A New Chapter Unfolds in Yuma

He eventually married and when he got out of the Navy, Jim and his wife decided to move to Yuma, AZ. They started attending the nearest church to them which happened to be a Foursquare church pastored by Greg Johnson in 1974. The Gillums became a foundational couple and an invaluable asset to both the Johnsons and the church. They began to involve themselves in the church by following up on new converts, helped in outreaches around the city, became the one of the first Bible study leaders for the church, and Jim also became a council member.

One day Jim approached his pastor with an idea to record the sermons being preached so that members could enjoy them for later times. The green light was given and, on that day, 42 years ago, the “tape ministry” in The Potter’s House Yuma was born.

Since its inception, the “Tape Ministry” has been through several changes over the years. It has gone from recording cassettes, to recording on CDs, DVDs and now on flash drives, but through it all, the one thing that has stayed the same is Jim Gillum.

Today, Jim is 96 years old but still holds down the “Tape Ministry” just as he did when it first started. A long time has passed, but Jim has been faithful to his ministry, showing all who see him what faithfulness looks like.

“People often overlook this ministry because it’s in the background and not as heralded as other ministries, but for those who have received and listened to a tape, CD or flash drive with a message of hope just when they need it, they would say it is the testament of impact to one man’s faithfulness,” Jim says.

Jim has outlived two wives, and keeps a card in his pocket showing every pastor who has pastored in Yuma….when they came and when they left.

At 96 years old, he is still the first person to church in the evenings, and still driving on his own. God Bless Jim Gillum!