Pastor Jim Larson
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I was saved in early 1982, just 6 months before Janice and I got married. We did church as a family, but there was no one discipling me, so there was not much transformation in my life the first few years.
My career caused us to move every 3-4 years, which meant changing churches often. Without proper discipleship, I tried to do everything in my own strength and power, not letting the power of Jesus lead and guide my life. In the mid-1990’s we moved again and settled in Florida. We found a new church home where everyone seemed comfortable, and I joined the Promise Keepers movement. I attended several large conferences and rededicated my life to Jesus. A trip to Israel in 2000 caused me to really thirst for God’s Word, and I resolved to spend more time reading and studying, which I did. A Promise Keepers men’s group served to transform me from 2002 until 2008.
But in 2005, an event took placed that would change my life forever. I spent a little over a week in the middle of Honduras on a mission trip with a wonderful group of people who loved the Lord. I came back from the trip a changed man--a completely different husband and father—desiring to fill these roles as God intended. But I also knew I had been called to serve Him more completely in a full-time capacity.
For the next 3 years I submitted myself to rigorous Bible training and serving in our local church until my pastors and I both recognized the call to missions. My giftings are teaching and administration, which drew me to our current work with Intensive Care Ministries where I oversee training indigenous pastors across the continent. I have since achieved a Masters in Intercultural Studies (Missions) and a D.Min in biblical preaching to aid our field work. I've also become an ordained pastor. One of the most important things I've learned while serving so far away from home is that the Lord is continuing to strip away my old nature and refine me for His purposes.
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In my younger days, I spent many years as an avid runner, soccer referee, ultimate frisbee player/coach, golfer and fisherman. I still enjoy golf and fishing, but have also climbed Mt Kilimanjaro 3 times now.
My career caused us to move every 3-4 years, which meant changing churches often. Without proper discipleship, I tried to do everything in my own strength and power, not letting the power of Jesus lead and guide my life. In the mid-1990’s we moved again and settled in Florida. We found a new church home where everyone seemed comfortable, and I joined the Promise Keepers movement. I attended several large conferences and rededicated my life to Jesus. A trip to Israel in 2000 caused me to really thirst for God’s Word, and I resolved to spend more time reading and studying, which I did. A Promise Keepers men’s group served to transform me from 2002 until 2008.
But in 2005, an event took placed that would change my life forever. I spent a little over a week in the middle of Honduras on a mission trip with a wonderful group of people who loved the Lord. I came back from the trip a changed man--a completely different husband and father—desiring to fill these roles as God intended. But I also knew I had been called to serve Him more completely in a full-time capacity.
For the next 3 years I submitted myself to rigorous Bible training and serving in our local church until my pastors and I both recognized the call to missions. My giftings are teaching and administration, which drew me to our current work with Intensive Care Ministries where I oversee training indigenous pastors across the continent. I have since achieved a Masters in Intercultural Studies (Missions) and a D.Min in biblical preaching to aid our field work. I've also become an ordained pastor. One of the most important things I've learned while serving so far away from home is that the Lord is continuing to strip away my old nature and refine me for His purposes.
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In my younger days, I spent many years as an avid runner, soccer referee, ultimate frisbee player/coach, golfer and fisherman. I still enjoy golf and fishing, but have also climbed Mt Kilimanjaro 3 times now.