Give Generously

Friends and Family of Jerry,

Jerry lived a life of devotion to our Lord and Savior while selflessly serving and equipping men and women to move from "order to growth to spiritual maturity".

Colossians 1:28 says, "We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ."

This was Jerry's passion for me and the other men he discipled. Starting discipleship with Jerry as a 22-year-old, chaotic young man lacking direction, The Lord used Jerry to completely change my life to currently reflect a 46-year old man in daily pursuit of spiritual maturity. Jerry's role in my life is irreplaceable. Recently, we know and have heard from many who feel the same and want to find a small opportunity to give back in a big way to him and his family.

Well....that is the thought that's been burning through my mind, but Jerry NEVER did anything "small"!!! His BIG personality and being "ALL-IN for Jesus" were evident within minutes of meeting him. His immeasurable heart for his family was revealed every time he spoke of Chandler, Blythe, Haley or Guthrie. It was special. However, nothing could compare to the heart he had for Ruth and being the provider she and their children needed him to be. Along with his ministry at Shoreline (well chronicled via the Caring Bridge site), Jerry took a variety of jobs over the years to help "pay the bills". Both he and Ruth taught at CCS for 14 years, which also made it possible for their children to continue in Christian education. Finally, his ministry with Relational Concepts was an answer to prayer for the entire Collins family. This ministry was able to provide more stability for a family of 6, and especially the flexibility needed over the years with Ruth’s various health conditions along with the diagnosis of her narcolepsy and the impact this has on an individual, not to mention a family.

To the point...our brother is with his Savior. The kids have careers of their own, are starting families, and providing for themselves or their spouses. Ruth is serving women through her own ministry and providing an irreplaceable volunteer service to people (young and old) who find themselves suffering from narcolepsy. Jerry financially planned well, stewarded what the Lord provided through his ministries and saved for his family...but the absence of this monthly income will have a lasting impact on Ruth.

The family has been SO appreciative of people asking, "What can we do? Who or what can we donate to in Jerry's memory?" As someone who has known Jerry for 24 years...if we wanted to give something in his memory, Jerry would want us to support Ruth so she could continue serving the Lord through her meaningful ministries. So, instead of buying flower arrangements or giving to a specific charity, can we continue to support Jerry's ministry by allowing The Lord to lead our hearts in generously caring for Ruth? Possibly, those of us who have received the irreplaceable benefit of Jerry's discipleship can continue our monthly support, directing it to Ruth? There is no goal or target...just allowing The Lord to lead our giving as we see fit and hopefully providing a platform to allow all of those who are asking...an opportunity to give financial gifts that would be meaningful for Ruth and the Collins family! THANK YOU for praying over this, and considering a gift of support! ~Austin