To Retire is Not to Retreat
Can a missionary RETIRE?
It’s funny that we don’t ask that question of a Christian plumber or lawyer, but we balk to use the term for pastors and missionaries. Of course, we can retire! But we can’t retreat, for the Kingdom marches on.
However, we do need to redefine our calling, taking into account our own physical and mental limitations. It is a time of serious transition, and we’ve approached it gradually and prayerfully for years, preparing other leaders and passing the reins of leadership to them.
Sailing home
Since one-way tickets were ridiculously expensive, we found a much better and cheaper way to travel – by ship!! We sailed from Europe to Miami, giving us time to grieve our loss, to wind down from our busy life in Ukraine, and to gear up for Stateside living.
It was special that we had a one-day stop in the Azores in the mid-Atlantic, for it is a part of Portugal! It was a joy to speak some Portuguese and enjoy that familiar cuisine from our 14 years of Portuguese ministry at the beginning of our missionary service, starting in 1979.
However, in our first week home, Clay tore his bicep while doing some yard work. This not only necessitated surgery but a long recovery that slowed our itineration. Clay’s mother also needed to be moved, and we were elected to handle distribution of her household goods among the family – quite a chore! Yet, we traveled as much as we could, and we made several trips back to Ukraine for teaching and for dedication of our seminary building. Darlene, too, had surgery, so our planned 6 months “winding down” stretched into two years of busy itineration and ministry.
During this time, we visited ONE HUNDRED churches and supporters! We are thankful to those who prayed for our safety and health during this busy time – the Lord has answered marvelously!
After we retired December 31, 2019, Clay had knee surgery, slowing us down again. In March, we were invited back to MTW for a luncheon, where we were honored by the denominational Committee and the office Staff. It was a blessing to see a number of old friends there, and to give God the glory for His faithfulness in many years.
Retirement – What now?
We aren’t the only ones! We’ve connected with a group of retiring missionaries – The Old, Wise, Learned Saints (OWLS).
It’s a blessing to be near Clay’s mother and our grandchildren in Jackson, MS. But, just as we were hoping to stay home a bit, we HAD to stay home, due to the Coronavirus Quarantine!! It is indeed a strange time for us.
Clay has been able to go fishing a few times, which he has enjoyed. Darlene has enjoyed some gardening at our home and our son’s home. We’re taking time to organize our home, to read, to keep up with friends on the internet and by phone. Yet, we still can’t figure out our “new normal”.
Clay was planning to fly to Kiev in May to teach a course in ERSU Seminary – but that is now on hold. We’ve had to cancel various speaking engagements: a series of missions conference keynote speeches, a Boy Scout Eagle ceremony speech, a seminary missions meeting, retreats, etc. Are we to STOP?!
Passing it On!
But there’s something new afoot. Clay was invited to preach in the RTS-Jackson chapel service last month. And he has now been invited to teach 2 courses at RTS-Jackson in fall: missions and evangelism. Reformed Theological Seminary is where Clay earned 2 degrees, so it holds a special place for us, and we are thankful for the opportunity to connect with the New Generation of leaders in the Church.
Please keep on with us – for Ukraine, for Portugal, for ERSU Seminary, for RTS Seminary, and for the Gospel to go throughout the USA and to the Ends of the Earth, until Jesus comes!
A good friend of ours passed away recently – Dr. James Baird. He was one of the Fathers of the PCA. The last sermon he preached was in Clay’s mother’s retirement home, where he had served several years. As Clay preached there March 1st, he was aware of stepping into large shoes. Jim went until he dropped, preaching the Gospel.
Another friend and mentor, Dr. Don Patterson, also a Father of the PCA, retired and became Pastor At Large to our missionaries, traveling constantly. Even after getting cancer, he kept going. His final mission trip was to our home in Odessa, Ukraine. He went until he dropped, preaching the Gospel.
What great examples! Retiring may mean slowing our pace, but it is No Retreat! As long as we have life and breath, let us Press On!
