Reverend Lloyd M. Eflin

Rev. Lloyd M. Eflin

 September 9, 1933, was a beautiful fall day on a farm outside New Sharon, Iowa. Claudius and Mae Eflin were excited to announce the birth of their son, Lloyd M. Eflin. Together they would learn how blessed they were to raise a man committed to a better life for others. Little did they know how much he would change his world. 

 On January 28, 2025, at the Savannah Court Cottage Nursing Home, God welcomed his toughest soldier into the splendor of Heaven at 1:20 am. Lloyd Eflin was preceded in death by his parents, Claudius and Mae Eflin; his sisters Dorothy Whiteman and her husband Leroy; Helen Jansen and her husband Wayne; his brother-in-law Duane Stephen; his brother-in-law Virgil Boyd; and his granddaughter Ashley Eflin.

 He is survived by his wife, Delaine Eflin; his sister, Lois Stephen; his sons, Gary Eflin and wife Nina; and Larry Eflin. He is survived by his grandchildren, Kami Eflin, Josh Eflin, Brittany Eflin, Candice Eflin, Zach Eflin, and his wife Lauren. He is also survived by his four great-grandchildren, Harper, Ashton, Hallie, and Austen. 

 Heaven’s eyes were watching when Lloyd Eflin made his youthful commitment to Christ. Like every other teen, he had ups and downs, made mistakes, and teased his sisters constantly. He worked on his dad’s farm and used a horse and wagon to take his sisters to school. He was involved in the church outreach as President of Christ Ambassadors. He played the trombone and saxophone in the church orchestra. 

 Lloyd met Delaine Boyd at North Mahaska High School, and they became sweethearts. 

After High school, Lloyd and Delaine attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. In June 1953, Lloyd received his Minister’s license, and Delaine received her MRS. They were married on June 9, 1953. Their love has been strong and happy for 71 years. 

 Rev. Lloyd Eflin pastored for 45 years. His first church was the First Assembly of God Church in Muscatine, Iowa, with a membership of 150. Lloyd was 100% all in for God. Rev. Eflin did his best to provide whatever the church people or God’s house needed. Lloyd and Delaine worked side by side to make the church a success. The congregants loved them and respected their ministry. Lloyd’s prayers were hopeful, powerful, and reached for miracles. 

 Lloyd and Delaine then moved to Stamford, Connecticut, to pastor the Gospel Tabernacle church. They worked hard to serve the church and God’s people. 

 Rev. Lloyd Eflin next accepted the pastorship of Calvary Gospel Church in Arlington, Virginia. There was much to do in a church so close to the busy lifestyle of Washington, DC. 

 Rev. Eflin followed God’s leading to become the Associate Pastor in South Attleboro, Massachusetts, where he was also Principal at a four-hundred-student Day School Christian Academy. Four hundred kids loved him and respected his authority. All because he cared about each one. Lloyd and Delaine happily served the people of South Attleboro for seventeen years. 

 For the following 15 years, Rev. Eflin was the Visitation pastor for Faith Assembly of God in Orlando, Florida. He was well-known at local hospitals and care centers. Of course, Lloyd and Delaine volunteered to help in any way they could. They joined a Sunday school class, attended almost every church service, loved the church socials, Bible studies, and special events. They also helped in the office. They became greeters. For years, people flocked to the Eflin door just to get a hug, a handshake, a prayer, or maybe a few minutes of encouragement. 

 Every church produced a long list of wonderful friends and sweet acquaintances. People responded to Lloyd’s strength, commitment, and love for them. Even when he was having a hard time in the nursing home, friends still wrote to let him know what they were doing. They wrote for advice and prayers. They loved him.

 Lloyd and Delaine Eflin have always been active. It was easy to decide they could do more in their life. Every year, Lloyd and Delaine, Helen and Wayne, and Leroy and Dorothy went to the General Council for the Assemblies of God. They voted and participated in their denomination. Later, Lloyd, Delaine, and Helen went on missionary trips with Rev. Leroy Whiteman and Dorothy. They helped churches in other countries with building repairs and sewing. 

