NORFOLK
The Rev. Ted Bashford, executive director of Union Mission Ministries, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, spokeswoman Linda Jones said Thursday.
The 89-year-old minister has led the mission for 52 years.
"There is no prognosis at this point, but the doctors are positive," Jones said. "We are saddened and we would ask people to keep him and his family in their prayers."
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that compromises the body's ability to fight infection.
Bashford, who has a history of heart trouble, is hospitalized and getting treatment for a heart rhythm problem in order to prepare him for chemotherapy, Jones said.
"I have all the confidence that the God who put me here will keep me here until he is finished with my life," Bashford said in a statement.
His daughter, Linda Vaughan, associate director, has stepped up to lead the Union Mission, which operates a homeless shelter in downtown Norfolk and other programs to help the poor and people fighting drug and alcohol addictions.
The nonprofit group, which accepts no government money, plans to move to a 24-acre site on Virginia Beach Boulevard once it sells its century-old downtown building. It has raised $7.1 million toward a $12 million fundraising campaign goal.
"I am excited about our relocation efforts and look forward to seeing the completion of the new Mission building that will allow us to continue this great work," Bashford's statement read. "I sincerely appreciate the support I've received over the years to accomplish this great work."
Jones, who described Bashford as a man of great integrity and character, said Bashford wants the public to remember "the ministry was not founded on the man, but on the God that he serves."
Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline. com
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Rhythmz
I agree that the gates of heaven will be open for Rev. Ted, but would like to remind you of his own teaching that the gates will open for him because of the finished work of his Savior Jesus on the cross, *not* due to Rev. Ted's good works. Those will be rewarded at the appropriate time and will probably provide him with more than a few crowns for humble service in this world. But his basic salvation, like the salvation of all of us, comes from what Jesus has done and our relationship to Him! Cheers, MGM
Re: Prayers
Rev. Bashford is a great man of God. He will be in my prayers.
Rev Ted Bashford-Man of God
I totally stand by my original statement.....................
For Pat !!
To use some of Cousin Pat’s own words to describe Pat himself , I will say “The way to hell is paved with good intensions” and “there is a lot of evil done in the name of good”
Chew on that Pat R. followers.
My prayers are with you, Rev. Teddy
I spent two years as a child at the childrens' home run by Rev. Teddy Bashford. I was treated with the best care and hold them responsible for my continued belief in the lord. I was clothed, sheltered, fed, and educated by the home with the greatest of care when I didn't have it anywhere else. I have seen the Union Mission provide Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to the homeless for as long as I can remember. Rev. Teddy lives a very modest life without ANY of the luxuries that Pat Robertson and others thrive on. For all of you that have negative comments about his work, do not know him as a person. A little respect is appreciated during the difficult time that the Hope Haven family are going through with this serious illness. If you ever needed a meal, a blanket, a bed, or a shirt, you can bet the Rev. Teddy's ministry would be there to give it to you with NO STRINGS ATTACHED!!! I can promise that St. Peter will be holding the gate door open for Rev. Teddy when God is done with his body here on earth. Rev. Teddy has seen for 50+ years what most of you show a NIMBY attitude toward. My Prayers are with the Vaughn's and the ministry that you know little about.
politicpreachers.................
I don't understand why some feel that if you are a preacher you have no right to the political process to be involved. Are they afraid that somehow the preacher's philosophy will be involved in their political decisions? This would then beg the question that doesn't everyone utilize their personal philosophies to make their political decisions? Why then can't an American minister not utilize his american freedoms?
Then I don't understand how this topic is related to the Rev. Ted Bashford.
To "ALWAYS"
I think your comment was very nice and your wishes heartfelt. However, why do you feel you need to mention names of other ministers such as Pat Robertson into this? CBN is not just about Pat Robertson. The employees there (those that have been truly called by God) do good work and Operation Blessing all over the world. There are, I'm sure, some not-so-good people that work there as in every ministry. You can have your opinions, but this makes me feel sad that you would dare mention him specifically in the "politic-preacher" category. Forget what he says about politics, and appreciate the gospel being preached to all the world via the CBN satellites that enable it to go forth and doing good. Overlook the human side, and think of the good Pat and CBN have done.
Prayers so with you
So sorry to hear of your illness - daily you are one of the many ministers that is fighting the good fight and in a calling that is not very glamourous but you have stayed with it - Thanks be to God for you!
Rev. Bashford
I was a long time resident of Norfolk, Va. Beach. I have been associated with many churchs in that time. If people like Pat Robertson, and other" politicpreachers" would follow Ted Bashford's example of showing God's love we would truly have many more blessings. God be with you Ted and your family. What an example of God's love you have been and so has The Union Mission and Hope Haven.............................
Rev. Bashford and Union Mission
I am so sorry to hear of Rev. Bashford's illness. He has been such a blessing and no words can describe what they have done in being there for so many of those that are down and out. I support the Union Mission and but the grace of God my father didn't wind up having to go there. Same for my son. People have problems that they bring on themselves, their families have turned them away and thank God for the ministry of the Union Mission. We need more people like Rev. and Mrs. Bashford. Their compassion for those that are without is seen in the Tidewater area.
My prayers go out to them at this time. Thank you Rev Bashford for all you do.
An Honorable Man
Our prayers will be with Rev. Bashford. He has truly been Christ's hand to the downtrodden in our area for many, many years. His concern for the homeless (adults AND children/orphans) along with his perseverance at a much needed (though mostly un-acknowledged and many times unappreciated) outreach will always be remembered. Wish we had many more like him. May God bless him even as Rev. Bashford has blessed everyone who has come through the Union Mission or the orphanage.