In our transient journey of life, we encounter people who generally fall into one of two categories: “pioneers or settlers.” Settlers are those individuals who are usually content to remain within boundaries, and till the gentle slopes of predictable fields. Every fence must be mended with crops and cattle in organized units. Pioneers are those few individuals who see horizons as fences to cross, and prefer the thrill of road building in rugged terrain. The exhilaration of life for them is exploring and charting new territories for the benefit of others. Ted Alan Studebaker was the latter. Years have a way of allowing memories to grow dim, and a story left untold is a story soon forgotten. These pages are devoted toward continuing our remembrance of this Pioneer for Peace through the lives and stories of the people that he touched.

It is hoped that each article of remembrance, as told by the people who were associated with Ted will both inspire and challenge others to cross their own horizons. Great care has been exercised in reproducing each story exactly as it was furnished. Sometimes years have a way of giving us a stronger and more enlightened perspective. Many years have passed since his death in April of 1971. We have learned many lessons from that turbulent period of the Vietnamese War. Hopefully one of those lessons is the message of Ted Studebaker as told by the people who knew him or were greatly influenced by his life example. A common thread woven through the patch work of each narration is the inescapable truth that sacrificial love remains universal, conquers every stronghold, bridges all cultures, and testifies of itself beyond the grave. Through the life of Ted Studebaker we are able to gain a renewed appreciation of the paradoxical words of Jesus Christ, that we are able to receive by giving, gain by losing, and live by dying.

“I strongly believe in trying to follow the example of Jesus Christ as best I know how. Above all, Christ taught me to love all people, including enemies, and to return good for evil...I believe love is stronger and more enduring power than hatred for my fellow man, regardless of who they are or what they believe...I know I am a fortunate man and life is great to me.”

- Ted Studebaker