REVEREND JOSEPH NOVAK went home to be with the LORD on Saturday 17 December,
2022 at the age of 92.
Joseph was born in what today is Czechia, in 1930. He escaped communism in 1948 and came
to Canada where he met his wife Rose Jelinek. Joseph was called to full-time Christian ministry
shortly after their marriage and graduated from Winnipeg Bible College in 1954. Joseph was
ordained as a Baptist Pastor in 1960, and during his 60 plus years of ministry primarily served
the Czech and Slovak communities in North America. Concurrent to his role as Senior Pastor of
the Czechoslovak Baptist Church in Toronto (24 years), and Senior Pastor of Pelmo Park
Baptist Church (six years), Joseph also served on many committees over a 50 year period, both
with the Czechoslovak Baptist Convention (of Canada and USA) and Canadian Baptists of
Ontario and Quebec.
Following his retirement from regular pastoral duties, Joseph founded the Czechoslovak
Evangelical Mission in 1984, and continued to make an impact for the Gospel of Jesus Christ
through the use of printed tracts and other media. These Christian tracts have been translated
into more than 20 languages, thus reaching people groups around the world with Biblical truths
and encouragement.
Joseph dedicated his whole adult life to preaching, encouraging and caring for others. Even in
his old age, Joseph’s life was fruitful as he would share the hope of the Gospel with those living
in his building. “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” Psalm 92:14.
As the Lord guided and strengthened Joseph by His Holy Spirit, he “ran the race” unwavering
from his love and dedication to God.
Joseph was the beloved husband of the late Rose who predeceased Joseph in August 2021,
married for 71 years; loving father to Jannet (Harold), Linda (Roger), David (Wendy) and
Kimberly (Jim); much loved grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A private family funeral was held at Springcreek Cemetery, Mississauga. A celebration of life will
be held at a later date to celebrate the lives of both Joseph and Rose.
Donations may be made to any of the following organizations: 1) the Czechoslovak Baptist
Convention (of Canada and USA) (CZSKBC.org), 2) the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and
Quebec (Baptist.ca), and 3) the Canadian Bible Society (Biblesociety.ca).
Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca.