Terry Yates
How long have you been a member at West Side?
I was originally a member of West Side from 1980-1984 while attending Harding. I got to know John and Sally Keller, Henry and Carolyn Terrill, Fred and Syble Picker, Dr. and Mrs.("Ms. Ruth") A.R. Brown, and Dr. and Mrs. (Jeanette) Eddie Baggett as well as others. I have fond memories of Fred Picker picking us up (freshman Harding students) for worship service in front of Stephens dorm in West Side's old white church bus (I had a car, but there were always a number of girls that rode the bus, so it was a good way to meet new people!).
I returned to Searcy in 1991 with a lovely bride after completing my Family Medicine Residency. We shared much love and fellowship and have many special memories like family retreats at Tahkodah, youth trips, Halloween parties for the kids, dressing up as Santa Claus, working with missions, and leading singing as we raised our children attending West Side over the next 15 years.
As is often the case in life, needs and situations change, and we had to make the extremely difficult decision after much prayer to leave West Side for a while. But we feel extremely blessed to be back now. Since placing membership a little over a year ago, it has been so special to be able to renew so many dear friendships and meet so many new loving brothers and sisters.
Share something about your life and work or retirement.
I retired from the practice of Family Medicine a little over a year ago after 33 years. Being a physician blessed me with the opportunity to minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others. Retirement is bringing me new ways to minister to others every day (sometimes rather spontaneously!) as I now solely "work for the Lord" and try to do it with all my heart!" (Eph 6)
If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?
I would love to be able to fly. I’ve had dreams in my lifetime where I could fly and it felt so freeing and amazing to be able to soar “untethered" above the landscape and see how beautiful God's creation looks from above.
What’s a scripture that has had an impact on your life?
In Joshua 1, God instructed Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. God promises Joshua He will be with him and will not fail him or forsake him, and to "Be strong and courageous." When I struggle and face trials, these powerful words from God "raise me up" and encourage me that I am not alone, He will not leave me, and He will give me the strength and courage I need to meet any challenge I face if I have faith in Him.
Who is an inspirational person in your life?
My wife, Stacey. She is an amazing mother, daughter, and wife. She has a servant's heart unlike anybody else I know. She loves the Lord and lives this out in her life each day and encourages others to do the same. She is kind and thoughtful. She makes me a better person.
