And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!” -- Revelation 14:13
At HOPE worldwide, we faced the news of Gerry Fredrick's passing with heavy hearts. Gerry and his wife, Jeannie, served for many years on the HOPE worldwide team at headquarters. Gerry served as HOPE worldwide's first Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for building most of the administrative infrastructure that we rely upon today. From policies and procedures to a paperless electronic check request system, Gerry brought new innovations to HOPE worldwide as we rapidly expanded during the early years around the globe.
Gerry also served faithfully during his time at HOPE worldwide as an elder in the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ. His service in the eldership is the source of another set of special memories that enriched the friendship between the Jordan, Gempel and Fredrick families. Gerry was a great student of the Bible and a wise and gentle man as he helped to shepherd the growing Philadelphia church during the 1990s and early 2000s. Before moving to Philadelphia and a brief stint in England, Gerry and Jeannie had relocated their young family from Louisiana to Australia to join Mike and Terrie Fontenot in planting a new testament church "down under." These experiences made him especially compassionate about the role of missions in HOPE worldwide and the church. Gerry always lived his life putting God and His church first.
As grandchildren began to emerge within the Fredrick family, Gerry and Jeannie moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be near their daughter, Lora and her husband, George. Gerry stepped quickly into an important administrative role with a growing company owned by HOPE worldwide Board member, Alex Hunter, and distinguished himself again as a first-rate business builder. His latest venture was to provide private business consulting to a variety of clients. It was during the past year, that Gerry's path once again intersected with HOPE worldwide as he was retained to help the Board of Directors review and revise HOPE worldwide's salary model. In an inspired coincidence Gerry was back working with Angel Dowling, Vice President of Human Resources, on this project as Angel was hired originally many years ago by Gerry.
For all who have had the opportunity to know Gerry personally, you know how blessed you have been by his friendship. All at HOPE worldwide continue to benefit from the rich legacy of the "hero of hope" as we enjoy his lasting impact at HOPE worldwide. We look forward to joining Gerry in heaven and, while on earth today, are praying for Jeannie, Mark, Lora, Philip and their families as they grieve the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
From Mike Fontenot -- Sydney, Australia:
We first met Gerry and Jeannie Fredrick in Baton Rouge around 1976 where I was serving as a campus minister on the campus of Louisiana State University. Both Terrie and Jeannie were pregnant at the time with our first and their second, Lora. Gerry was working for LSU. People of like interests are drawn together, and Gerry and Jeannie’s love of God’s Kingdom drew us together trying to bring the gospel to our city. Our friendship and families grew close as we labored together, joined by Mark and Diane Ottenweller.
We decided to plant a church in Sydney, Australia in August 1981 supported by that local church in Baton Rouge. It took faith on our part to make that decision, but it took great faith on Gerry and Jeannie’s part to leave his very successful career with three kids to move to Sydney without any financial security or financial support. I am still overawed at the kind of heart Gerry and Jeannie had to trust God in that big decision. With four adults and five kids between us, we were the team to plant God’s church in a distant land.
Gerry and Jeannie were so faithful, and God blessed their faith in so many ways as He also blessed the planting of that church in Sydney. Their faith and perseverance were such an upward call of what it means to be willing to serve God at whatever the cost, and even when our faith waned, theirs was unswerving.
That would not be their last move. From Sydney, Gerry again left a great job, answering the call to move to London to train for the eldership. From there they moved to Philadelphia to serve in HOPE worldwide and in the eldership in that city. Later they moved to Atlanta to continue to serve.
How would I describe Gerry? A man of deep but childlike faith. He always put God’s interests first in life. His eyes would sparkle talking about God’s Word and God’s great stories of men and women of faith. He was a gentle spirit with rock solid convictions. His humble support was invaluable in so many times when stands for the gospel were necessary. And he would take stands. He could be counted on through the many trials of struggles that always occur as God’s Kingdom is grown in this lost world. He was a great servant and example of what it means to be a disciple. He was an awesome, godly husband and father.
His faith and life touched so many souls in Baton Rouge, Sydney, London, Philadelphia, in HOPE worldwide, and finally Atlanta. He was my brother and my dear friend. I know with confidence that he rests in God’s presence.
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In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you consider making a donation to either:
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"Northview Church of Christ Benevolence Fund," which will go to support local and international causes Gerry has worked with over the years, or
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"The Swamp" -- Gerry has served for many years on the board of this fabulous organization which is committed to providing spiritual direction and support to young children.
Please send donations for both causes to: Northview Church of Christ, 1000 Northfield Court, Suite 200, Roswell, GA 30076.