Page 15 - The Channel Spring 2021 _FINAL_

Jim & Mary Miller 46 years of service

I, Stephen Holmes (CBM Missionary),
had the privilege of sitting down with
Jim and talking about his time in the
ministry of CBM. Though Jim grew up
in the ministry, it was not his plan to
go into camping ministry with CBM.
It wasn’t that he was opposed to the
ministry or anything like that; it just
wasn’t what he thought he would be
doing with his life. However, after
graduating from college, there was a
need at Camp Victory for help with
maintenance. Jim and Mary decided
they would go there and help in May
of 1972, not realizing that would be the
beginning of a journey that has lasted
until today. More than once, Jim talked
about how he couldn’t have scripted this
adventure, even if he wanted to.

When starting out with CBM at Camp Victory, Jim and Mary began working without having any supporters. Being close
to home, Jim knew that his mom wouldn’t let them starve. Today, CBM holds classes (called G.R.O.W. Training) to help
new missionaries learn how to find supporters and network with people proactively. Even though Jim and Mary did not
benefit from this type of training, God was faithful and provided for all of their needs. Many times God brought precisely
what they needed when they needed it. Jim also talked about how one of the most significant provisions God brought
their way was learning to be content with what God provided. It can be challenging to be in ministry if you are always
comparing what you have with others. Still, if you learn to be content with what God has provided you with, it doesn’t
matter what you don’t have. Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or
in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

Jim admits that there could have been more comfortable ways to make a living over the years, but there would not have
been any more fulfilling or rewarding way that he could have seen living his life. Jim said that one of the best things God
ever gave him to help him over the years was Mary. They have worked through the difficult times but still labor for the Lord
together. “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord,” Proverbs 18:22.

When thinking about advice he wished he could have given himself when he started, or that he would give to future
leaders, Jim said, “First, be a servant, and wherever that takes you is up to God.” Jim talked about the importance of being
willing to do what needs to be done. Work with those who you are privileged to be leading. Trust those who God has
placed you with and allow them to use their gifts for God’s glory; don’t try and micromanage them.

Today, even though Jim and Mary are technically retired, you can still find both of them working around Camp Victory,
Mary in the office and Jim on the grounds. As someone who has seen an example of lives lived for God, I am thankful for
everything that Jim and Mary have done over the years and their faithfulness to God’s calling.

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