Faith, a true, industrious faith that seeps into the mundane and permeates the difficult, can seem ever-elusive, a pipe dream just out of reach. Not so for Esther Nix. Her faith is found in the every day, guiding her choices, protecting her in danger, comforting her in grief, and sustaining her in transitions.
Esther was born on a cold winter’s day in July of 1959, a month premature, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Esther’s parents, Elvio and Emma Canavesio, were missionaries at the time and brought Esther into the world surrounded by a family of faith. Elvio Canavesio was born and raised in Argentina, the son of Italian immigrants, and Esther’s mother, Emma, was the daughter of missionaries from Norway. Esther’s premature birth happened at an inopportune time, as her father was busy traveling and preaching at a camp meeting far from their home. Emma was staying with her mother, and they took a taxi to the hospital. With no cell phones or any way to get in contact with him, two or three days later, Elvio returned home to find that Esther had been born.
Elvio’s work as a pastor in Buenos Aires kept him busy most every day, as church services in Argentina were a daily occurrence. Esther was raised hearing stories of faith from the Bible and seeing faith lived out in the lives of her family, and she has many stories to share from her father’s work as a pastor, stories of witches and warlocks, miracles in and out of services, and provision from a Heavenly Father who truly cares for his children. She said that Pastor Elvio wanted her to understand that “The Lord is with you 24 hours a day. You don’t have to be super spiritual; you can go about your day – even to get a newspaper. He has you always.”
The Canavesio Family: Elvio, Esther, Emma, and David
Esther’s childhood was filled with constant change, yet she remembers growing up in a household of faith where their trust in the Lord never faltered. In 1969, when the Canavesios returned to the United States, Esther was in the 4th grade and didn’t speak any English. She points to a teacher, Sister Swails, who spent time with her every day after school, helping her to learn this new language. In 1970, when the family moved to Franklin Springs, Georgia, Esther recalls staying outside and on her bicycle until dinner every day. “I wouldn’t have wanted to spend those years (ages 11-14) anywhere else.”
Throughout her young life, the Canavesios traveled back and forth to Buenos Aires frequently, as they had quite a bit of family still living there. Buenos Aires is a bustling capital city, and Esther likens it to New York City in a way. As a young teen, Esther was traveling through Buenos Aires with a family friend, June Carter, when she was trying to enter the subway. June was able to get on, but Esther remained outside with her leg stuck in the door! The subway began moving and pulling her towards a wall and imminent danger. A man pulled the door open, allowing Esther to pull her leg free and June to jump off. Esther counts this as the first time that the Lord spared her life – from the subway and from what might have happened if she had been separated from June in the large city. This instance grew Esther’s faith and solidified her understanding that the Lord had good things in store for her.
Esther as a teen
The Canavesio family remained in Georgia until the IPHC headquarters were relocated from Franklin Springs, Georgia, to Bethany, Oklahoma, in 1974. Esther spent her teen years in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and she thoroughly enjoyed her time there as well. She mentioned that she had an amazing youth group, great friends, and involved, loving parents.
Esther’s father was eventually chosen to serve as the Superintendent of Latin America and Caribbean countries, and she, her mother, and her brother stayed in the United States during many of his travels. In 1978, the IPHC ruled that all missionaries must live on the field in the area they were serving, so the Canavesios headed to Costa Rica; only this time, Esther remained behind. Another time of transition was upon her.
In 1978, Esther enrolled in college at Southwestern Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where she completed a two-year degree and met the love of her life, Danny Nix. Esther’s eyes sparkle with mischief and sweet memories as she recalls falling for Danny’s car, a Camaro, before ever meeting him. “I saw this really nice car drive by, and I said, ‘I’d like to get a ride in that car!’” Turns out, Danny was the driver, and through their courtship, Esther would have many opportunities to ride in Danny’s car.
Esther and Danny Dating
Esther and Danny Dating
Esther’s faith had an opportunity to grow again, when one Sunday afternoon, while they were still dating, Esther and Danny headed out to dinner. Danny wanted a steak, but Esther had an unshakable craving for pizza. They had already stepped out of the car, heading toward the doors of Sirloin Stockade, when Esther convinced him to change plans. Teasing each other, they returned to the car and drove to a pizza parlor instead. That night, news broke of a horrifying tragedy—just moments after they would have arrived, Sirloin Stockade became the scene of a brutal mass murder. Esther and Danny were shaken. A casual dinner debate had unknowingly saved their lives. In that moment, Esther knew this was no coincidence. “I know He has plans for me,” she reflected. It was yet another reminder that faith doesn’t always come with grand gestures—it’s often found in the quiet nudges, the unexpected detours, and even something as simple as a craving for pizza.
