Author: Phill Sandahl

We were blessed to meet Mrs. Sandahl last year during the Conference in Atlanta. We knew her as she was: always serving the Lord and others. We join this moment of celebration of her life with our prayers for the consolation of God for Don Phil and all her cherished family. 

With love, 

Alcides and Sileny Fuentes
Missionary Ventures Latin America Global

Remembering the good food and fellowship at the small group Bible study in Fort Myers, FL.

Phill,

We are deeply saddened for you and your entire family upon the death of Mary Jane.  We appreciated the opportunity to watch the beautiful and fitting tribute to her life.  She was truly a strong and faithful servant of the Lord and others.  We grieve with you and your entire family in this time of mourning.  May you be comforted in the memories of your best times together and the love you shared.  May the Lord comfort you and grant you peace as you face this next chapter In your own life.  We will keep you in our prayers.

We join you in the hope of the Resurrection.

The Lightners

Sandahl Family.

My husband and I hold a special place in our hearts MJ and Phill.  We met through the Life Groups at Riverside Church.  Phill and MJ opened their home to us every week.  MJ was so hospitable to everyone and you could feel her love for those around her.  We loved it when she shared stories about their missionary work over the years.   MJ and I also shared a special bond for our love of sewing / quilting.  She shared a number of memories about the quilts she make and for whom she had made them.  Although we miss her here, it thrills our hearts with the joy of knowing she is living a perfect life with her Heavenly Father and her family and friend who have gone before her.  We find peace and comfort in knowing that will see her again.

Love, Patrick and Suzzi Hurd 

Evie and I have so many wonderful memories of your Bride, Mary Jane.  Some of the highlights is her wonderful hospitality, quiet servant heart, wonderful meals, worderful sense of humor, lots of laughter and great insights. Phill, as I read through the many memory emails and videos the past few minutes I realized that we have just seen a brief peek at heaven and how Mary Jane is now experiencing the real thing.

Evie and I have been so blessed to have had the special opportunity to have shared so many mutual friends in your very full ministry eras from Wheaton College, teaching International Development at the U.S. Center of Missions, HCJB, visiting with you at your Covina, CA home, visiting in your home in Fort Meyers, FL and dreaming fresh and creative entry strategies into restricted access nations via the “tent maker” movement.

In the center of each of these Kingdom ministries was Mary Jane not only walking with you but being a true strategy thinker, ministry partner and encourager and even personally modeling it with her own tentmaker ministry to Spain via Quilting. What a wonderful way to get a person to share their life via hundreds of squares and each of their related stories. 

P.S. So great to see a great video tribute from Ken Ekstrom – that Cal Tech solar genius – ultimate tentmaker who used the sun to present His Son. 😎

Your life long friends,

Marv and Evie

Julia and Julio Ordoñez lived across the street from us in Quito. Our kids played together and Julia became one of Mary Jane’s best friends. We had the privilege of introducing them to our friend Jesus. Together we organized block parties and other events which became a ministry in itself.

I tried to find a photo of the two of them together but have not been able to locate one so far. Instead Julia sent MJ this video message and memory.

Dear Danny,

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Aunt Mary Jane. Your mom was such a sweet lady…not to mention one heck of an empanada maker! I remember the delicious lasagna dinners we enjoyed at y’alls’ house and admiring her beautiful sewing handiwork. She will be dearly missed. Please know I am thinking of you and your family and Christopher and I have you in our prayers.

I have a collection of family photos that were Aunt Sarah’s. I found some with Aunt Mary Jane and I’ve added them in this google drive folder. I thought they were memories you might enjoy. It looks like you may have gotten a music stand for Christmas that you were pretty excited about. 🙂 And your mom and dad with the watermelon slices is just adorable. <3

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19BDF2h6VN4cn4g0FeSTb0dlZD74yxFHL?usp=sharing

Love and Hugs from all the way in Texas,

Stacey

I got to know Ken and Mary Ann while serving as Country Director for Food for the Hungry. Ken was Country Director for Nicaragua and we worked together on joint projects. We found we had many shared interests and enjoyed spending time together.

Later they returned to Arizona and became friends with our son Daniel and his family.

