Not every Bob Jones University alumnus warrants a headline for his death. But Paris Wallace, Class of 1986, made top news in the Denver Post.
A body was found in New Mexico not far from where a Colorado pastor parked his vehicle before heading out to search for a supposed hidden cache of gold and jewels that has inspired thousands to hunt in vain across remote corners of the Western U.S., authorities said Monday.
The treasure of Forrest Fern, purported to be worth $2million, has taken another life, this time of one of our own.
Paris’s obituary is as follows:
Paris Wallace was born on February 18, 1965 to Steve and Bonnita Wallace in Oakland, California. He, his sister, Lori Wagner, and brother, Nolon Wallace, spent their childhood in the Oakland area of California. The family relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado where Paris graduated from Palisade High School in Palisade, Colorado.
He enrolled at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina with plans to graduate with a Law degree. However, God lead Paris down an alternate path to graduate with a Pastoral Studies degree in 1986 that would set the foundation for life-changing ministries ahead.
While in college, Paris began his lifelong journey with Mitzi Wallace. They married on August 2nd, 1986. Included in their love story are two sons, Keegan Wallace (21) and Clay Wallace (19).
Ministering to middle and high school students lead him to various church ministries in Georgia, Texas, and Colorado where many came to know the Lord through his unique sermons that sparked the interest of young people. Even after Paris went on to become the Lead Pastor of Connection Church in Grand Junction, Colorado, he always had the heart for students.
Paris's need for adventure lead him to begin ministries across the world. He wasn't afraid to push the limits by eating local delicacies, participating in thrill-seeking activities and venturing into parts of the world where God's Word has been untouched.
Through God's direction, Paris brought a body of believers together that would feel accepted on their journey, while building strong community relationships. He firmly believed that "the church is people" and WE are the church. Paris poured his heart and soul into Connection Church to create a place where believers could worship God without fear of judgment or rejection. Paris was a "friend to the broken, Father to the lost boy, and a Lion of the faith." Many of us were blessed to learn from his teaching and stand in his light. Paris chose to follow God and allow Him to use his gifts, abilities, and talents to reach the souls of men so that they could be saved.
He wasn't afraid of earthly fears, even in his final moments, because his faith in God was persistent and he trusted God's will wholeheartedly.
Paris was a friend to the forgotten, he believed in the rejected, and he loved of the "unlovable." His legacy will live on through his wife, Mitzi; two sons, Keegan and Clay; his extended family; and Connection Church.
Because of Paris's deep love for students, we ask that instead of flowers, contributions be made to the Youth Ministry at Connection Church, 655 N 1st Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.
To view Paris's memorial page and access the families gofundme account please visit https://www.connectionchurchlive.com/paris-wallace-memorial/ "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3.
Published in The Daily Sentinel on July 5, 2017
