Words will never be enough to express the deep sorrow we feel as we grieve the loss of our dear friend and president, Randy Mortensen. To know Randy was to know his passion for people, his unwavering faith, and his big heart for Haiti.
To honor and celebrate Randy’s life, Pat has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to Randy’s Legacy Fund, ensuring that the work God began through him nearly 20 years ago will continue to flourish. We also invite you to share your memories of Randy, as well as your prayers for his family in the comments below as together we remember and give thanks for the life of our friend, mentor, and leader.
Randy often said that if someone had told him when he was younger that he would one day be leading an organization serving in Haiti, he would have laughed in disbelief. Coming from the world of corporate America, Randy thought his path was already set. But God had other plans—plans that gave Randy’s life a new purpose and lasting significance.
In 2006, Randy joined a mission trip to Haiti, and his life was forever changed. Soon after, his wife, Pat, felt the same tug on her heart, and together they began a journey of nearly two decades of faithful service.
As president of World Wide Village, Randy poured his heart into encouraging the Haitian people with the truth that there is hope—both for today and for eternity. Through hurricanes, earthquakes, and countless challenges, Randy and Pat walked hand in hand with their Haitian brothers and sisters, offering support, encouragement, and the love of Christ. After the hurricanes of 2008 and the devastating earthquake of 2010, Randy’s leadership helped bring aid and hope to thousands.
God gave Randy incredible gifts—his entrepreneurial spirit, his ability to dream big, and his courage to step forward in faith. Because of those gifts, countless lives have been touched through education, healthcare, spiritual growth, and community development. And just as importantly, Randy inspired hundreds of people who traveled with Impact Teams, many of whom returned home with changed hearts and new perspectives because of his leadership.
Our hearts ache as we imagine life and ministry without Randy’s steady presence and passionate vision. Yet we hold fast to the hope he himself clung to—that because of Jesus Christ, this is not the end. We rejoice that Randy is now in the presence of his Savior, enjoying the promise of eternal life.
To honor and celebrate Randy’s life, Pat has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Randy’s Legacy Fund—ensuring that the work God began through him nearly 20 years ago will continue to grow and bear fruit.
We also invite you to share your memories of Randy and lift up his family in prayer in the comments below. Together, let us remember, give thanks, and celebrate the life of our friend, mentor, and faithful leader.
Randy lived a life that was a testament to saying “yes” to God. Alongside his wife, Pat, he made an incredible impact, especially in Haiti. Together, they made amazing things happen, transforming lives and communities with their unwavering dedication.
Randy’s life was a powerful example of faith in action. He didn’t just believe; he did. He answered the call to serve, to love, and to build, and the fruits of his labor are evident in every life he touched. His legacy is one of hope, and his work in Haiti stands as a monument to his compassion and commitment.
The prayer that his work will continue is a beautiful one, and it’s a testament to the lasting impact he and Pat have made. May their legacy inspire others to say “yes” and carry on the work they so faithfully began.
I remember meeting Randy on my first visit to Haiti at the end of 2013. That trip opened my eyes to the vision God had given him and how I might fit into it as God was calling me. We sat on the roof at the old guest house and talked which was the start of a beautiful and incredibly beneficial partnership for the next 12 years. To say that this work has been a blessing to me, my wife, and our family would be a gross understatement. I am so incredibly thankful that Randy listened to God’s calling and obediently followed Him. Our family is better for it and so are so many others who have been impacted through his service and love.
Randi loved Jesus and everyone who crossed his path knew it! His faith was lived out boldly in his dedication and service in Haiti. He was always full of big ideas, always dreaming of how to do more and give more. His God-given, Wu talent of networking and sales brought so many to know, understand, and SHARE his passion for serving the people of Haiti
He was the literal hands and feet of Jesus!
His legacy will live on not only in all of the physical reminders that he helped to build in Haiti, but in all of our hearts, and in the hearts of the Haitians that he loved so well.
If I were to try and describe Randy in one word, it would be “Impact”. His legacy will be the impact he had on so many lives. There are the Haitians who were impacted by him, his vision, and his tireless efforts. The people who met him at church or at work, and the people who were blessed to spend time with him in Haiti. If you were one of those people who were fortunate enough to spend time with him in Haiti you know first hand the impact he had.
For me, Randy’s impact was deeply personal. My life was forever changed because of spending time with him in devotions and conversations in the WWV guest houses. I can’t even begin to imagine what my life would be if God didn’t bring me to sit with him and listen to his teaching in Haiti. It would be unimaginably shallower, smaller, more materialistic, self-centered, and far less colorful. Randy opened my eyes to what is actually “normal” in the world – the struggles, the needs, and the universal need for dignity in all people across the globe; not the materialistic lives we lead in our American neighborhoods. Even more importantly than opening eyes, he showed us all what it looks like to act: to dream big, and to give everything to help others and to follow God’s call with all that we are.
Though his time with us was far too short, I know we will be reunited someday. When that day comes, I know we will once again dream, plan, laugh, and then roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Randy will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue. Few people leave behind such a powerful mark. He was truly one of a kind, and I was blessed to meet him and call him my friend. He was—and always will be—a powerful influence on my life. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Pat, I am so sorry to hear of your loss but we also rejoice with you! May God grant you peace as you navigate this a difficult time .
Kayla Cook
Haitigo
Gary and I (Carol) were on staff with them with CRU and they were such a remarkable addition to the team. They both have tremendous gifts and leadership and gave us a vision for this part of the world we had never reached out to.
We went on two different trips to Haiti and they were very stretching, sad because of the conditions, but amazing to see the opportunities given with their ministry.
Randy was the MC for our 40th celebration of ministry and he opened the evening with such vision.
His presence will always be among us in our hearts and will be greatly missed !!
It’s taken me a bit to write this. Pat, Brienne and I continue to pray for peace and comfort for you and the family. Randy’s intersection across our lives, starting with ROM, and then pointing us to WWVillage, followed by our common passion for what Quest 180 is all about was truly a God send. The fact that Brienne first met him “by chance” so many years ago was without a doubt a divine appointment. Our lives are better for knowing both of you. There is no other person that I have met to date that has left such a lasting and meaningful legacy. To say he will be missed is beyond an understatement. He was one of those “World Changers”. A true disciple and Kingdom Builder. Take comfort and I hope our contribution to his legacy fund provides for specific needs. Looking forward to seeing how many more lives will be changed, even after he is gone to his eternal home. Blessings. David and Brienne