“The Good Lord Will Always Uphold Us”

“…This figurine was designed to honor the faithfulness of my friend,
Laurie (Berg) Collins” — Sam Butcher, founder of Precious Moments Figurines

Missionary TECH Team’s TECH Intercessor has become the “flagship” publication to keep ministry partners, prayer and financial, informed about what God is doing in and through the Mission. The “behind the scene” person putting together this highly acclaimed publication has been Laurie Collins, wife of Jim and mother to Anna and Issac-John. Laurie, age 53, went to be with her Lord on November 30, 2005. Her expertise and ministry to, and through TECH, has been most significant. We want you to catch at least a glimpse of this faithful servant of God.

Laurie was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan – one of twelve children. Laurie’s unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, steely determination, and joyful perseverance in the face of suffering have been a constant testimony to all who have known her as she battled the continual pain and progressive debilitating effects of severe Juvenile-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis since her preschool years. She looked consistently to God, “the One who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3) for strength.

Although human “wisdom” said she could never serve as a missionary, especially on a foreign field, her faith never wavered. Here is a part of her personal testimony, “From man’s viewpoint the chronic disease would not allow me to serve overseas. I always had the confidence throughout the years of preparation (from grade one on!) that God was bigger than the disease – that He would heal or enable. What I failed to see was that God would use the arthritis to make certain that I served Him where He chose and in His timing.”

Laurie attended Grand Rapids Baptist College (presently Cornerstone University) and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Counseling. She also attended the Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary. She taught first grade for five years at Grand Rapids Baptist Academy, then served under Baptist Mid-Missions for one year in the Central African Republic. As a missionary under the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), she spent four years teaching at Kent Academy in Nigeria. After marrying, Jim and Laurie attended a one-year language school in Costa Rica, and then served in Bolivia for three years.

In 1991 health conditions caused them to seek acceptance with Missionary TECH Team “on loan” from SIM. Jim’s background in forestry engineering helped prepare him for effective service within TECH’s Facilities Planning Division. Laurie, too, immediately became involved in a number of ways. Her writing and communication skills (the TECH Intercessor was but one item) were of great value. Numerous comments have been received as to the quality and content of this publication. Her cheerful “Hello” as a receptionist was an encouragement to many. Many were recipients of notes of appreciation and encouragement within and without the TECH family. She and Jim were always among the first to provide meal hospitality to TECH guests.

Our prayer is that each of us, whether as TECH missionaries or prayer and financial partners, will renew our commitment to our loving Father who never allows conditions in our lives that are not meant to bring honor and glory to Him. May we each rejoice in His abundant provisions for us and use such provisions that indeed our goal is … “To know Christ and make Him known”.

Article written by: Birne Wiley

Graphic Design by: Larry Wiklund