Link Care Center, Fresno, California, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Dr. Stanley Linquest, founder of Link Care, defines the purpose as “Restoring Hearts and Celebrating Wholeness.” Under this banner, Link Care provides pre-field missionary evaluations, crisis counseling for ministry personnel, local counseling services, re-entry/debriefing services for missionaries, and an on-campus residential retirement living community.

Upon returning from their latest assignment with EFM, Willard and Doris prayed fervently that they could be used in “continued ministry in people’s lives that counts for eternity.” The Lord heard their prayer and led them to Fresno, California.

They weren’t the only people in prayer. Daughter Sue Hays, her husband, Robert, and three grandchildren live in Fresno where they serve in pastoral ministry for Fresno Friends Church. Pastor Robert and the church were praying for a miracle in church staffing. They were looking for support staff, especially in the area of pastoral care.

Linking Things Together
Position open: Resident Chaplain at Link Care Center. Duties: lead a weekly Bible study; pastoral care and visitation to the 70+ residents of the independent living retirement community; attend the weekly chapel service for the staff at Link Care; and attend a weekly dinner for the missionary staff, who are in transition through the Link campus.

Position open: Resident ministers at the Fresno Friends Church: deepening friendships; encouraging spiritual life; implementing vision; and helping coordinate worship services.

The Fergusons Took Both Jobs
Willard and Doris spend part of each week in pastoral care calling on members, some of whom are unable to attend worship services or have special needs. Recently, they initiated a Wednesday prayer service from noon to 1:00. “Basically, we just look for ways to fill the cracks,” Doris confided.

When asked what they like best about their new ministries, Willard replied, “We have the opportunity to freely encourage and partake in other people’s lives. We really perform ministry by our own time schedule and as we identify needs.”

Their ministry is founded in the practical application of Scripture. Recently, while studying “The Prayer of Jabez,” they witnessed several in the resident community reach beyond themselves to encourage others in their spiritual journeys. One person even has a ministry to Iraq, via the link of the Internet.

Lest anyone now thinks that the Fergusons are working too hard, Willard also finds time to play tennis with the grandchildren and helps coach grandson Cedric’s basketball team.

After 40 years of mission ministry in Africa, Willard and Doris Ferguson are at home in ministry with the added blessing of being at home with family.

If you would like to get in touch with Willard and Doris, contact the Evangelical Friends Church Southwest by phone at 562-947-2883.

-by Larry Kinser, EFCSW staff