By Courtney Ingle
After retiring from a career in the financial realm, Robert Leard recently became executive director of Twin Lakes Camp in Florence, Mississippi, where he oversees eternal investments in the hearts of young people. He spoke to MCL Contributing Writer Courtney Ingle about the joy of his new job.
Courtney Ingle: What initially drew you to a career in finance?
Robert Leard: When I was 14, there was something I wanted badly that cost more money than I had. My dad co-signed a loan for me. I rode my bike to the bank every month with my (checkbook) to make payments using money I earned after school. I was fascinated by the process and wanted to help people obtain things they needed or wanted.
CI: How long were you in banking before transitioning to Twin Lakes?
RL: I spent 36 years in banking and retired in January 2024 as the market executive and head of commercial banking for Regions Bank in Mississippi.
CI: Did you feel a calling to move into camp ministry?
RL: What brought me the most joy and fulfillment had changed over time. I found greater joy in community involvement and ministry-related work. I didn’t leave Regions so much as I went where God was leading me next — even though I didn’t yet know what that was.
CI: How did your career prepare you for Twin Lakes?
RL: The most important skill I brought with me was leading and caring for people. My primary responsibility as a leader is to take care of the team so they can grow and be effective.
CI: Did you feel God confirming you were in the right place?
RL: Campers spend the week learning Bible stories, memorizing scripture, and singing worship songs to perform for parents at the closing ceremony. At my first camp closing ceremony, standing there and watching more than 200 kids joyfully proclaim their love for Jesus brought me to tears. That was clear confirmation that I was where God wanted me.
CI: How has God worked in your life since becoming executive director?
RL: God has made me more aware of my dependence on Him and of His faithfulness in providing exactly what’s needed. He continually reminds me that I cannot do this work on my own.
CI: How have you seen God at work at Twin Lakes?
RL: One example that stands out is the summer camp staff. We hire (more than) 100 seasonal staff members each summer, most between the ages of 17 and 23. This past summer, God brought together one of the most spiritually mature and gifted groups of young people I’ve ever seen. Their impact on campers was powerful, and many are already committed to returning.
CI: What do you hope others learn from your testimony?
RL: I hope people don’t wait until they’re in full-time ministry to prepare themselves to share the gospel. I wasn’t always intentional or prepared to share my faith. Now, I see opportunities to share the gospel much more clearly. Jesus died to save us sinners — my hope is that others won’t hoard that good news but will actively look for ways to share it wherever God has placed them.