Contact: Alex Coffin, 704-364-2049
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- HCJB Global launched a worldwide search to find a new president to replace David Johnson, who announced he will step down in September 2008 after more than six years of success and major accomplishments as leader of the international mission's organization.
HCJB Global's Board of Trustees established a four-man presidential search team, which has already begun the process of looking for a replacement for Johnson.
During his tenure as president, Johnson developed a new vision for the organization, launched a new brand, expanded healthcare into a global ministry, established key partnerships around the world, such as the "New Life Radio" partnership for satellite ministry in Russia, and defined HCJB Global as a discipleship-focused organization with a major emphasis on empowering local believers.
In an unrelated announcement, Dr. Ron Cline, who will turn 70 in January 2008, will retire as chairman of the board of HCJB Global after 25 years at the helm.
Cline will continue to host "Beyond the Call," an inspirational daily radio program, and serve in a new role created by the board - "global ambassador" for HCJB Global.
Dr. James D. Allen, HCJB Global's senior vice president, will replace Cline as board chairman in September of this year.
Johnson, 53, a native of Guayaquil, Ecuador, joined HCJB Global as director of the international radio group in 1994 after a career, first with Campus Crusade for Christ, and later at Azusa Pacific University, in various capacities. At HCJB Global, he served as director of international ministries and then became executive director in 1996.
"Dave Johnson's strength has been as a builder," said Cline. "Through his leadership, we have defined a new vision to be the' voice and hands' of Jesus. We have expanded healthcare globally, strengthened our regional offices and positioned ourselves for effective ministry in the future."
"We owe him a great deal of gratitude. We wish and pray for him the very best as he continues to share his dedication, skills and expertise throughout the Christian world," Cline added.
Cline, a native of San Diego, was a professor and administer at Azusa Pacific University, his alma mater, for 10 years before joining HCJB Global in 1976 as pastor of the English Fellowship Church in Quito, Ecuador. He served as HCJB Global president from 1981 to 2001.
Cline began hosting "Beyond the Call" in 1996. The radio program is now heard on more than 900 U.S. stations and outlets.
Allen, 64, a native of New Kensington, Pa., joined HCJB Global in 1984 after pastoring churches in the western part of the United States for 21 years. He was senior pastor at Montavilla Baptist Church in Portland, Ore., for 10 years.
After joining HCJB Global, he served as assistant to the president and interim pastor of the English Fellowship Church in Quito. Allen was elected senior vice president in 1997.
For over 75 years, HCJB Global's passion has been to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Through a dynamic integration of media and healthcare around the world, HCJB Global is ministering in more than 100 countries. The gospel is aired in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers. For more information on HCJB Global visit www.hcjbglobal.org.