Dear Daniel:

We were so sorry to hear that your Mom passed away.  I met Mary Jane when I was in high school and dating your Uncle Joel.  Mary Jane was always a whirlwind of efficiency, cheerful, and always ready to jump in and serve where she saw need.  I have marveled over the years at how she was able to adapt to any environment whether it was in the military with your Dad, missionary life, or family visits while on furlough. She thrived in every situation.  She was full of joy and laughter and her love of Christ was so clearly visible to all who knew her.  Although we cannot be together physically at this time, we are with you in spirit.  You, Stacie, Kendra, Joshua, Andrew and Anna are in our prayers. 

Love,

Aunt Donna and Uncle Joel

When I think of Mary Jane my memory of her goes back to the first time we went to Ecuador. You met us at the airport, after everyone had left and it was locked up for the night, but nonetheless you were there. We were so glad to see you. Then there were so many wonderful meals Mary Jane prepared. That was my first introduction to really good Ecuadorian food: Fritada, Ceviche, to name just a couple. There were wonderful picnics she prepared and we had on our way to see various places. She was a great cook and a wonderful hostess. She will have a special place in our memories with all the welcoming things she did for all of us. 

Ken and Polly are friends and were co-workers in Ecuador

Living abroad was difficult for me, not only being away from my Guatemalan family but it was also difficult to learn to adapt to a new culture while raising our children in a different country that wasn’t home for me or my husband. For that reason it made me ask more than once for wisdom from the one who had already done that.

“Enjoy our time together, we make memories as much as we can and we treasure them as much as we can.” It was one of the sayings that my mother-in-law always said to me, everytime we came to visit and when it was time to say goodbye for a little while. And that is what we did. We knew that this was true in so many ways. So, we did enjoy as much as we could those times together.

I not only got the opportunity to get to know her as mom but also as an active disciple of Jesus Christ. She always had a heart to support her husband and share life in what impassioned him. Through experiences, knowledge, talents and skills, Mary Jane found a way  to show God’s love without regard to who you are, your background, or social position, and without asking for anything in return. Whether translating, hosting a team, helping others in difficult times, or simply sharing a meal and recipe, she demonstrated God’s love.

Sacrificial love was a part of who she was.  One cherished memory that demonstrates it clearly to me, occurred as we prepared to get my first visa to travel to the US.  We had spent the previous weekend at a conference in Antigua, Guatemala.  We were to go to the US embassy the next morning for the visa application interview.  As we reviewed our documents we realized we had forgotten a not required document but perhaps the most important document of all, our marriage certificate.  Without hesitation, Mary Jane offered to travel to get the document because we could not miss the appointment.  It did not matter to her that it was 4pm and the last bus left at 5pm, nor that it was a 5 hour ride each way and the only bus that would get her back to Guatemala City in time left at 2am, nor the lack of sleep or safety issues.  It was a matter of something that needed to be done and something she could do to help. At any rate, she made it back to Guatemala City with the document just as we were to enter the embassy.   

That is just one of a grand multitude of examples of how Mary Jane demonstrated a sacrificial love for others day in and day out.  Not for her benefit but rather to demonstrate God’s love to others.  

Now, as we treasure all these memories she encouraged us to make, they put a smile on my face.  At the same time my heart is sad for not being able to be there for her and the family to say goodbye.  Mary Jane, mom, grandma… we already miss you a bunch! Our hearts are sad, yet our hearts have assurance that one day we will all be reunited again. 

As you always said to me, we will keep all these memories and we will treasure them in our hearts as a reminder of your great love and the passion you had for God’s love to be shared with others in our everyday life..

Daughter-in-Law

We are shocked and sad to receive your news. 

She seemed well and upbeat the other day when we spoke.

I remember her warm welcome to Ecuador and to your home on the occasions when we were visiting.

I recall, too, her visit here when you were pondering whether coming to the UK was an option for you. We had such fun test driving a car we later purchased just after she left to return to the USA.

These will be strange days for you. Please take care of yourself. Be gentle with yourself.

These virus ridden days make mourning a challenge. We will be praying for you and the family.

Andrew & Val

Friends and co-workers in Ecuador

Hi phill I don’t know what to say in this case I just want to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. MJ always be remembered as a wonderful and beautiful woman sending love.

Co-worker at the Christian bookstore.

