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For nearly six decades, JIM ‘64 AND BETH (KLING) LEAMAN ’64 have discovered that every season of life brings new opportunities to trust God. Now, as they celebrate turning 80 alongside their Lancaster Mennonite classmates, they are embracing a season of transition with gratitude, flexibility, and enduring faith.
“Being rooted in Christ in this season means holding onto faith in Christ and trusting the Holy Spirit to be our Helper,” they shared. Living at Landis Homes has opened new opportunities to invest in relationships, encourage neighbors experiencing loss or health challenges, and remain active in worship, Bible study, and service.
Their story together began at LM, where they first met as students. Looking back, they credit LM with shaping both their faith and their future. Bible classes, chapel, and teachers who broadened their understanding of God’s world nurtured a lifelong love for Scripture, while daily rides to school with teacher Myron Dietz left a lasting impression on Jim. Most importantly, Lancaster Mennonite introduced them to one another, beginning a partnership marked by God’s faithfulness.
Following graduation, Beth and Jim entered Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) in Philadelphia, expecting to serve for two years. Instead, God led them to remain for 25 years, where they ministered as a pastor couple, raised their family, and helped establish Philadelphia Mennonite HS.
When the time came to return to Lancaster County, they stepped into another unfamiliar season, “feeling like Abraham, who went out not knowing where he was going.” Once again, God faithfully provided a home, meaningful work, and a church community before eventually calling them back into pastoral ministry.
Their daughter, MARIA BOWMAN ‘94, and three of their grandchildren are LM graduates.They are pictured here with their granddaughter, LEAH BOWMAN ‘20, during COVID at her socially-distant LMH graduation.
Their encouragement to today’s students is simple but timeless: “Keep Jesus central. Listen for God’s Spirit, stay connected to other believers, and love and serve others—especially those who are different from you.”
