March 30, 2016
By Aaron Weaver
Rebecca and Jerry Reynolds
DECATUR, Ga. — Former Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel and retired chaplain Rebecca Reynolds died March 25 at the age of 76.
Reynolds served alongside her husband, Jerry, as a short-term missionary in Jordan through CBF’s Global Service Corps program from 1996 to 1998. She was also a CBF-endorsed hospital chaplain from 2002 until her retirement in 2012. In the later years of her ministry, Reynolds was a volunteer with CBF Global Missions’ Member Care team, facilitating physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness for retired or emeritus CBF field personnel.
A native of Shreveport, La., Reynolds was ordained at First Baptist Church of Waco, Texas. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, and daughters: Martha Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds and Rachel Black.
Jim Smith, director of global networks and development for CBF Global Missions, said Rebecca’s love for CBF was deep.
“I was impressed with Rebecca and Jerry’s spirit of adventure,” Smith said. “They came to international service late in life but were faithful to go into a different culture and environment and serve in the area of education. After their service was complete, they played a crucial role in caring for our ‘first generation’ of CBF mission workers living in retirement. Rebecca’s love for CBF was deep and she was an inspiration to many in the Fellowship.”
CBF Member Care Manager Tere Canzoneri echoed Smith, emphasizing Reynolds’ love for people.
“Rebecca had a deep and abiding love for people,” Canzoneri said. “After others would have retired, she continued work as a chaplain. She loved CBF field personnel and, along with her husband, Jerry, worked as a volunteer providing member care for retired field personnel up until the time of her death.”
A memorial service is being held in Reynolds’ honor at 2 p.m. today at Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.
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CBF is a Christian Network that helps people put their faith to practice through ministry efforts, global missions and a broad community of support.The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.