Partnering individuals and sister-churches in the US with Evangelical pastors, churches or ministry leaders in Eastern Europe and committing to support them financially, in prayer and in the development of the established relationships.
On February 5, 2025, the Lord called his faithful servant Jeff Norton home. Words cannot describe how much Jeff will be missed by his family, friends and of course the Philippian Fellowship Board of Directors. Jeff’s abundant energy, infectious smile, and love for Jesus Christ served as an integral part of the Philippian fellowship ministry. Jeff’s love for Eastern European Missions was evident and his tireless dedication ensuring that each ministry received their donations in a timely and efficient manner was invaluable. Each of the ministries supported through the Philippian Fellowship grew to love Jeff deeply as his Christ like character served often as a much needed emotional and spiritual boost for those who needed it the most. It would be easy to go on with the list of things we will miss about one who meant so much to so many but the Lord will reward His faithful servant with many crowns for his efforts on this earth. Well done thou good and faithful servant is only the beginning.
The seat on the board that Jeff has vacated can’t be filled by anyone. We will instead petition the Lord for spiritual wisdom and guidance in seeking His will to ensure that we carry on this ministry that meant so much to Jeff.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Philippian Fellowship we ask that you pray for us that we might honor our Lord Jesus Christ as we continue to serve this important ministry that promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Eastern Europe.
Please see Jeff’s obituary below for additional details on how you might give to honor Jeff.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Philippian Fellowship.
Obituary for Jeff Norton Jeffrey T. Norton, 75, of Bremen, died on February 5th, 2025, departing this life in response to the call from his Savior, Jesus Christ, with whom he now resides for eternity. He was born to John and Caroline (Hemingway) Norton and was the brother of John, Paul, and Ellen. Jeff loved his wife, his family, his church families, and his country. He entered the US Army as a private in Ft. Polk, LA in 1971 and retired 28.5 years later as a Lieutenant Colonel, having served as an enlisted man, as a warrant officer, and as a commissioned officer. Jeff always poured himself selflessly into his work. In 1985 while serving in Alabama as a helicopter flight instructor, both he and his wife Rebecca were called to a life of Christian faith. Jeff answered his call and led multiple adult Sunday School classes at their various duty stations and in Maine. He served as an Elder both at First Baptist Church in Waldoboro and later at Twin Villages Church in Damariscotta. He always displayed his God-given leadership skills and discipled numerous men in their Christian growth.
After retirement from the military, he led nine English teaching teams comprised of both adults and teens, into the Czech Republic. Shortly after his retirement, Jeff became one of the founding directors of The Philippian Fellowship, a Christian outreach into Hungary, Romania, and the Czech Republic and more recently has provided support to Ukrainians displaced by the war in their country. Jeff and his wife recently traveled to the Czech Republic in September 2024 to visit the thriving church in Kurim, which is working towards purchasing the building where they currently meet, as it is now for sale. Jeff loved his wife Rebecca of 48 years. They raised three children, John (Jack), Laura and Matthew, primarily while serving in the US Army. Each of their children now serve in their local churches, both in Maine and in the Czech Republic. They have thirteen grandchildren who they cherish. Jeff struggled with cancer but never ceased to say at the end of each day, “It’s been a good day.” One of his favorite hymns became “Whate’er My God Ordains is Right.” Jeff is missed by his wife and family as well as by his church families and his many friends throughout the world. Jeff is survived by Rebecca of Bremen; John and Ruth Norton from Jefferson and grandchildren Emmaline, Nehemiah, Luke and Silas; Laura and Radek Kolarik from Kurim, Czech Republic and grandchildren David, Grace, Elizabeth, Jakub, Timotej and Pavel; and Matthew Norton of Bremen and grandchildren Gideon, Havah, and Rosemary Norton.
A celebration of Jeff’s life of service will be held on Saturday, February 15th, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Waldoboro at 10 a.m., with fellowship, coffee, and doughnuts preceding the service at 9 a.m. Interment will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery on Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta, Maine, with Jeff’s immediate family. Arrangements are under the care of Hall Funeral Home. To share a condolence or memory with the Norton family, visit Jeff’s Book of Memories at www.HallFuneralHomes.com, where you can also find service details, access the livestream for the service at FBC Waldoboro once available, and find donation information. Donations in memory of Jeff may be made to The Philippian Fellowship online at PhilippianFellowship.com or by mail to The Philippian Fellowship, P.O. Box 213, Bremen, Maine 04551. Please write on your donation, ‘Building Project in Kurim, Czech Republic c/o Radek Kolarik.’ To make giving easier, an online donation link is also available here: https://philippianfellowship.com/ways-you-can-support/