Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Larry Kineman
On Tuesday, October 7, our dear friend and longtime CMF missionary, Larry Kineman, woke up in the presence of Jesus. Larry and his wife, Debbie, served faithfully in England from 1993 until their retirement in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and Kingdom impact that will ripple for generations.
Larry was the kind of person who filled every room with energy and warmth—a big personality with an even bigger heart for people and for Jesus. He had a gift for making others feel seen and valued, whether through a hearty laugh, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement. His life was a living testimony of faith, dedication, and fruitfulness.
A Life of Eternal Significance
Over nearly three decades in England, Larry and Debbie poured themselves into ministry that changed lives. They helped plant three churches—New Song in Bromsgrove, Manor Park, and Community Church Warndon—all of which continue to thrive today. These churches became hubs of hope and mission, launching ministries that cared for single mothers, connected with schools, and reached vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
Larry had a passion for equipping leaders. He mentored pastors, trained elders, and taught at Bible colleges, raising up men and women who continue to serve across the globe. His influence extended far beyond England—through his role as CMF’s regional director, he supported missionaries in Ukraine and encouraged countless interns and mission teams who went on to serve in other fields.
And then there were the creative, hands-on ministries that reflected Larry’s heart for meeting people where they were. For ten years, he led GLOW (God’s Light on Worcester), a street outreach that offered water, flip-flops, and the hope of the Gospel to thousands of young adults in the city’s nightlife district. He even helped launch Street Pastors in Worcester, another ministry born from his vision for practical evangelism. Larry’s love for basketball opened doors to share Christ with hundreds of youth—many of whom are still walking with Jesus today.
As Larry wrote in his final newsletter before retiring:
"Although Debbie and I will soon enough be forgotten in those places, the churches, precious brothers and sisters in Christ, and especially the Kingdom will be celebrated in the world to come!"
Remembering Larry
Larry’s teammates remember him not only for his ministry but for his friendship. David and Teresa Fittro shared:
"It is like losing a member of our family when one goes home to be with Jesus. All who knew him recognized a very big personality with an even bigger love for people and for Jesus. His example of faith, dedication, and fruitfulness is testament to his trust in God."
Timothy and Tammy Aho reflected on decades of shared life and ministry:
"Apart from furloughs, for over 25 years we met fortnightly for breakfast, prayer, and mutual accountability. We stopped when he retired a few years ago, but as our daughter said on hearing the news, ‘It is hard to imagine a world without Larry in it.’"
David Giles, longtime CMF missionary and staff member, worked closely with Larry:
“Larry will certainly be missed. Larry did not ‘do’ ministry; he lived ministry. It just flowed from who he was. His impact on our CMF team and their ministry in England is indelible, and the ripple effects will continue for generations.”
Celebrating Together
A funeral service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held on Monday, November 3, at 12 noon at Woodgreen Evangelical Church in Worcester, England. The church will livestream and record the service for those unable to attend in person.
Please join us in praying for Debbie, their children—Michael (and Mallary), Becca, and Kirsten (and Dan)—and all who loved Larry. We grieve deeply, but we do so with hope, knowing Larry’s joy is now complete in the presence of his Savior.