HCJB World Radio Retiree Norma Jacobson Dies at Age 86 After Short Illness

October 20, 2005

HCJB World Radio Retiree Norma Jacobson Dies at Age 86 After Short Illness

October 20, 2005

October 20, 2005

Norma E. Jacobson, 86, a retired missionary with HCJB World Radio, died on Monday, Oct. 17, after a short illness at Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart, Ind.

Norma served in Ecuador for 40 years, using her skills in nursing and publicity, before moving to Elkhart with her husband in 1990.

Norma was born on July 14, 1919, in Brandt, S.D., and then moved with her family to the Rio Grande Valley on the U.S.-Mexico border. At the age of 10 she began to realize the need for foreign missionaries and dedicated her life for service.

After graduating from McAllen High School in Texas in 1937, she completed her nursing degree from the McAllen Municipal School of Nursing in 1940. Norma went on to study missions at St. Paul Bible Institute in Minnesota for three years (1941-1944) and one year at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Nyack Missionary Training Institute in New York (1945). In late 1946 she was appointed to serve as a missionary in Colombia.

While studying Spanish in Ecuador in 1948, she met Herb Jacobson Jr. She and Herb, a gifted engineer, were married on June 6, 1950, in Quito where they continued to serve on the mission field with HCJB World Radio.

Norma said that one of her most satisfying experiences as a missionary nurse at HCJB World Radio's Hospital Vozandes-Quito, teaching young mothers in the maternity ward how to care for their newborn babies. In those times she often had the joy of telling them the need for their spiritual life as well as their physical.

Norma also worked at mission clinics in Quito and Pifo. She was also involved in a weekly letter-reading radio program and helped out in publicity for several years before moving to Elkhart where her husband continues to serve at the HCJB World Radio Engineering Center. In addition, the Jacobsons were active in various outreach ministries through churches in Quito, Pifo and Elkhart.

Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons, H. Paul Jacobson, an engineer consultant in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., and Charles Jacobson, a missionary engineer in Elkhart, as well as four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church in Elkhart at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Burial will be scheduled at a later date in Minneapolis, Minn.

Memorial contributions may be directed to HCJB World Radio, designated for Hospital Vozandes-Quito. Online condolences may be directed to [email protected]. (HCJB World Radio)

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.