

Cooke also served at the HCJB Global-UK World Office from 1996 to 2002. He began his service as associate director at the office in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He was also an honorary member of HCJB Global.

"Brian's enthusiasm for HCJB Global was huge," said Colin Lowther, who heads the U.K. office. "Both he and Enid would travel to the far-flung corners of the U.K. to let people know all the latest goings on in Ecuador or North Africa—wherever HCJB Global was making inroads for the gospel. He wanted to pass on his passion."

Lowther continued, "I think one of Brian's most lasting legacies for the mission will be the people he's encouraged into service. His passion rubbed off on people so much that some actually ended up working for HCJB Global!" During his years with HCJB Global-UK, Brian, along with Enid, headed up several work teams to assist with water projects in Ecuador."

Cooke served formally with HCJB Global until 2002. The next year he arranged for a Christian musical/drama "At Any Cost," that toured the U.K. This production told the story of the five missionaries martyred in Ecuador in 1956 based on the book, Through Gates of Splendor.

Memorial gifts may be sent to HCJB Global. Donations will be split between Water Projects (Account No. 374840) and Mobile Medical Clinics (Account No. 374891). Both are ministries of HCJB Global Hands' Vozandes Community Development Department in Ecuador.