Partner Profile - Bob and Barbara Seals

Mr. Bob, Mrs. Barbara and their family are one of the few families from Grace Community Bible Church that have seen me (Jerry) grow up into the person I am today. I have spent time with their oldest kids in youth group, youth camp trips and college ministry. It has been a journey of faith for us all and it is amazing to see how God has worked in my life as a result of the work He has done in theirs. We are so very excited to have Mr. Bob and Mrs. Barbara partnering with us and investing in Guatemala and I am grateful to have them in my life and have always enjoyed time spent with them.

Partner Profile-Phil and Sharon DeVrou

Phil and Sharon DeVrou

I (Jerry) have known the DeVrou’s for quite some time now as we attended church together at Grace Community Bible-my home church. The DeVrou’s have provided much needed encouragement over the past few years of raising support, giving encouraging words as well as tips on better communication. We could not do this without the love and support of people like Mr. Phil and Mrs. Sharon. It is funny because when I first met them they were friends with my parents but now after having grown up I consider them friends and wonderful friends they are. We are so grateful to have them on our team financially but more importantly prayerfully.

Bob and Liz O'Brien

I(Jerry)have known Bob and Mrs. Liz (I have called them that for as long as I can remember) for somewhere between 25-30 years. They both have been an integral part of my life that began when my family started attending a little church that met in a converted trailer house- Grace Community Bible Church. I can remember the births of both of their daughters and helping mom babysit for their oldest; as well as Bob telling me they were having another baby, a boy! He and I were working together at that time. Now they are young grandparents and still very influential in my life, especially now as a parent—although I do let my kids chew gum! Bob and I have spent many hours either playing golf, serving in AWANA and when we worked together. It is very encouraging to have Bob and Mrs. Liz counted as partners in ministry and we look forward to many years of sharing each others lives.

Partner Profile - Finley and Becky Jones

My first memories of Mr Finley and Mrs Becky were growing up at Lake Charles Bible Church. I remember Mrs Becky singing specials on Sunday mornings and Mr Finley teaching Sunday School. I loved the class he taught the College & Career on the book of Hebrews. I am so thankful for the influence they had on my life. It is a great privelege to have them partner with us.

Partner Profile - Duke and Betty Landry

Duke and Betty “Nanny” Landry are my (Jerry) cousins on my mother’s side. I call Betty, “Nanny” because she is my god-mother and some of you know that is the ONLY thing I will call her! I used to call Duke-Uncle Duke which thoroughly confused anyone who knew Nanny and I were cousins!
Duke and Betty attend my home church, Grace Community Bible Church, in Denham Springs, La. It was at this church that I grew up and had the opportunity to be under some godly people. It was on a mission trip to Romania that I took with Duke and Nanny that helped me understand the importance missions played in the lives of teenagers and its importance in the life of a church.
I can remember being on the airplane and being so distraught with the thought of leaving my mission field that I actually contemplated getting off the airplane and staying in Romania to be a missionary! I thought I could sell all my stuff back home and live in Romania. Nanny, being aware of my feelings, walked back to my seat and told me that she understood how I felt but that if I didn’t come home on that plane my mom would kill both of us! Of course I laughed and understood what I needed to do and am incredibly thankful I did. It was not long after I arrived back home that I was given the email address to one future Mrs. Gerald Lastrapes.
I do have many people to thank for helping me understand the importance of missions and Duke and Nanny are some of those people!