So, last month, KT and I made the move to Missouri to begin our work with Whetstone Boy’s Therapeutic School and Ranch. It would be simple to say that we were just following God’s calling for us at this time in our lives. Sort of like God’s calling to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis. Leave this current place where you are comfortable, somewhat content with city life, at a church you love, and doing great things for God and go to that place. But unlike Abraham and Sarah we knew where we were going and knew some people. But still, we were homeowners for 33 years (25 of those in the same house) and now we rent. We were used to snow of varying depths on the roads and now we have muddy roads that take days to “sort of” dry. Clothes and other things would dry quickly and now nothing seems to ever get dry but our skin is moist. And yes we believe God called us here to be in a grandparent role to the residents at the school, but there is more to the story.

This did not just happen last month though or even a year and a half ago when we made the initial contact with the director of the school and ranch. It actually started long before we were cognizant of what God was doing in our lives. KT always wanted to teach and to touch the future generations. It was and is part of her DNA. She is a teacher through and through with a lot experience not learned in the classroom at a building but in working with kids on dairy farm tours or at the Children’s Museum. Working with and writing curriculum for FFA students and teachers. All of these areas are going to come together for her as she is working with the Ag director at the ranch and helping with that portion of the school and ranch as well as being a grandmother.

For my part in this adventure, I have worked with kids in some capacity for 40 years. As a part time youth minister gig, a Little League baseball coach, a Boy Scout leader in various positions, a bible school teacher for both Children’s and Youth ministries. And just trying to influence the generations of kids coming up behind me.

These things just mentioned make it seem like we were being molded and shaped in a vacuum, but no, all of these events and times happened within a church family community. There is no end of opportunities for growth and work and relationships inside of a community like Lakewood Church. Living in community stretches a person and forces growth and grace. Living in forgiveness with other people who also need forgiveness gives a glimmer of how heaven will look when we get there.

We than God above and our church family at LCC for all that you have allowed us to do over the years. The ministries we were privileged to be a part of and to grow at LCC. It is because of those times and events in our lives that we can wake up in Missouri and know that there are people who still care for us and are praying for us and are encouraging us.

And it is not only the family we left at LCC but many of our clients and fellow contractors, our old neighbors, the Whetstone family and residents have encouraged us in this next chapter.

We thank all of you so much.

Our new address:

Gary and Kristin Tucker

4881 CR 2350

Pomona, Missouri 65789

What we wake up to most days: