A Day visiting several Retirees

Glenn and I made the drive up to Go Ye Village in Tahlequah, Oklahoma—a peaceful retirement community nestled among the rolling hills, where several CAM/Avant retirees have made their home - a of place that seems to hold years of faithful service and rich history.

We were warmly greeted and spent a truly delightful time together with two couples and two singles.

Conversation was fast and filled with laughter, shared memories, and a deep sense of connection that comes from years of serving in ministry around the world.

Jack and Terresa Jones joined us all the way from Kansas City, bringing with them an infectious joy and heartfelt enthusiasm. They have graciously stepped forward to help care for and stay connected with retirees across the Midwest and Oklahoma. Their willingness to serve in this new season was both encouraging and inspiring to everyone.

Each person there carried a rich history of ministry. Bob and Donna Rice shared stories from their years in Panama and Guatemala, while the Hedlunds reflected on their time serving in Ecuador. Dick Kryder spoke of his work in Honduras and later in California, and Carolyn Johnson served in Guatemala. Some folks had memory challenges while others recounted stories of crossing borders with small children and difficulties of being robbed along the side of the Central American hiway.

Listening to them was like opening a window into decades of faithful obedience, sacrifice, and God’s provision in many corners of the world.

We moved into a nearby conference room where Jack and Terresa shared more of their personal journey—their story, their calling, and their deep love for Avant retirees. As they spoke, it was clear that this was more than a role for them; it was a genuine calling placed on their hearts.

The afternoon became a sacred time of listening and reflection, as story after story pointed back to God’s unwavering faithfulness. It was a beautiful reminder that while seasons of service may change, the impact of a life lived for Him continues on, touching hearts and building His kingdom in ways both seen and unseen.

Great is Thy Faithfulness!Læs mere