A Love Story That Didn’t End

Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress... James 1:27 (CSB)

For 51 years, Brenda and Jim Collins lived a beautiful love story that unfolded in small church sanctuaries across Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. It wasn’t just a marriage; it was a ministry partnership that touched countless lives.

“What I really loved the most was just being by his side,” Brenda remembers, her voice soft with memory. “Every hospital visit, every home visit, we were connected at the hip. God called us both into ministry. He called Jim to preach and pastor, and he called me to be a pastor's wife.”

Jim pastored almost exclusively in small churches that simply could not provide retirement benefits. Not one congregation was able to set aside contributions to his retirement account. When they discovered Mission:Dignity® everything changed. “Mission:Dignity was a game changer,” Brenda says. Its provision brought peace to their golden years.

Then, less than three years after connecting with Mission:Dignity, Jim passed away.

“The day Jim died, a part of me died too. That’s not fixable, not until eternity,” Brenda whispers. “But I just love that Mission:Dignity still cares.”

Soon after Jim’s passing, Mission:Dignity called to ensure her continued support. “I was honestly surprised, but it was such a comfort and blessing.”

Today, Brenda knows she’s not forgotten. “Mission:Dignity feels like a friend when you need one most.”