 Lloyd was a volunteer. If you needed help, he was there. Whether it was cleaning out the barn, building a fence, roofing a house, or helping an older member with groceries - Lloyd and Delaine were there. Living a life dedicated to Christ and His church was their greatest love. 

 Rev. Lloyd Eflin was a kind, soft-spoken, respectful, strong man who was quick to share Christ with anyone who would listen. His sons admit that Dad dealt with them in a respectful and kind way. The boys could be rowdy sometimes, but Dad always kept his spirit in check. 

 Lloyd chose to live a different life. He wanted to represent the Christ he loved and show others how to live a meaningful life. Because of his commitment, Lloyd refused any action that would disgrace God or hurt the church or its people. He was completely dedicated to an exemplary life of service to God and his purpose. Even when accolades were appropriate, he seemed reluctant to accept. It made him work even harder. 

 Because he lived his faith, he became a strong soldier for Christ. When people disagreed with his faith, he pushed their deeds aside and found the hurting soul that longed for a Savior. 

 Even his clothes showed his deep love and respect for his job. He dressed like a pastor 100% of the time. No, he didn’t have to, but he did. He went shopping in nice pants and a button-down shirt. He went out to eat in his Khaki pants and nice shirt. He visited the sick in a suit. He cleaned the church in dress pants. He sat on the beach in his wing-tip shoes and a button-down shirt. No matter where he was, Lloyd was ready to be a pastor to those around him. 

 Rev. Lloyd Eflin’s commitment to being the pastor God wanted did not deter him from loving his life and enjoying his friendships. He genuinely loved getting to know all kinds of people. Lloyd laughed, sang, and ate his way through wonderful memories of sweet times with relatives, children, and friends. 

 Lloyd was always excited to see family. He wanted to know about their lives, help if he could, and always mentioned their needs in his prayers. He loved to talk with his children and grandchildren and was incredibly proud of each one. They all had a special place in his heart and he loved each one without reservations. 

 Lloyd treated every child he met with respect and dignity. Once, six-year-old Sophie asked Lloyd if God answered prayer. Rev. Lloyd Eflin patiently took the time to explain the theology of prayer so her little heart could understand. He used the story of his childhood, a pony, and an answered prayer. Sophie bonded with him and has never forgotten how she felt when he took time for her. 

 Second to God and his beautiful wife, Delaine, Lloyd loved the simple pleasures of life. He was his happiest when he had a dried beef sandwich, Delaine’s grape salad, and was watching a baseball game. He took his sons and cousins to baseball games. Lloyd would watch a baseball game at a stadium, a park, or on television. It didn’t matter. He loved baseball. 

 He was overjoyed when his grandson, Zach Eflin, chose to play ball. The family supported Zach and cheered for him. Lloyd cheered for Zach and prayed that God would use him in a mighty way. I sat beside Lloyd at a Tampa Bay Rays game. He was in a wheelchair and beginning to feel the coming pains of age. Yet, I saw him light up with joy watching his grandson. I asked if he was having fun. He turned to me and smiled as wide as he could. “Yes! I think God must have invented baseball !”

 How is it possible for a man to have such a well-lived life? How is it possible for one man to influence so many people?

 Rev. Lloyd Eflin believed in prayer. Every morning for the 71 years they were married, Delaine and Lloyd had devotions and spent time in prayer. God knew Lloyd personally. They were best friends. He didn’t have to start his prayers with “Hey God, this is Lloyd.” When Lloyd bowed his head, Jesus paid attention, and angels folded their wings. Rev. Lloyd Eflin spent hours upon hours with his God. 

 When Lloyd took his last breath, I believe the angels lifted him to the gates of Heaven. All those who had gone before were waiting. But out in front, with a huge welcome smile, was his dear friend Jesus. His savior opened his arms. I’m sure Jesus said something like, “Hi Lloyd, welcome to my home. Come on in.” 

 We have been blessed to know Rev. Lloyd M. Eflin.