First Baptist Church, Russellville
Franklin Baptist Association
Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Hobbies: Missions work
Family Status: Married to Martha for 52 years; four children, George, Norma Jean, Patricia and Donna; and seven grandchildren.
Grady Fuller spent most of his adult life teaching history to college students. Then, at age 72, he visited a church to give a Gideons’ report and a pastor challenged attendees not to sing “Wherever He Leads I’ll Go” unless they meant it. At that point, Fuller submitted his life to missionary work. Now 85, he has traveled alone to more than 20 countries to do missions work — at times taking four trips in one year.
Q: Why have you taken so many missions trips?
A: At my age, I don’t have much time left and I want to make it count. The Bible says, “Work while its day, for the night cometh when no man can work.
Q: How do you decide where to go?
A: I like to go into places that are untouched by Christians. That’s why I go by myself. Being a Gideon, I get a lot of leads from contacts at Gideon conventions and from missionaries who invite me or tell me where the untouched places are.
Q: What does it demand?
A: I like going alone because I like being with the [nationals]. I know sometimes it’s dangerous, but I am willing to take the risk.
Q: What do you get from it?
A: I get the pleasure of doing it. That’s my calling.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I’m going to go as long as I can and as long as the good Lord gives me strength and provides for me. I have no plans to quit.
Q: What difference will this ministry make for you in the future?
A: The more I go, the more I learn. Usually I go to one or two new countries a year.
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