It only took me 56 years! I have always been a late bloomer but 56 years may be a bit much – even for me. All my life I struggled with a deep need, a burning desire to help others in a meaningful way. I had no idea that God was calling me to servanthood.

Really, God? Servanthood? To be like Jesus, trust you and do what you lead me to do? To trust you enough to provide for us when we take our daughter and five grandchildren into our home for three years? To trust you for healing?

It all began in 2007 at a UM Women’s spiritual retreat where I learned about deaconesses and home missioners, lay men and women who are called to fulltime ministries of love, justice, and service. I now am part of a community of folks who are servants of Christ!

When I was commissioned in 2010, I thought I was set. I was appointed to a health and wellness ministry and that would be my ministry. God had other plans for me. My ministry has changed several times since then. I have been stretched and challenged and my faith has grown as my trust in God has increased. I have been through hard times, lean times, fun times, exciting times, and always God was with me molding, guiding and providing for me and my family in extraordinary ways. God has called me to do things that I did not want to do nor think that I could do. Thankfully, God‘s provision has always been there for me.

Answering God’s call to become a deaconess has made my life complete (if hectic). I am at peace. I am fulfilled and I finally feel I have found God’s purpose for me- even if I am asked to go outside of my comfort zone.