John E. Rouster 1942-2024

John Rouster, Founder of Every Child Ministries and Haven of Hope Children’s Home and Academy in Ghana.

John Edward Rouster, 82, entered into the welcoming embrace of His Lord and Savior on June 6, 2024.

John was born January 2, 1942, the ninth child of Jacob and Lucille Rouster of Belleville, MI.

He is survived by Lorella (Miller), his loving wife of 57 years, by his beloved children Carrie (Bill) Boehmer of Fayettesville, PA, Sharon (Steve) Carroll of Columbia, TN, John Henry Rouster of Jackson, MI, Kristi (Darrin) Carter of Indianapolis, IN, and Whitney Rouster of Mesa, AZ., fourteen beloved grandchildren Marissa (Chris), Caleb, Serena, Alaina, Elizabeth, Tessa, Alisa, Abby, Jordan (Natalie), Anna, John Everett, Whitney, Jenna, Trey, and one preborn great grandchild, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.  Thousands of African children also called John « Papa » because of his influence in their lives.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Noemi (Don) Knisley, Marion (Norman) Olmstead, his brothers Leroy (Ginger), William James (Blva), Wayne (Jean), Burnill (Margaret), Ellery (Mary Lou), and Norman (Carol) Rouster.  

John graduated from Belleville High School and completed an Adult Bible Study Certificate from Moody Bible Institute.

John was raised knowing many facts about Jesus, but it was not until March 9, 1972, that he realized his need of a Savior and put his trust in Jesus Christ.  It was a life-changing experience.  John loved dairy farming, but he gave up his farm when the Lord called him to serve as a missionary in Zaire (now Congo).  As a missionary, he drove a ten-ton truck to provide supplies to isolated mission stations and worked in construction.  In DR Congo he built a nurse’s home and a training center, living in a mud hut for six years while developing the latter.  In Ghana he founded, designed and supervised construction of Haven of Hope, a children’s home and Christian school for children at risk.  Today Haven of Hope is home to 33 children, with 415 children enrolled in the school.  In Uganda, John supervised the drilling of wells to provide clean drinking water for three villages, and helped with teams to help former child soldiers and their families recover from their trauma.

With his wife Lorella, in 1985, John founded Every Child Ministries (ECM), a missionary-sending agency, and for seventeen years served with Lorella as International Co-Directors.  Today ECM works in Congo, Ghana and Uganda, with 16 missionaries and 105 African staff.  John’s wife Lorella continues to serve with ECM.

John also worked with Associated Milk Producers as a field rep charged with quality control at the farm level.

John enjoyed country and Gospel music.  He spent many hours blissfully soaking in the Gospel music of the Gaither videos.  He also enjoyed woodworking and reading U.S. history.  John had a long list of jokes he liked to tell and was known as a great storyteller.  One of his best-known stories recounted when a Black Mamba snake slithered over his arm as he lay in bed in Congo.  

He was a member of Valley Baptist Church of Valparaiso and leader of a small group of seniors.

John treasured family as well as many close friendships.  Most of all, he treasured his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He always referred to himself as "just a sinner saved by grace".  He served Jesus with his whole heart, not because he was trying to get to heaven, but because he knew he was forgiven and loved His Savior so much.

Visitation was held Tuesday, June 11, with celebration of life following at Valley Baptist Church, Valparaiso, IN.  In lieu of flowers, the family welcomed memorial contributions to Every Child Ministries, PO Box 810, Hebron, IN 46341.