Shirley Savage exudes warmth and knows that God is the source. She and her husband, Bob, have been attending Sugar Grove Church for the last three or four years, after leaving twenty-five years ago to help in building a small mission church. Then Bob was doing interim pastoral work for churches without pastors. Now, back at SGC, they feel they have planted their roots and that SGC is where they are meant to be right now.
Shirley came to know the Lord as her Savior at the age of twelve, during a revival meeting at her country Baptist church in Michigan. She was baptized two years later, and then dedicated her life to Christ at a church youth camp. From that time on, she has tried to follow His leading in everything. "I have been given many challenges over the years, especially as a pastor's wife and later in the counseling ministry with Bob," she says. Early in their marriage, they spent a lot of time at downtown missions in Chicago, ministering to the many needy, lost people.
Bob and Shirley were high school sweethearts. He was not a Christian at the time, but Shirley saw in him many of the qualities she liked and needed. But, "It was NOT love at first glance," she recalls. "After the first date, he told me he was going to marry me, and I just had to laugh. I had made a promise to God that I would not marry a non-believer." After a few dates, she told him she wouldn't go out with him on a Sunday unless he went to church with her. "Well, I guess he thought it was worth the 'risk,' because he agreed. And he would tell you that he felt the pastor was speaking directly to him through the message. Of course, it was the Holy Spirit!" About a week later, Bob gave his life to Christ. Bob and Shirley became engaged shortly after that, and then Bob joined the army. He was gone overseas for about a year before they were married on August 5, 1955.
"We were way too young to get married, but with God's help, we were able to get through those early years, and now we are best friends and lovers--for over 56 years!" They were blessed, through adoption , with two children. "It was one of the best decisions we ever made," she says. Their married daughter lives in Elkhart with her husband and seven children, and their son lives in Ft. Wayne with his wife and two boys. They are both involved with their respective Bible-believing churches.
Shirley has been able to work alongside Bob in his pastoral ministry and then in his counseling ministry. Bob opened Christian Counseling Services after several pastors approached him with their burdens of many people needing counseling help. He had always had a longing in his heart to help people with their problems and had majored in Counseling in college and graduate school. His practice began as a service to local pastors, but eventually broadened to include the entire Michiana area. When their children were in school, Shirley was able to help him as a "secretary/all-around office gal" for several years. This closeness in the office presented challenges at times, but God used this closeness to daily strengthen them in Him and to appreciate each other more. What started as mainly marriage and family counseling has branched out into other areas, including child abuse, alcoholic problems, abusive relationships, and much more. "God has been so good and gave him such an ability to relate to others in need. It has been a blessed experience for both of us."
Bob retired a little more than a year ago and has had some serious health issues since. Though it has been difficult to accept, Shirley says they have learned a great deal, including more about trusting God for each day's needs. "We know God is in charge, and we have had to let go of the control we try to have, and let him take control. We trust Him for the future. It is in His hands." They take comfort in God's promise to never leave us or forsake us.
Shirley, who is used to being busy with church activities over the years--teaching Sunday school, playing the piano, singing, missions projects, and many others--is now limited in her ability to be involved. One thing they find to be a tremendous encouragement in their lives is their involvement in a small group. Shirley encourages everyone to consider joining a small group and is convinced God put us in their particular group at just the right time. She also tries to spend some time every day reading and learning something new from the Bible. "Without a daily time spent with God, I just could not make it through the day," she states.
Definitely one to count her blessings, Shirley feels God's warmth in so many ways, especially in the comfort of His Word. She is so thankful for the many friends He has sent to her, whom He has used to comfort her during tough times. "I cannot begin to fathom His love for me, His ever-presence in every need."
Lots of things bring warmth to Shirley's life. Spending time with grandchildren is a highlight, especially the little ones who still like to sit on Grandma's lap. "They bring great enjoyment to me and are so funny at times," she shares. She also likes to curl up with a cup of tea and talk with Bob about their day--sometimes over TV commercials. :)
A few more of Shirley's favorite things include walking, reading, playing the piano, singing, crossword puzzles, selling on E-bay, exercising and entertaining in their home. She loves to be active and on-the-go. "It is wonderful to be alive and to enjoy friends and family, and, above all, serve the Lord in all we do!"
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