CEE Story From The Mission Field
Teri Tarleton
July 28, 2008
Flight of the Youth
Moscow, Russia
Teri Tarleton, an International Mission Board missionary to Moscow, Russia, died July 28 while awaiting a scheduled heart test. She was 49.
She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Ed Tarleton, son Adam (21) and daughters: Anna (19), and twins Rachel & Rebecca (17) parents Russell and Betty Halliger of Park Hill, OK; brother Mike Halliger and wife, Cindy of Leicester, NC; brother Tony Halliger and wife, Jodell of Park Hill, OK; sister Lynda (Ormond) Otvos of Richmond, CA; and Cathi Halliger of Park Hill, OK.
Since 1994 the Tarleton family has called Moscow home. They were among the first families to accept God's calling to share the Gospel in the former Soviet Union. While Teri's primary ministry was to her family and church, she also served as the Russia Field's Education Consultant for the children of IMB missionaries. Her dedication and service to her family was a powerful witness to both Russians and the missionary community. "Teri had an incredible love for missionary kids and repeatedly touched the Russia field MK in phenomenal ways," said long-time friend and missionary colleague Robin Covington. Andy Leininger, leader of the Ural & Siberia cluster of Russia, added, "Teri's life mission was for everyone she met to know that Jesus loves them...and that Teri did too."
The Tarletons' devotion to Russia was long-term; they strove to invest their lives where God called them. The family's love of their community through prayer and service has been a constant testimony of God's love. "Teri's main desire for our Russia Field was two-fold: a burning desire to see the lost come to Christ and an unwavering belief in the witness of a godly family," said Buck Burch, IMB Cluster Strategist for European Russia. "To Teri, we weren't just missionaries; we were a missionary family."
For the past 11 years Ed and Teri have been providing exceptional leadership for IMB missionaries in Russia as Ed acted as the administrator for the strategic direction of the Russia field. Their undaunted commitment to Russia and God's calling through countless challenges has been a foundational example for all missionaries in the field.
Teri was a Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, native and a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University in 1991 with a degree in music. Upon completing seminary, Ed and Teri pastored a church in Louisville, Ky. They served that church until the Lord called them to minister in Russia. During that time Teri continued to pursue her love of music. She was an accomplished bassoon player, playing with the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Orchestra. In Moscow she also used her musical talents in different ministry avenues, including singing with the 2nd Baptist Church choir and Logos Choir.
The passing of Teri Tarleton is a great loss to the missionary community in Central & Eastern Europe. "We know that Teri loved her Lord and we do not grieve as ‘those who have no hope,' yet our tears are shed for our loss and for our friends," said Mark Edworthy, acting regional reader of the Central & Eastern Europe Region of the IMB