“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV
Mary Greer and I met as students at Mt. Carmel (Illinois) High School. Our first ministry together occurred when we both represented our home churches as student committee members of Mt. Carmel’s Youth for Christ.
Mary Margaret Greer Dooms was born June 13, 1932 near Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and was born again at age 7. At age 12, she was baptized by her father, Rev. J.C. Greer. She dedicated her life totally to the Lord on the basis of Romans 12:1-2 at the second Mt. Carmel Youth for Christ rally in January 1949.
February 1949, I wrote: “George and Mary, youth for Christ, serving the King of kings, taking the glorious Gospel of Christ to unsaved human beings.” It was my Valentine to Mary. We served the Lord together as we dated in high school, and from June 18, 1950 as husband and wife, through October 12, 2014, when God ushered Mary to be with Him in Heaven.
Our life verse: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV
After years of marriage and several miscarriages, Mary asked me if we should consider adoption. But shortly after moving to Waco, Texas to work with Word, we learned that Mary was expecting. Linda Rae was born prematurely in October 1963, living only 4 days. Mary and I never got to hold her. We were devastated, but knew God was in control.
February 1965, our daughter Tami Leigh was born in Texas.
Mary and I co-founded TTT Christian Youth Ministries (Tri-State Youth for Christ) in February 1966.
As God opened doors in the Tri-State, James Lawson was born in July 1966.
Tami and James literally “grew up” at TTT, went to Christian schools, and became very involved at TTT. Tami and James were each introduced in their birth announcements as “World Changers.”
Whether using computer, typewriter, oven, stove, or needle and thread, Mary did everything with excellence. She did it all for the glory of God.
Serving the Lord faithfully, sharing her smile and Jesus’ unconditional love with thousands of youth and adults, she prepared and served food for countless teenagers and leaders from across America and around the world, and ministered quietly behind the scenes for multiple evangelistic youth efforts. Mary, with her two brothers’ assistance, made 100 Christian flags to carry unfurled “on parade” and on county courthouse steps.
“Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. His banner over us is love, our sword the Word of God. We tread the road the saints above with shouts of triumph trod. The faith by which they conquered death is still our shining shield.” “Faith Is the Victory,” by Ira Sankey.
In memory of the Rev. J.C. Greer (Mary’s father), who went to be with the Lord March 10, 1998, the “Leading Youth Resource Information Connections” (LYRIC – including Bibles, books, commentaries, audio/video and digital resources) is accessible and available at TTT to any leader from each of the local congregations and ministries partnering in youth evangelism with TTT.
J.C Greer wrote: “This whole set of books (Pulpit Commentary) is to go to Mary when I no longer need them. JCG.”
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Mary’s Homegoing, continuing the memorial in her memory will enhance and expand the Leading Youth Resource Information Connections (LYRIC) through the TTT Christian communication center.
LYRIC is far more than a compilation of tangible entities. LYRIC is a transferrable Christian communication concept – “why,” more than “how” or “what.”
As Paul wrote to his true son in the faith, Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV
Think ahead – Together Toward Tomorrow” is the continuing story of youth evangelism, decade by decade and year by year, 1931 to February 1, 2025, to be, God willing, TTT’s 59thbirthday, and counting.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV
You can have victory as you “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”