Garry and Linda Brock: Reflections on 44 years of service
In 1976, they were two kids from rural Oregon who wanted to serve God in Africa but didn’t have any idea how to set up and get started.
Fortunately for all, they connected with CMF as their support organization, and Garry and Linda Brock’s 44 years of ground-breaking mission work in Ethiopia, Kenya, the CMF office and Asia Marketplace Ministries took off.
“CMF helped us by providing great leadership, help with our finances, and just helped us do what God called us to do,” said Linda.
As the couple wind down their ministry and move into volunteer work for CMF, they recently reflected on some of the things they learned, and some of the changes they have seen.
Partners
Garry and Linda can’t overemphasize how important their key ministry prayer and financial partners have been to their successful initiatives.
“They believed in us when were young and green, and have stayed with us,” said Garry.
Their national partners on the field were important, too, especially in the early years, and many have remained friends to this day.
“They discipled me, rather than me discipling them,” said Garry.
Changes
Garry and Linda have seen many changes in mission philosophy since 1976.
“We went to teach and share,” said Garry. “Now we go ‘so that’ our partners on the ground can do ministry. We go today and see if there’s a place to come alongside where God is already working. Everywhere you go, if you look hard enough, you’ll find a Christ-follower you can partner with.”
The Brocks want to encourage churches to not give up on missions or on missionaries.
“The world has changed, but people’s love for Christ has not,” said Garry.
“God still uses people to reach people,” added Linda
The Brocks are looking forward to what happens next in their lives.
“Whatever it is, we know God will continue to be faithful,” said Garry. “He brought us through many changes and now he’s brought us to another one. And I’m sure there will be surprises along the way!”
Enjoy more from the Brocks in the video below.
44 years, Africa, Asia, Brock, Ethiopia, Garry, Kenya, Linda, retirement