Dear Phil, what a shock to hear of the passing of your dear wife, Mary Jane. My heart aches for you and your family as you go through such a deep and hurtful loss.

Please know that Monique and I will be praying for you regularly these next days and weeks. I have so many good memories of my growing up years spending the night at your house on many occasions. I’m just so sorry that this is what it took for me to think of you. Praise God he remains faithful even in the deepest valleys. We stand with you, Phil!

Gardy

Very sad to get the news about Mary Jane. The two of you have been an amazing team over 50 years +/-. I know that each day is a gift from the Lord and we are not guaranteed tomorrow – but when we lose someone deeply loved from our life that is unspeakably difficult. Praying that God will surround you with good friends and assure you of his love in this time of loss.

We are so sorry to learn of Mary Jane’s passing. Please accept our condolences and assurance of our prayers. We have fond memories of serving the Lord together with you and Mary Jane ever since Bonnie and I arrived in Ecuador in June of 1982 as single missionaries.

If at all possible we will join in the virtual service this coming Saturday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 pm ET. It is probable we will be driving between the Rio Grande Valley and Dallas at that time. If so, we will certainly be remembering you and your family in prayers.

Cherith and I want to express our sympathy to you and your family in this huge loss.  May the LORD provide the comfort and strength needed for these days.  Certainly, the current virus restrictions compound the grief and loss you have experienced. 

We remember you and Mary Jane as some of those who encouraged and strengthened us as we adjusted to life and missionary service in Ecuador.  Thank you again, for your kindness extended to us.

We have an important previous commitment that coincides with the time of the memorial service and are unable to connect.

Sincerely in Him,

Bruce & Cherith

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of MJ.  I remember fondly times spent with the two of you as we served together in Food for the Hungry, as well as time spent with Nathan.  In your note you mentioned doing everything together with MJ as a team, and that was indeed obvious as I watched the two of you share Christ’s love so effectively during your years of service with Food for the Hungry.  Words fail me my friend, but please accept my heart felt condolences.  In this time of loss may our extraordinary God grant you and your family his extraordinary peace.

Sincerely,

Buck Deines      

We came to know Mary Jane during the time that Phil helped the Harvest global team improve our online presence.  We are sad to hear about her passing, but celebrate her life and the way she honored the Lord.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and the entire family.

Blessings,

Elly Oliveira
Harvest Foundation
Global Field Coordinator

Anna is the youngest daughter of Daniel and Stacey Sandahl

Thank you for the chance to send a memory of MJ. This   is   her playing at our wedding on June 6,1970. MJ  was my roommate and good friend our senior year at Wheaton.  David and I remember the good visits we shared with your family in California and Phoenix when we both lived close enough to drive over.  We know how much she will be missed and you are all in our prayers.

RuthEllyn was a Wheaton College roommate and best friend.

We were saddened to hear that MJ has passed away. We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for comfort and peace to you and the whole family.

I will be joining on August 8 for the memorial service on zoom.

Sincerely,

Evelyn 

Mary Jane and I shared our faith, our practical view of life and our love of quilting for over 30 years. Though we were often separated by many miles she was one of my closest friends.

In 1997 I was invited to teach quilting in Madrid, Spain for an organization similar to Christian Women’s Club here in the US. At that time Europeans had a strong interest in Patchwork but there were very few instructors or even instruction books in Spanish. All of my teaching materials had to be translated into Spanish. I sent an S.O.S. to Mary Jane, who was living in Indiana. She immediately agreed to help prepare the written instructions and accompany me to Spain as my translator and fellow teacher. It was wonderful to see how Mary Jane related so comfortably to the women of Spain. We later made three additional trips to teach quilting for another women’s ministry in Figueres, a city in northern Spain.

When Phill and Mary Jane returned from Guatemala and were living in the Wheaton area I was caring for my elderly mother in my Wheaton home. I had the crazy idea to make a quilt for every missionary family supported by my church. Again Mary Jane jumped on board. One day a week she would come to my house and we would go through fabric in my studio. As we planned quilts I would be quick to say that we should go to the store to buy one more blue fabric to finish the quilt design but thirty Mary Jane would tell me to keep looking because she knew we would find something that would work. At the end of the day she would take home quilt kits to sew during the week. She continued to help me sew quilts even after she moved to Florida. Over the four years we worked on the project we completed 164 quilts.

