The thing that I loved most about Tom was that he was an "out of the box" Christian who did "out of the box" ministry. His entire life's motto and favorite Bible verse was 2 Timothy 2:2 "The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful (reliable) men who will also be qualified to teach others. This was etched on his tombstone.
0
when he took my husband and I to an animal reserve, and we start driving threw and the animals started coming to the car. There were several animals that came over to the car but the aggressive ostriches and pecking at us, it scared me to death but Tom just laughed and laughed, then he brings up food that you can feed them, so he handed it to me so we could feed them!
0
We first met at a fundraiser for Asbury Seminary. Tom was the area rep. We became supporters and friends with Tom and Laura and have remained friends every since. They are a precious couple with a heart for Africa and as Laura continues with the ministry we will continue our friendship.
0
I first met Tom late in life, in the summer of 2021 when we both went on a Transformed Ministry men's retreat in Colorado. Little did I know the impact my tent mate would have on me in the mountains and valleys above Gunnison Colorado. I saw a love of God and his compassion for God's children (all of us) immediately. While I only knew Tom for a short while, I will always hold him as an earthly example of what our Heavenly Father would want of me. I only hope that I can in some way rise to that level.
Tom, my Friend, you are truly missed, but I look forward to seeing you again in the presence of God!
0
Saying my face to face goodbye to Tom on the hillside in Uganda with the new school behind me is truly etched in my mind. Even though I am a couple years older than Tom, he would be checking into his eternal reward while my cancer would be defeated and I would remain. Tom loved well through everything, a remarkable example for us remaining.
0
I have many memories from Asbury College involving Tom. He was such a no nonsense encourager. I was honored to be able to have my church assist Tom and Laura in one of their earlier missions in Africa.
Tom I will see you again, we’ll done friend!
0
Tom and Laura were good friends at Asbury College and Tom led our guys discipleship group. Even during finals week he expected us to keep doing daily devotions. After college, Tom invited me to join him on a 6 day backpacking trip in Colorado with his youth group. Who takes a youth group on such a trip? Only a crazy man. On the way up to above tree line, one person had a meltdown and refused to go on. Tom told all of us to go on and told her to either get up and follow or be left by herself. We walked away and after a short time she got up and followed us. We had a great time sitting around the fire and discussing what it means to walk with Jesus in the beautiful setting of the Rockies. I'm sure everyone on the trip remembers it well and was encouraged to devote their lives to God. Tom was greatly used by God to stir others on to love and good deeds and especially to love children and youth. He set a great example for all who knew him. Even though he is no longer with us, he is still challenging us through these memories. Well done, Tom!
0
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. What a servant of Jesus! I am truly honored to have known him.
0
My condolences to Tom's family. I first met Tom when he brought a very sick child at the clinic , the child was severely malnourished co -infected with HIV and was in advanced stage of the disease because that child was not on treatment,Tom told us to do whatever we can to see the child improve.Child was initiated on treatment with nutritional rehabilitation which required alot of financial in put which Tom and Laura catered for until this child greatly improved .He did this to several kids who were on the verge of death but are now alive, due to ethical principles I have not mentioned names.We developed friendship with Tom and Laura in the process . Tom has created a big impact in the community for the time he has been in Uganda, people have come to know christ ,has done capacity building,supported the very sick with no hope of healing,to mention but afew ,we have lost a great man but we strengthened because we believe he is with christ,may his soul continue to rest in peace.
0
Oh my goodness, so many vivid memories of Tom from Aldersgate Methodist Church and Joy Choir! As Steve Moore said, he loved jokes and pranks, most often at Gordo Gilbert's expense! I remember how enthusiastic and joyful he was in Joy Choir. (None of us won any awards for singing!) Rest in peace Tom. Congratulations on a life well lived. Love and prayers to his dear family.
0
Tom was a uniquely gifted and special person. He has been passionate about the Kingdom, missions and young people since high school! He was always full of mischief, loved a great prank or joke and had an infectious laugh. Tom beautifully and not always gently spurred others on to good works! I loved that about him. He was a loyal and faithful friend and sought to give his life generously to others, as is evidenced by so many things in these pictures and stories. We are all thankful that Laura came in to Tom’s life too.
My life was blessed having Tom in it. People in every town Tom and Laura have lived have been blessed by them. People on at least two continents have been blessed by them. Tom knew he was blessed, as he said on the last phone conversation we had, and he was faithful to be a blessing. Well done, Tom, you have spurred us on again!
1
Tom was not only a good and faithful servant of the Lord. He was a good and faithful friend to me. I first met Tom when I was 15. Throughout the years he served the Lord by serving others in many ways . I look forward to meeting him on the other side. He will be missed.
1
Prayers for Tom's family. He will be missed.
0
Laura - So very sorry to hear of your loss. I know he is home with the Lord but I also know, while that does offer comfort, you still have a new hole in your heart. I have a few. Prayers to heal and may God's loving arms comfort you and all who loved him so much.
0
I met Tom and his sweet wife Laura when we first started attending their church. They were our first small group leaders. It was their kindness that gave us a place to connect and grow in our walk with Christ. We are still at that church some 22 years later. We call it home because Tom and Laura made sure we felt at home. See you again some day Tom!
0
What a celebration in Heaven! So many already there and many to follow because of Tom's faithfulness to live out his life verse in Timothy. So sorry for the family that will be grieving for him but so glad for Tom as he celebrates his reward. RIP my friend.
1
The earthly journey has ended but the heavenly one just started. What a wonderful faithful servant to our Lord Jesus Christ. I know he, Steve and Lee are rejoicing together. The Banks Family
1
So Sorry for you loss He was a true man of God who showed God Love in his ministry Prayers of strength and comfort for the family
1
Share with others
Donate in memory
