Jerry served for over 35 years with various Christian organizations that work to alleviate hunger and injustice in numerous countries. These included Lutheran World Relief, the Mission Board of the Lutheran Church in America, Heifer Project International, and Agros International. Over these years in international development, he came to increasingly see the importance of incorporating the spiritual component into holistic human development. Jerry is now “retired” and is involved in both volunteer work and consulting, as a trainer and advisor, primarily in Central America. He studied group spiritual direction at Shalem Institute and works as a facilitator of spiritual direction with pastors and others.

He is the author of "A Spirituality of Service: Reflections on a Life-long Journey of Faith and Work with the World's Poor".