Keith Halsey, pastor of Raymond Baptist Church, died April 7 at the age of 55. His wife, Carmen, is IBSA’s director of women’s ministry and church missions.
In social media posts and stories shared by IBSA staff, Halsey was remembered for his commitment to missions, especially in the Dominican Republic, and his faithfulness to the calling of God in his life.
“I served as Keith’s pastor before he met Christ and for the many years as he grew to become the man that God called him to be,” said IBSA’s Mark Emerson. “I saw him keep saying yes to God as he began to serve the church in various ways, then as a deacon, a pastor, and a missionary.”
After he professed faith in Christ, Halsey was baptized on a Thursday night because he didn’t want to wait until Sunday, Emerson recounted. He received his call to ministry on a mountain in the Dominican Republic and has since led many fellow pastors and churches to partner with Christians in that country.
Halsey pastored two IBSA churches, Roanoke Baptist in Springfield from 2010 to 2012, and Raymond Baptist since November of 2014.
Halsey pastored two IBSA churches, Roanoke Baptist in Springfield from 2010 to 2012, and Raymond Baptist since November of 2014. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carmen; sons William Joseph (Sarah) Halsey and Jonathon (Ashley) Halsey; mother, Mary; brother, Scotty; mother-in-law, Rose Bryant; 12 grandchildren and another grandson on the way; and many nieces, nephews, and others.
Emerson said the highlight of Halsey’s ministry was leading his father to the Lord a year or so before his father passed away.
“I believe Keith Halsey displayed for us how God’s power flows through ordinary men as they yield themselves to the Holy Spirit,” he said. “Keith held a graduate degree but had no formal ministry training, yet he saw his church baptize proportionately more than most. He was real and made Jesus real to others.”
In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to either of the following ministries: Raymond Baptist Church, 511 E Broad St., Raymond, IL; Dominican Republic Missions (care of Raymond Baptist Church) or Celebrate Recovery, Mt. Sterling, Ky.