During this period Mary Jane also helped me care for my mother. After moving to Florida she flew back to Wheaton twice to care for Mom so my husband and I could enjoy a little time away. That is a true friend.

Last February my husband and I visited Mary Jane and Phill in their new home. While we were looking at all of her planned quilting projects MJ told me if I wanted to start making quilts for the missionary families again she would love to help.  With all the quilting she wanted to do for herself she was willing to help with a service project. That was Mary Jane, the Lord’s servant and my friend. She was a blessing to my heart. 

Hi Phil and family. I am so very sorry to hear about MJ’s passing. She was loved by everyone who knew her. I will never forget working with her at Christ Centered. She was as fast as lightning in that receiving room! She stayed focused and stayed calm even in stressful situations. I’ll never forget her cooking. Oh my goodness when she went to lunch and heated up her food, everyone in the store got hungry. She loved reading during lunch and she taught me so much about international cooking. She even gave me a bite of her food every once in a while. 😉

She was sweet, loving very smart and just a great friend. I will miss her always, especially her kind heart.

Until we meet again MJ. I love you my sister in Christ.

MJ’s co-worker at the Christian bookstore.

Most of the Sandahl family gathered at a small resort near Devils Lake, Wisconsin, probably in 1987.  Sarah was very happy to see her oldest brother.  We entrusted our kids with the grandparents for a few hours that night, and we two couples had dinner out away from the rest of the family to start to catch up.  That meant a lot to Sarah.

MJ lived at Phill’s parents’ house after they were married and while he started in the Army.  Sarah and I were in high school and dating.  There was a weekend when neither of the parents were home; I don’t remember why, so MJ was in charge.  We three walked to Wheaton Bowl and back, 2 ½ miles each way.  We all liked bowling a lot and we all played in leagues later than that.  I remember that as a very kind and friendly thing for MJ to do with a couple of high school kids.

Dear Phil and Family:

We are so sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing from this earth.  Know y’all will miss her greatly.  We will look forward to seeing her in heaven when our turn comes.

Mary Jane was always kind and helpful to me personally.  She went out of her way to share her resources and make others feel welcome.

Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you one and all.

Dolores for Don and the Larson family

In Ecuador Julio and Julia Ordoñez were our neighbors and Julia was one of MJ’s best friends. Our kids played with their children, Ernesto and Inéz. Today they are grown. I wrote Ernesto to see if they had a picture of the best friends together. What he wrote on behalf of the family moved my heart. This is MJ’s legacy.

Saludos, Felipe, lo siento mucho, siempre nos acordamos de uds con muchisimo carino, uds fueron fundamentales en nuestros comienzos en la fe, Dios los uso de forma poderosa en nuestras vidas, realmente me da mucha pena, y puedo hablar por mi familia, porque se que sentimos lo mismo. voy a buscar una foto, les preguntare a mis papis. Aun mis papis tienen un par de muebles que uds nos regalaron cuando salieron del Pais. Dios les bendiga, oraremos por uds. Ernesto

I have attached a picture and I have below a thought of MJ.

We have been praying for you, your children and your grandchildren.

“MJ” like we will call her was a woman that loved God with all her heart, believed in missions and the importance of the souls and would not stop talking about her children and grandkids who she loved dearly. She always had a word of wisdom and love to share with us and the whole team here at Christ Centered. We thank God for the time we were able to do life with MJ and thank God for the legacy she has left in this world.  

In Him,

Danny & Ginette Vera

I will never forget her hospitality when I was missing home and US culture! And her stir fry!!

She wrote up a bunch of recipes for me because I honestly did not know how to cook. I’ve come a long way. Ha! But I won’t forget her kindness in taking the time to do that for me.

Phill’s Note: Celine was a short term worker with Food for the Hungry. She wrote me this after learning of MJ’s passing.

Nelda Joy

Phil and family were not aware of her health problems, so are very surprised by your great loss. May you all be comforted by our great hope of eternal life with our Lord.

Jim and I remember your coming to our pink mobile home to visit us- newly weds- while you two were in college.

Then we remember you both and your two oldest visiting us while we were visiting our parents in Buckeye, and swimming at my Aunt Katie’s backyard pool.
Mary Jane will be missed by many far and near.