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By Rachel Tidwell
His passion for JAARS and spreading the Good News keep Lloyd Harder behind the wheel of his blue tractor-trailer. And though his wife, Linda, initially struggled with the idea of being cooped up in a truck for days at a time, she soon realized all she can do for the Lord from the cab of a 90-foot long truck. It's what she refers to as her "drop in the bucket," - her contribution to the Kingdom. "God has given talents to everyone...I can organize. I go in and do my thing and they do theirs." Lloyd also believes that driving the truck for JAARS to move people across the country is his "drop in the bucket." His many providential meetings on the road assure him it's the Lord's plan. These days, he's even more convinced of it.
Four decades ago, Lloyd and Linda met Bob and Charlene Weidenaar at a church in Sioux Falls, SD. The friendship was instant, strengthened as the men quickly realized their many similarities - their pastor fathers, their love for planes, pizza and Southern Gospel music, and their desire to serve the Lord.
Throughout the years, their passion to impact lives for Christ has opened doors and created opportunities. One such opportunity actually piled 17 people in an RV for an overnight trip to take food to a family in need.
Lloyd remains ready for any "left-turns" the Lord may send his way, and Bob says, "I just tell the Lord, 'whatever you want me to do, I'll do it.'" Faithful in tithing to the Lord for as long as they can remember, Bob and Charlene think it's only natural that, in the end, their money returns to the Lord. It wasn't until a recent reunion with Lloyd, however, when the couple realized where God was leading them to extend their faithful stewardship.
During the recent reunion, Lloyd showed Bob the truck he drives for JAARS, and the KODIAK banner immediately caught his eye - Bob knew this was God's plan. Easily connecting with the mission, Bob and Charlene have since changed their will to include JAARS as a beneficiary. In addition to the natural connection with the KODIAK, the couple has always desired to leave a legacy to further the Gospel. Charlene knows "the Power lies in the Word" and, through the work of the Gospel, "no matter what the problems are, God will provide."
Both couples firmly believe in continuing to work for the Lord during their retirement. Bob and Lloyd, ever the visionaries, love to dream about how God will use them next, perhaps even through a project with Wycliffe Associates. Lloyd repeatedly tells Bob he's "too old" to fly planes, but Bob still enjoys dreaming that the Lord's next step for him will involve flying. For now, though, he and Charlene are happy to have the opportunity to financially support the KODIAK project. Charlene believes "there's a job for everybody; God just puts it together so well." This gift is their drop in the bucket. What's yours?
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