Esther and Danny were married in July of 1979, and they settled in the Oklahoma City area, living all but two years of their marriage there. Esther, even though she was born in Buenos Aires and lived in several other places, counts OKC as her home. “This is where my sons were born, where we raised them. This is home.”
In 1987, the IPHC determined that the Canavesios could live in the States after all, so Esther’s parents planned to move back. Esther was thrilled! It would be wonderful to have her parents back in the States as Danny and Esther’s family grew! Esther’s parents returned to Tulsa, Oklahoma, but the reunion joy was short-lived. Emma was having increasingly painful headaches and trouble with balance; Emma’s doctors soon discovered that she had three tumors in her brain. Within three months, Emma, Esther’s beloved mother, had passed. Esther describes this loss as one of the hardest of her life, explaining that she was so young then and had never experienced a loss like that before. Esther shared that her mom was an amazing woman, a true helpmate, and prayer support for her father. She said that her mom was like “fabric softener”; she could take all the static out of the room, bringing peace. Esther was 28 years old then, and she and Danny had a young son, Bryan, who was just one and a half years old. Esther’s faith was tested during this difficult season, but it held true. Her Heavenly Father was her Comforter.
Esther’s father would marry again the following year to June Carter, a longtime family friend who had been a part of the Canavesio’s life for many years; the same friend who helped Esther from the subway train as her leg was stuck in the door. Esther shared that June was her mother’s best friend, and she encouraged Esther and her brother, David, to talk about their mother, Emma, as often as they wanted to. They shared their grief and their love together, the openness creating a safe place to process the hurt.
In the coming years, Esther and Danny would welcome another son, Seth.
Caption: The Nix Family: Back: Esther, Seth, Danny Front: Bryan
The Nixes remained faithful church attendees for all of their marriage, and Esther’s love for acting and directing always found a place to shine. Esther said about that time: “We loved it. That’s all our boys knew.” In more recent years, the Nixes served at Passion Church in Bethany (now known as Compassion Metro) as care pastors, going on hospital visits, checking on people, greeting at the doors, and offering other demonstrations of love. This appointment fit Esther to a tee, as she has an outgoing, caring personality that thrives on loving others. But Esther’s life of service did not end at the local church. She has also worked at the IPHC Headquarters (now known as the Global Ministries Center) for almost 31 years. She began working with the accounting department, moving to the World Missions department with the incoming finances for missionaries, and currently works as the Office Administrator for the Extension Loan Fund. Today, Esther’s sons carry on the family tradition, making them the fourth generation to serve in missions.
Danny and Esther
Seth, Esther, and Bryan
Another season of transition would soon be upon Esther, and in January of 2022, when she broke open a forgotten fortune cookie from a recent dinner, she heard the Lord’s still, small voice, “My grace is sufficient.” Esther thought to herself, “What a strange thought to cross my mind.” However, 2022 would prove to be a difficult year indeed. On March 3, 2022, his birthday, Esther’s father, Elvio Canavesio, passed away. On June 2, 2022, Esther’s husband and best friend, Danny Nix, passed away also, from a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Esther could have fallen into a deep depression or had every reason to allow these losses to cause her to isolate. Instead, she reminded herself that no matter the changes that take place, the Lord is constant and always faithful. When she felt like she might fall into despair, she would turn on praise and worship music and fill her heart and mind with the promises of God. She said: “I do grieve, but not as those who have no hope.”
Today, Esther spends her free time pouring out love and compassion on those around her. Years ago, she and Danny began a “40 and Better” small group at church, and this group is still going strong, with more than 40 people assembling for a recent dinner. For Valentine’s Day, Esther cultivates a special gathering for widows and single women who would otherwise not have a special someone to celebrate with. She invites them into her home, shares a meal and a small gift, letting them know how valuable and loved they are. Esther also still goes on hospital visits and greets at the church doors. In the last year, Esther began the MCP (Ministerial Credentialing Program) through IPHC, not knowing where this will lead.
For Esther Nix, faith isn’t just a belief—it’s the foundation of her life. It has guided, protected, comforted, and sustained her through danger, loss, and the unknown. Now, as she steps into the next season, she holds onto the promise spoken over her decades ago: “You will minister to a language you do not know.” She doesn’t have all the answers, but she does have one certainty—wherever God calls, she will go. Because faith, in every moment and every challenge, is her constant.
The Nix Family: Whitney (Bryan’s Wife), Bryan, Esther, Seth, Elizabeth (Seth & Madeline’s Daughter), Madeline (Seth’s wife) Front: Galia (Seth & Madeline’s Daughter)
