I just got word that a dear friend and colleague in ministry has died. Jim Terry has been a member of the board of directors for Wesley Putnam Ministries since our beginning in 1981. He has been a great encourager and has had a powerful and fruitful ministry as a United Methodist pastor. He will be remembered by many for his love for children. He was the brains behind the beginning of the elementary One Way camp at Ceta Canyon. Over the years he directed that camp with his faithful wife, Marlene, at his side. They have been a fixture at that camp and have seen thousands of boys and girls walk into Ceta Canyon to find a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jim was especially significant in my life. 28 years ago he asked me to be the storyteller for One Way elementary camp. I turned him down flat! He would not take “no” for an answer and declared that he knew I was the one for the job. He saw gifts in me that I didn’t know were there. I’m so glad that I finally said “yes.” There will not be a time when I tell the stories that were born in that camp that I won’t remember Jim Terry. He will be sorely missed.
Please keep Jim’s family in your prayers as they prepare to lay him to rest. His wife, Marlene, his son David, and wife Kim and their four young children, and daughter Jennifer, and her husband, Alan and their two young children. He will be buried in Lubbock, Texas, on Wednesday, and afterward, a service will be held at Lake Ridge United Methodist Church to celebrate his life and ministry.