Burt and Jerry Dyson

Burt Dyson likes to point out that he became a believer at the age of 33, the same age that Jesus died.

Over the 60 years since, Burt has had many adventures in his native Texas, around the U.S. and across the world. In World War II, he served as a machine gunner off the back of an 829 Lockheed-Martin. He was a missionary welder in Africa. He's sold vacuum cleaners, delivered milk, run a dry cleaning business and taught Sunday school.

But Burt believes that one of his greatest achievements and investments of time and resources is what he has done to help get the Word of God into the hands of those who need it most. Burt's partnership with American Bible Society through the gift annuity program has not only provided safe income for him in his retirement years, but has also furthered the mission that is so close to his heart.

R.G. LeTourneau, who manufactured earthmoving equipment and started his own Christian university in Longview, Texas, was a significant influence in Burt's life. Early on in his career, Burt read LeTourneau's book, “God Runs My Business,” and learned about the need to rely on God for his success, shaping his view on stewardship.

As a longtime friend of American Bible Society, Burt resonates with its mission. “One thing I know for sure,” Burt says, “The Bible is the main book to live by, and it's for the whole world.” That is the reason he supports Bible Society work with gift annuities for he and his wife Jerry, pictured together below.

He knows that as he and Jerry benefit by receiving income that they cannot outlive, he is also supporting Bible ministry around the world. He adds, “This is a giving vehicle that I want to urge and encourage others to consider as a wonderful way to spread God's Word.”