It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Brother Ed Byskal on September 17, 2025. He has gone from this earthly dimension into the heavenly realm, the Place he lived for, longed for and faithfully pointed others toward throughout his life.
How does one begin to honour a man of God whose life touched and impacted countless souls around the world? Who can measure the effect of such a ministry? In truth, it is beyond reckoning. Yet we pause in gratitude, giving glory to the King of Kings for the privilege of walking alongside Brother Byskal during his ninety years on this earth.
Now, I thank Brother Byskal, Eddie, as I know him, a real precious boy. I really fell in love with this young lad when I met him at…up at Dawson Creek. My first time was Grande Prairie, but he was at Dawson Creek at the time, and I met him there. And he was telling me about he was missionarying to the Indians.
62-0729 – “Perseverant”
Brother Byskal’s burden for souls was so tangible from his twenties as he regularly missionaried to the Native Indians on Vancouver Island. It was this love for God’s people that caught Brother Branham’s heart. Brother Byskal encountered Brother William Branham in Dawson Creek for the first time, and discerned what many could not, that there was a depth to this ministry unseen by the world at large. A defining moment came while seated on a log in the quiet wilderness of Northern British Columbia, when God’s Messenger answered the three questions that had long weighed upon his heart. There, on that log, he met the Master. The song “I Met the Master” became forever tied to his testimony, as he often recalled that sacred day, knowing “The Other Angel” was present with him.
From that moment, a fire was kindled, one whose reach only Heaven could foresee. After Brother Branham’s passing, the Message became the singular burden of his life. Brother Byskal began to “run” with it in a way few others have, carrying it across continents and cultures, compelled by the call to bring it to every kindred, tongue and nation. In 1986, his sermon “Let Us Run,” preached in Ruth, North Carolina, was not only a sermon but a declaration of purpose. It became the theme of his ministry, igniting and sustaining the faith of believers across the globe.
Brother Byskal’s ministry was never confined to the pulpit; wherever he went, his presence and burden left a lasting impact. The effects of his labour continue to ripple across nations even to this day. From Norway to India, from the Philippines to China, where he was even imprisoned for the Gospel’s sake, and across Africa and North America, there are few places untouched by his influence. Nations themselves can point to moments when their passion for this Message was rekindled through his ministry. A defining milestone came in 2007, when his vision to place the Message in the hands of believers worldwide became reality through the launch of the MessageHub. This endeavour became his greatest passion. Nothing consumed him more than ensuring that the Word for this Hour reached God’s people in every language, in every land.
Regardless of where he travelled, Brother Byskal’s heart was always at his flock at home, at Cloverdale Bibleway. Pastoring for over fifty years, he shepherded his flock with love and care that came from the Great Shepherd. Brother Byskal will be remembered not only for his preaching, but for the integrity, humility, and steadfastness with which he lived the Message he proclaimed. His words carried weight because his life bore the testimony of a true servant of God, faithful, humble, and unwavering in conviction. His ministry transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on the Body of Christ worldwide.
Even the meaning of his name, Eddie, “my witness”, proved prophetic. His life was indeed a witness to the transforming power of Christ. He exemplified the truth of Hebrews 12:1:
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Now, having finished his course, Brother Byskal joins that great cloud of witnesses. His testimony radiates as a guiding light for all who continue the race.
We are now the runners. Each of us who was encouraged, uplifted, strengthened, and ignited by his life carries the torch forward. The greatest tribute we could offer him is to run…to carry this Message as he did, to live this Word as he lived it and to press the Kingdom onward without faltering or wavering, steadfast in the faith, as the example he set before us.
We also ask that you remember the family in your prayers, and especially Sister Ruth. While we all feel this loss deeply, none will feel it more deeply than the one who stood faithfully by Brother Byskal’s side for seventy-one years. Though this absence is but for a season, it will be a heavy burden to bear. If ever there was a woman who exemplified the true meaning of a virtuous woman, it is surely Sister Ruth. She shared in the burdens and toils, and rejoiced in the many victories, faithfully caring for and sustaining the servant of God through every stage of his ministry. We ask that you hold her before the Lord in this time, that she may be strengthened and comforted in His presence.
The family has requested that their moments of remembrance be held privately with family members only. Please allow them this time together as they honour their husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
Each of us will carry our own stories and memories of Brother Byskal’s influence, whether through his visits to foreign lands, his assembly at home, or the prospering of the Message in distant nations as a result of his labours. Each story, each testimony brings glory to our Lord, who graced us with this man and his ministry for more than seventy years. If you would like to share your testimony or memory of how your life was impacted by Brother Byskal, you may click here to send it to the family. In time, we hope to share these publicly, as a living testimony of what God has done.
The family extends heartfelt thanks for all your prayers over these past years. Special gratitude is also given to the staff at their residence in South Surrey, who cared for him so faithfully and kindly, calling him “Pastor Edward” out of respect for the man of God they came to know.
God bless you richly,
On behalf of The Byskal Family