For the past seven years the Coles served the brethren in the Bethlehem, York and Lewistown, Pennsylvania, congregations. They were honored for their over-50 years of service to God’s people during a reception between services on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread on April 6, 2018.

Leroy and Laura Cole both attended Ambassador College, and upon Leroy’s graduation in 1962 they moved to Australia and lived for the next 12 years. Mr. Cole was ordained by his two older brothers, Raymond and Wayne Cole, during the Feast in Blackheath, Australia. Together they served congregations in Ballarat, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Both Leroy and Laura fell in love with this very special and unique country and God’s people who live there.

In 1974 they moved back to Pasadena, California, where Mr. Cole spent a year taking post-graduate level classes. After this time they continued their service to God’s people pastoring congregations in California, Montana, Colorado, Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Longtime friends and family shared these sentiments:

Roy and Norma Holladay: We have known Lee Cole since 1959 and Laura since 1960. We shared several years in Ambassador College with Lee and Laura and grew to love them dearly. Lee has always been a kind and thoughtful person. Laura has always been a very outgoing and loving. They made a perfect team when hired to serve in the ministry. They have always been known as a gentle and thoughtful couple. They have set a stellar example everywhere they have served. We have counted them as dear friends over the years. We regret not being able to spend as much time with them. We never pastored near each other.

Their decades of full-time experience and faithful service will be missed. They are both known for their love for God and His Church.

Fred Kellers: Leroy and Laura Cole may be retiring but their service to God and His people will continue right on. They are both servants and they both love to serve. Wherever they decide to settle will be a blessed area indeed. May God bless them with strength to carry on His work.

Karen Walker: Leroy and Jean (Laura) are not just part of my family but wonderful loving people that have served God’s people for so many wonderful years. I have always enjoyed their positive and “get it done” attitude they bring to any situation. They truly have servants’ hearts!

Bill and Jenny Bradford: Jenny first met Leroy and Jeanie (Laura) Cole in March 1963 when she was called into the Church in Sydney, Australia. Jen worked in the Church office with Leroy. 

Leroy served in various jobs in the Church there and was always friendly, kind and helpful and was known for his warm smile, and Jeanie was always enthusiastic to see you again.

When I (Jenny) came back to Australia with Bill in 1968 to serve in the ministry, we renewed our friendship with Leroy and Jeanie. Leroy was then pastor in Perth and eventually was transferred back to the U.S. Leroy and Jeanie were always bright and positive. Their friendship was always very encouraging to us.

Leroy and Jeannie were excellent contributors to the Church in Australia in those early days. To this day, people who were in the Church at that time in Australia ask about Jeannie and Leroy. We wish them well in this new chapter in their retirement. 

When reflecting back on their years in the ministry the Coles shared these thoughts:

Leroy Cole: What an amazing journey it has been. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve God and His people these past 52 years. The one thing that is obvious is that the people of God, though different, are the same. Whether in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia or the United States members with the Spirit of God have the same love and values. God’s Spirit truly is a Spirit of unity and oneness.

The greatest lesson we have learned in 52 years of ministry is “treat God’s heritage with love and respect and you will receive lots of respect and honor in return.” We must never underestimate the true worth of God’s children. God did not call and choose anything or anyone that is worthless.

Laura Cole: God has blessed us to have served His firstfruits in many different parts of the world. It is such a privilege to know the truth and to be a part of His family. Serving His family and becoming a part of their lives fulfills part of the purpose of why we were born. May our light and the light of His people shine brightly in this dark world—may His Kingdom come.

Leroy and Laura Cole have been married for 55 years and have three daughters, all born in Australia (Julie, Lynda and Lauretta), seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Their plans are to move back to Tennessee and build a small home on their 40-acre farm where they can grow a large garden, raise a few chickens and some grass-fed cows. They look forward to continue serving God’s people and being part of the Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, congregations.