Larry Cummings, director of missions (DOM) for Covington Baptist Association, recently announced plans to retire at the end of 2011. But don’t expect Cummings’ fervor for ministry to change.
“Retirement for us does not mean sitting down,” he said of himself and wife Genia. “We’re still going to be involved in ministry — however the Lord chooses for that to happen. We’re just going to be available, and we’re excited about the next chapter, not only in life but in our spiritual journey as well.”
Cummings has served in Covington Association for 23 years. He served as pastor of Westview Baptist Church, Opp, before becoming DOM 11 years ago.
Throughout his tenure as DOM, Cummings has been a part of many exciting missions endeavors.
“Covington Association has a strong history in being involved in Christian social ministries,” he said. “The last few years, we’ve become more involved in missions beyond the local area.”
A highlight of his tenure was establishing the Missions and Ministry Scholarship Program.
“Our desire and our goal is to be able to provide up to 50 percent of the cost of the missions trip for members of our churches in the Covington Baptist Association,” Cummings explained.
“We’ve had a number of people who have shared with us that they would not have been able to participate in a missions trip … except they were able to get that scholarship.”
He added the association is now approaching the $100,000 mark of scholarship funds given to people for missions opportunities.
After the April 27 tornadoes, Covington Association’s laundry unit was deployed to DeKalb Baptist Association. “We try to maintain a high level of preparedness when disaster comes,” Cummings noted.
Next year, Covington Association plans to send missions teams to Ecuador, Haiti, Michigan and New York.
As for future plans for Cummings, he divulged that he and his wife plan to relocate to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Beyond that, he said they don’t have specific plans aside from “just making ourselves available for however God wants to use us.”
“It’s been a pleasure to serve with these churches in the Covington Baptist Association, and it’s been a wonderful experience for me,” Cummings said.
“It’s also been a great learning experience and joy working with our partners at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.”
Share with others: