VMMissions Announces Stephen R. Leaman Memorial Endowment for Missions

Steve Leaman

Yesterday would have been Steve Leaman’s 63rd birthday. It has been just over five months since he passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2020. Steve had served on the staff of Virginia Mennonite Missions for nearly five years. Prior to that, Dr. Leaman had a career as a well-respected educator and principal in the Rockingham County Public Schools. After his death, we saw a generous outpouring of gifts to honor him, totaling over $10,000. Usually, memorial gifts like these support our general mission fund. In consultation with Steve’s family, however, we decided to create an endowment so that these gifts could support various ministries for years to come. We are honored to announce to the public the Stephen R. Leaman Memorial Endowment for Missions.

The proceeds of the Stephen R. Leaman Memorial Endowment for Missions will benefit three areas of ministry: (1) mission personnel engaged in the education of children through Christian schools, community centers, and local churches; (2) education scholarships to the children of mission workers serving in cross-cultural assignments; (3) the costs of mission administration.

As a member of the VMMissions staff and Lindale Mennonite Church, I miss Steve’s kindness, heart for service, and his balance of careful leadership and spirited mischief. While it continues to be difficult to grapple with his loss, I find comfort in the words Steve shared with our staff shortly before he passed: “Through God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, I now have eternal hope. In these times, accept Jesus!” I invite you to help us share the eternal hope of Jesus with others by contributing to this endowment.

Sincerely,

Abe Hartzler
Associate Director of Advancement