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BARBARA KEENER REED ’52, reflects that “lots of water has flowed under the LM bridge” since she was a student. But she is so grateful for the foundation the school gave her.
Already a church member when she began as a student, her time at LM led her to truly choose Jesus for herself and to dedicate her life to God’s mission, wherever it led. She is thankful that her late husband, HAROLD E. REED ‘52, was being similarly shaped at LM.
She shared, “LM prepared us to steady ourselves in God through major uncertainties and difficulties, of which there were many!”
Serving for 15 years in Africa, Harold and Barbara’s life together included the challenges of living and working in a different culture, surprise orders to leave the country immediately, and even having their lives threatened. Their witness as people of joy, kindness, and patience led others to also choose Jesus. Barbara gives God the glory for this!
Re-entry into life in North America brought new opportunities to serve. As a nurse, she ministered to patients experiencing mental illness and deep trauma. Today, she
continues to share devotional messages with her Landis Homes community, prays faithfully for family, the church and the world, and encourages others through her memoir, Standing on Holy Ground and Some Not So Holy.
For Barbara, being rooted in Christ means trusting in His provision. “God gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless.”
Perhaps her greatest season of trust came as she cared for Harold through his journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Grief was a significant piece of this “long goodbye” but she walked in the joy of the Lord.
Barbara’s encouragement to students comes from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths…follow Jesus and root yourself in Him. The benefits are out of this world!”
