Please click on name and see a greeting from each one.

It’s been a wild and crazy ride for us!  We were among the first to leave our assignment, in August, 1982.  Larry had endured quite a bit of illness, having contracted malaria, and then hepatitis from contaminated water, early on in our assignment.  We were moved a couple of times, the last being from Burkina Faso to Ivory Coast, where it was hoped that a bit more moderate climate would aid in Larry’s recovery.  Still, we enjoyed the ministry very much.  Everywhere we went people were hospitable, curious and willing to hear what we had to say.  The local brothers were welcoming and the more experienced missionaries were extremely helpful.  It was quite an adventure and quite an eye opener to experience life in a “third-world country” such as Burkina Faso.  It truly made us see the need for Jehovah’s kingdom.

Well, we were surprised as could be when Michele became pregnant in 1982.  So we returned to the States, settled in Maryville, Tennessee and started our family.  Our daughter Kimberly was born in 1983, son Jordan in 1985, daughter Kelly in 1987 and son Jared in 1990.  Those years of childrearing went by in a blur-a most challenging assignment!

Now the children are all grown, with the oldest daughter married with one child, the youngest son newly married just this month, and the other two single and disfellowshipped.  It is our fervent prayer that our family will once again be united in true worship.  We’ve experience many trials over the years, as we’re sure all of us have, but Jehovah has always given the right amount of help at just the right time.  We are certain that you all feel as we do, that Jehovah our God is so very loving, gracious and mericiful!

We rejoice to know that the vast majority of our classmates have endured and remained faithful.  Special commendation to those who have been able to remain in their assignments!  May Jehovah continue to bless each of you.

We are ever grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization, this unique and blessed brother hood, serving Jehovah with all of you.  And we will always be thankful for the privilege we had of attending Gilead School and serving, albeit briefly, as missionaries!

We send to each of you our warmest love and greetings and look forward to renewing friendships with you.

Your friends in Jehovah’s service,

Larry and Michele Toney