Living YES!: Jerry and LouAnn Tuttle

Jerry and LouAnn Tuttle

Recently, while in Colorado Springs, I went out to lunch with my sister-in-law, Joan. As we were leaving the restaurant, a very darling and unassuming couple arrived. Joan immediately hugged and greeted them and introduced me. It was a brief encounter. The man, Jerry Tuttle (turning 90 this month), and his wife, LouAnn, with her arm through her husband's looked like the all-American grandparents. They were adorable.

When we got in the car Joan said, "Now, Judy, that's a couple you could interview for Living YES!" Boy, was she right…

Three weeks after turning fifteen, Jerry's father passed away. His strong work ethic was already in place as he was able to help provide some monthly support for his mother and two sisters. During this season he met LouAnn. They dated for three years and at the ripe age of nineteen Jerry proposed. With maturity beyond her eighteen years, LouAnn said "YES!" (Last year they celebrated their seventy-fifth anniversary!)

With limited peripheral vision at the age of twenty-five, Jerry was turned down by the military and some other jobs opportunities eluded him. Jerry became self-employed, leasing a gasoline service station before going into the insurance business.

During this time of raising their son and daughter, both Jerry and LouAnn were very involved in their local church. Between teaching Sunday School, children's church, hosting a home fellowship group and serving on the church board, their lives were extremely full. Eventually Jerry experienced burnout serving on the church board and asked to be on the missions committee instead.

Bolt in for this part of their journey…

Jerry traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan to explore whether the church should support missionaries there. The trip launched an insatiable appetite in both Jerry and LouAnn's hearts to respond with God's love to those persecuted and poverty-stricken.

At sixty-five Jerry retired from his secular employment and committed his remaining years, as the Lord permits, to fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).

The Tuttles launched HARVEST FIELD CORNERS (www.hfci.org) with this vision:

We are dedicated to uplifting and multiplying fellow believers who are enduring persecution and poverty, guiding them to become faithful Kingdom Stewards. Through discipleship and by equipping them with essential tools—be it knowledge or practical resources—we empower them to thrive. >By providing Biblical Stewardship Training, we assist aspiring entrepreneurs in developing and implementing business plans for income-generating ventures.

This holistic approach leads to educated children, satisfied healthcare needs, flourishing families and neighborhoods, and the establishment of new churches.

With four or more countries in that part of the world having a 'state religion', often those not following that religion are driven into poverty. Self-employment becomes a practical way out.

Reducing poverty among persecuted believers, Harvest Field Corners implements micro-enterprise strategies embedded with Biblical stewardship training.

Jerry said the Holy Spirit revealed that the path out of poverty—and into a place where one could share the Gospel—was self-employment for national Christians born into impoverished Christian families. Through Harvest Field Corners marketplace evangelism is growing! To God be the glory.

By giving away his work expertise after leaving his secular career, Jerry created a growing platform for more courageously sharing his faith. Through strategic micro loans and training, they have helped put hundreds of persecuted Christians in business. He acknowledges that people may be tempted to hold back a bit in retirement because of limited resources, but He has seen over and over again how God takes care of us as we give to build His kingdom.

I asked Jerry how our YES! community could pray for Harvest Field Corners.

Pray everyone involved: officers, leadership teams, staff, clients (Christian businesspeople) will daily follow God's plan. And that there will be more seekers…who will become believers and thus will become servants of Jesus Christ.

So grateful we ran into Jerry + LouAnn coming out of that restaurant. Had no idea that dignified, soft-spoken mature couple were world changers.

–Judy

Thank you, Judy, for sharing this inspiring story about The Tuttles! As a 'younger' woman stepping into my own second half years, I often find myself in awe of these humble individuals whose lives are marked by steadfast faith and perseverance. I wonder, "What does it take to live the remainder of my days with such fruitfulness?"

Here are some key qualities I'm reflecting on from the Tuttles:

• 75 years of marriage
• A strong work ethic
• Active involvement in their local church
• Participation in small groups
• A life dedicated to serving others
• Perseverance in the face of challenges
• Attentiveness to the Holy Spirit
• Generosity with their time and talents
• Committing retirement to God's purpose

After reading this, I can just envision Jerry concluding with,

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing If we don't give up!" Galatians 6:9

Do you know someone in the second half of life who is making a meaningful impact for the Kingdom? We’d love to hear their story as we continue gathering inspiring examples. Please send to info@yestoserve.org.