Jerry and Shirley Heckart understand giving is the currency of compassion and kindness. The hallmark of the couple’s 55-year marriage is their generosity of time and resources in caring for the disadvantaged.
Of all the ministries that Jerry and Shirley have supported over the years, the one that has captured their hearts the most is Fathers in the Field.
“Fathers in the Field is one of the greatest and most urgently needed missions I know of since fatherless boys often have no Christian or moral guidance,” said Jerry. “When I saw the statistics connecting fatherless boys to the number of men in prisons without fathers, my heart broke. I immediately said to Shirley, ‘We need to help these boys.’”
Jerry and Shirley recently completed a planned gift from their estate to help ensure the ongoing expansion of Fathers in the Field’s Christ-centered mission to help rescue fatherless boys for generations to come. “We trust our gift will pay great dividends in changed lives of these boys for generations to come.”
The Heckarts understand the importance of leaving a legacy. Although Jerry worked for the State of Wyoming for 27 years, his real passion was to help his church and community become a better place where God was glorified. He faithfully served as a deacon of his church for 32 years, was a volunteer fireman for 14 years, and served on the Lander City Council and as the mayor for eight years.
Serving alongside him, Shirley taught Special Education at a facility caring for severely physically and mentally disadvantaged adults for 22 years. While there, she inaugurated the Senior Day program to help residents overcome daily challenges. After she retired from teaching, she doubled her volunteer time at a local Christian school serving as a teacher’s aide for the past 18 years.
Jerry and Shirley know the importance of a father’s role in a boy’s life having raised three grown boys of their own. “A father is a role model, providing leadership, discipline, security, friendship, and guidance to his children,” said Jerry. “Shirley and I are grateful for the men across this nation who have stepped up as Mentor Fathers to guide these boys and teach them about the love and forgiveness of their Heavenly Father.”
“This Thanksgiving, please join Shirley and me in generously supporting this critical ministry to the fatherless through your planned estate giving, your regular giving or both. It is so fulfilling to see Field Buddies with their Mentor Fathers and know God is doing a mighty work of healing in their lives.” – Jerry Heckart
To make a tax-deductible gift to Fathers in the Field, click here.
