Nazarene Theological Seminary

Of this great missionary, former NTS professor, and man of God, NTS President Ron Benefiel shared the following, “Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Paul Orjala opened the doors to missions for a whole generation of Nazarene young people.  The combination of his missionary experiences in Haiti, practical wisdom, musical talent, and dedication to Christ made him a modern day hero for many of us.  He was an example of Christian commitment that we emulated.  This influence continued as he brought his considerable expertise in anthropology, missiology and linguistics to Nazarene Theological Seminary where he served as professor of missiology for 24 years.  Countless Nazarene missionaries who have served over the past decades were motivated and inspired both by his teaching and by his example.  His influence continues in the story of the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Haiti and France, in the lives of those he has taught and mentored, and in the Church which will remember him as an example of a life lived in complete obedience and full surrender to Christ.”

Born in 1925, Orjala grew up in San Diego, California.  He attended Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University), where he was student body president and graduated in 1947.  In 1948, he married his wife and longtime partner in ministry, Mary.  Orjala received a divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1950.  That same year, he was ordained on the Southern California District. 

Dr. and Mrs. Orjala are considered “pioneer missionary giants” in the Nazarene Church.  From 1950-1964, they pioneered the work of the Church in Haiti and while there, organized and conducted the Bible Training School.  According to the Caribbean Regional Office, currently 70% of the Nazarene church membership of the Caribbean Region is in the country of Haiti.  There are more Nazarenes living in the country of Haiti than that of any other country in the world with the exception of the U.S. 

During his furloughs, Orjala studied at the Kennedy School of Missions at Hartford Seminary and received his M.A. in 1956.  In 1964, he was elected to the NTS Faculty as Professor of Missions, serving in that role until 1986.  He started the School of Missions at NTS in 1964.  In 1970, he completed his Ph.D. in linguistics and anthropology from Hartford Theological Seminary. 

From 1686-89, he served in France as a missionary and, ultimately, district superintendent and mission director.  He returned to the U.S. in 1989 where he worked as a religion professor at Point Loma Nazarene University until 1995.

Orjala was an important linguistic scholar on the dialects of Haitain Creole.  He was active in translating books to Creole, including portions of the New Testament.  Orjala authored several books and many articles on missions and church growth, was know as an inspirational preacher and teacher and a creative musician. 

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary, daughters Dr. C Jeanne Orjala Serrao, Lorie Beckum, and son Dr. Jon E. Orjala; and six grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Orjala Scholarship Fund at Nazarene Theological Seminary.  Click here to make a donation online or contact the NTS Development Office for more information at development@nts.edu or at 800.831.3011, ext. 238. 

Special thanks to NCN News for use of compiled information.