Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

I knew Terry Boyle for more than 20 years. When Insight for Living asked me to open its United Kingdom headquarters in 2006, my family and I were members at Skillman Bible Church in Texas where Terry pastored. I appreciated him so much I asked him to return to his homeland and join me in this work. I’m so grateful he did. We served together since 2007. As a ministry colleague, I still considered him my pastor.

One way to remember Terry is through his name itself.

T—Trust in God

Terry lived with a deep and steady trust in God. Even during the long, uncertain journey of his battle with cancer, Terry modelled what it means to rely not on circumstances but on God’s eternal promises.

E—Encouraging Generosity

Terry had an incredible gift of encouraging people. He gave generously of his time, his attention, his resources, and his heart. All who knew him have been lifted by a word Terry spoke, a note he sent, or a simple act of kindness he offered at just the right moment. His generosity reflected Christ’s love.

R—Resilient Joy

Terry’s joy was remarkable. One of my first memories of Terry was at our church in Texas. Before the children were released for their Sunday school, he’d shout out with that big smile, “OK, where are my little Munchkins,” and the children would run up to the front and sit on the floor surrounding Terry to soak up his Bible lesson in what he called “Munchkin Moment.” Terry’s joy was not rooted in ease but in eternity.

R—Reliable Wisdom

He knew a lot about old cars, fixing things, construction, even roasting a whole lamb on a fire pit. But his knowledge isn’t the wisdom that stands out to me. Many times, I just needed to talk. I came to him with my glass empty. He listened carefully. He spoke thoughtfully. When Terry offered counsel, it was measured, prayerful, and grounded in truth. And with that smile, he made sure that my glass was full before our time ended.

Y—Yes to Faithfulness

If there is one word that captures Terry’s life, it is “faithful.” He was faithful to God. Faithful to his calling. Faithful to his work. Faithful to people—his family, his friends, and to a stranger in need. His life was a daily yes to God, even when that yes came at great personal cost.

While we grieve because Terry is no longer with us, we do not grieve without hope. Terry believed deeply in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and that promise now sustains us. As Paul wrote,

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:16–17 ESV)

Terry’s legacy lives on—in the lives he touched, the faith he demonstrated, and the love he gave so freely. May we honour him, not only with our words but by living a little more like he did: with trust in God, generosity, joy, wisdom, and faithfulness. Thank you, Terry.