Gary and Laura Griffin
Gary Griffin’s journey began humbly in Greenwich, Ohio, where his early life was marked by a resistance to faith, despite the efforts of those around him to lead him toward Christ. However, in 2002, during a Thanksgiving dinner at Wesley Evangelical Church, God spoke to Gary's heart, prompting him to make a life-changing decision. He committed his life to Christ during a brief but heartfelt prayer on his lunch break. This marked the beginning of his journey of faith, leading him to be sanctified and eventually called into full-time service.
Laura Griffin, on the other hand, had known of Jesus for most of her life but didn’t fully commit to Him until 1988. Despite going through the motions of attending church and Bible studies, it wasn’t until a Christian concert that Laura realized it was sin that was keeping her from a true relationship with Christ. That evening, she asked for forgiveness and experienced the peace that only God could provide. Her journey, like Gary's, was not without challenges, as she struggled to fully surrender to God's will. Over time, however, she gave God everything, including her time, and experienced the deep peace that comes with total surrender.
Together, Gary and Laura’s lives took a significant turn when they both received a call to full-time missionary work. They were unsure of what this would look like, but they faithfully sought God’s direction. After attending Vennard College, they felt a strong pull toward mission work in Honduras, particularly at El Sembrador, a school that helps boys break the cycle of poverty and provides them with vocational training. This calling to serve in Honduras felt like home for both Gary and Laura, and they dedicated their lives to supporting and mentoring the young boys at El Sembrador, helping them not only gain practical skills but also grow in their relationship with God.
Gary’s favorite moments during his time as a global worker involved learning a new culture and language, which he found both challenging and rewarding. He took pride in his efforts to integrate into the Honduran community, striving to be seen as "one of them" while maintaining his Christian identity. He considered it a great accomplishment when the locals told him he spoke good Spanish, and his fulfillment came from seeing the nationals take ownership of their faith and community.
For Laura, her work as a registered nurse and her role in case management allowed her to minister to those in need, particularly the elderly and impoverished. She found great satisfaction in building relationships with her clients, many of whom lived in difficult circumstances, and sharing the love of Christ with them. Laura’s heart for the people she served was evident in her desire to not only meet their physical needs but also introduce them to the hope found in Jesus.
Throughout their years of service, Gary and Laura’s faith has been marked by a deep trust in God’s provision and guidance. They learned that God's plans often differ from their own, but His ways are always better. One of the key lessons they have shared is that serving the Lord is both one of the hardest and most rewarding endeavors a person can undertake. They both witnessed God's faithfulness in answering prayers and guiding them through numerous transitions and challenges.
As they retire, Gary and Laura plan to continue their ministry, albeit in a new location. Gary intends to work in an automotive-related field, using his skills to minister to others, much as he did in Honduras. He views this new chapter not as an end to their mission work but as a continuation of their calling, with a shift in focus and geography. Laura, too, remains dedicated to serving others and following God’s lead in whatever capacity He calls her.
The Griffins’ story serves as a reminder that God can take ordinary people and use them for extraordinary purposes. Gary and Laura’s lives have been a living testimony of what it means to surrender fully to God, and their impact will be felt long after their official work has come to a close.