Missionary
TECH Team’s TECH Intercessor has become the “flagship” publication to keep
ministry partners, prayer and financial, informed about what God is doing in and
through the Mission. The “behind the scene” person putting together this highly
acclaimed publication has been Laurie Collins, wife of Jim and mother to Anna
and Issac-John. Laurie, age 53, went to be with her Lord on November 30. Her
expertise and ministry to, and through TECH, has been most significant. We want
you to catch at least a glimpse of this faithful servant of God.
Laurie was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan – one of twelve
children. Laurie’s unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, steely determination,
and joyful perseverance in the face of suffering have been a constant testimony
to all who have known her as she battled the continual pain and progressive
debilitating effects of severe Juvenile-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis since her
preschool years. She looked consistently to God, “the One who lifts my head”
(Psalm 3:3) for strength.
Although human “wisdom” said she could never serve as a
missionary, especially on a foreign field, her faith never wavered. Here is a
part of her personal testimony, “From man’s viewpoint the chronic disease would
not allow me to serve overseas. I always had the confidence throughout the years
of preparation (from grade one on!) that God was bigger than the disease – that
He would heal or enable. What I failed to see was that God would use the
arthritis to make certain that I served Him where He chose and in His timing.”
Laurie attended Grand Rapids Baptist College (presently
Cornerstone University) and graduated from Western Michigan University with a
degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Counseling.
She also attended the Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary. She taught
first grade for five years at Grand
Rapids Baptist Academy, then served under Baptist Mid-Missions for one year in
the Central African Republic. As a missionary under the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM),
she spent four years teaching at Kent Academy in Nigeria. After marrying, Jim
and Laurie attended a one-year language school in Costa Rica, and then served in
Bolivia for three years.
In 1991 health conditions caused them to seek acceptance with
Missionary TECH Team “on loan” from SIM. Jim’s background in forestry
engineering helped prepare him for effective service within TECH’s Facilities
Planning Division. Laurie, too, immediately became involved in a number of ways.
Her writing and communication skills (the TECH Intercessor was but one item)
were of great value. Numerous comments have been received as to the quality and
content of this publication. Her cheerful “Hello” as a receptionist was an
encouragement to many. Many were recipients of notes of appreciation and
encouragement within and without the TECH family. She and Jim were always among
the first to provide meal hospitality to TECH guests.
Our prayer is that each of us, whether as TECH missionaries or
prayer and financial partners, will renew our commitment to our loving Father
who never allows conditions in our lives that are not meant to bring honor and
glory to Him. May we each rejoice in His abundant provisions for us and use such
provisions that indeed our goal is … “To know Christ and make Him known”.
