Today, April 17, we’re remembering Tom Gentry and the legacy he left behind when he moved to glory, some 8 years ago. Today, he would’ve been 70.
Tom Gentry came as a missionary to Romania back in 1993 and started the ministry of Hope for the Future Romania (Speranță pentru Viitor). Three years later, the Lord expanded the ministry into a neighboring country, Moldova. Again, after another three years, God opened his doors for a new continent, a new world and a great deal of new opportunities: Malawi, Africa.
He was a missionary and he was a mighty man of God. To us, he was also a father, a mentor and an example to learn from. He taught me many things, the chief of which was this: “Find God’s will and do it!”
Although even now I remember the phone call announcing his passing, I am grateful for heaven and for the promise of eternity. He has gone where we’re all looking forward to go to. He’s not dead, he is more alive than I’ll ever be here on earth!
His passing was hard on us but God used it to teach me a valuable lesson: God is all I need.
The legacy of Hope for the Future continues, so does the work of bringing the hope of Jesus to a lost and dying world. The work continues in Romania and this year, again, thousands of children and youth will hear the message of the Gospel. The work continues here in Malawi, stronger than ever before.
Although it is my honor to remember “Brother Tom”, how most people affectionately called him, I am not in the business of staying in the past; quite the opposite, we’re looking into the future! I am grateful for the vision God gave me to continue the work and I look forward to see how God will be glorified in the lives and hearts of the people we serve.
I’m grateful for the people that God placed in our lives right now, people who help us and enable us to reach further than we’ve ever dreamed. I’m grateful for all the mission teams, for all the churches and for all the individuals who continue to support the work. I’m grateful for Pastor Keith who was God sent exactly when we, and the ministry, needed him the most.
So today we’re grateful for who Tom Gentry was and the work God did through him. Also today, we’re looking in the future, for our team’s name is “Hope for the Future”.
That was his life’s goal. May that be ours, as well.
He was what you said and more. We loved Tom-and his family. God bless all of you and the others who work along with you.
His son in law Tim Carpenter and daughter Star are actively involved in a bible printing ministry and missions work in Puerto Rico.