As a 22-year-old Journeyman, Jeri Whitfield saw long-term missionaries commit their lives to God and the people they served. That was her model for missions – a missionary presence that creates gospel access and transforms lives. It’s still her desire today, 40 years later.
The first time she left Thailand, she’d finished a two-year Journeyman term. She returned to Thailand as a career missionary in her 40s. At age 55, she faced health concerns and made the difficult decision to retire early.
“My heart was still here. I didn’t feel like the job was done.”
Once again, now in her 60s, she’s returned to the field. Why does she keep returning to reach the nations through the IMB? The answer for Whitfield is simple. She’s committed her life to being a steadfast missionary presence, even though the commitment hasn’t been easy. God isn’t finished using her to reach the nations.
“My experience with missions was that when you’re called, it’s for life,” she said.
The Cooperative Program takes the Gospel to the nations and the neighborhoods. Your financial support through the Cooperative Program allows missionaries to fulfill the Great Commission call God has placed on their lives.
Pray that God would embolden Jeri as she so faithfully serves those in Thailand whom God has placed as a burden on her heart.
