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BORN
1936
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Marlin Zook Obituary
Marlin and Ruth then went to Japan where they served as missionaries for 23 years until 1986. They served in established churches in Yamaguchi prefecture and in Tokyo. His love for the Japanese people and desire to share the Gospel was evident throughout his time in Japan. He worked tirelessly to bring the Gospel message to as many people as possible. Also during his time in Japan, he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1984. During their first furlough, on their way back to the States, when their firstborn was two years old, Marlin and Ruth traveled the long way around the world to visit family and friends in Zimbabwe, Zambia and India, as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Nepal, Egypt, Greece, France, and England.
In addition to his missionary service, he also served as the pastor of Brethren in Christ churches in Nappanee, IN, and Palmyra, PA (1986 to ‘94). Following this he worked as the business manager at Paxton Street Home in Harrisburg. Closer to retirement, he served as the treasurer for Brethren in Christ World Missions until age 70 and also filled in as a lecturer for a short time at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi. During retirement, he became involved in a healing prayer ministry and led numerous healing prayer groups. In 2017, Marlin and Ruth moved to Messiah Lifeways, where Marlin taught Sunday School and led devotionals.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Zook, and their three children: Brian (Marsil) Zook of Sterling, VA, Elaine (Chad) Wright of Mechanicsburg, PA, and Steven (Charity Shenk) Zook of Lititz, PA, all of whom were born in Japan. In addition there are seven grandchildren: Ashley, Chad, Elina, Hannah, Gavin, Theodore, and Kai, ranging in age from 28 to 5.
He will be most remembered for his strong faith in God, fervent prayer life, and dedication to God’s work. He was a man of God, and he would be quite comfortable being remembered as simply that. He lived a life that was dedicated to God, he fought a good fight and finished the course.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Brethren in Christ Missions, 431 Grantham Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055.
Memories and Condolences
for Marlin Zook
Izumi Awaya
December 11, 2020
Thank you very much for your help.
Several times, during the trials, God sent Master Zook to help me at times. I'm just grateful. Thank you Mr. Zook.
At the time of my daughter's first surgery (2 years old), she went to Kyushu University Hospital in Fukuoka Prefecture and stayed close to me until I saw the result. She was a meek and humble teacher. I can't forget it. You were watched over by your family and called to heaven in peace!
I pray for the abundance of comfort and encouragement from God on all of your families.
akemi makino
December 11, 2020
We are grateful for your many missionary work and love in Japan. We talk about memories and pray for comfort to your family. from Yamanota fukuin chirch members
Mitsuko Kaneko
December 9, 2020
When I met him on my youth, I thought that Dr. Zook's gaze was like Jesus' gaze. Thank you very much.
Izumi Awaya
December 7, 2020
Zook Zook
(2)
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Linda Hunter
December 7, 2020
Dear Ruth,
Dave and I always enjoyed chatting with Marlin at Contact events.
What a remarkable life you two shared! Know you will miss him dearly, so our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With sympathy,
The Hunters
Steve and Wanda Lehman
December 6, 2020
Blessings on you Ruth and the family in your grief and separation at this time. Thanks to Marlin and you for your ministry at Palmyra BIC ( Encounter ) as partners in the Lords work.
Phyllis Engle
December 6, 2020
In addition to Marlin's many ways of serving God, he also, volunteered at Messiah Village on Saturdays handing out mail to residents who, otherwise, wouldn't get their Friday's mail until Monday. I benefitted from Marlin's work in the missions office while serving with BIC World Missions. May God bless the family and many friends with comfort and hope during this time.
Jean Keller-Thau
December 5, 2020
I was blessed to be asked by Marlin to partner with him in healing prayer. He was truly a prayer warrior and incredible man of faith. I will miss his gentle spirit and his steadfast faith in Jesus. I am so thankful for his life and will continue to hold Ruth and the Zook family in my prayers.
David Miller
December 5, 2020
With thankfulness for Marlin's life and his example of faith expressed in prayer,
HIDEHIKO OTSUBO
December 5, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dwight and Carol Thomas
December 5, 2020
We have wonderful memories of serving in Japan together back in the early 70s. We would come to Nishiichi (where the family lived) every Tuesday and teach English classes, have supper, play with your children, and chat together. We got to know Marlin and Ruth quite well; it became obvious to us that Marlin loved his family dearly and lived his life dedicated to serving God.
Dwight and Carol Thomas
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