Catherine Ware

Interview by Diana Gipson

Our featured lady this month, Catherine Ware, is sharing from her heart in letter form.  Catherine (Cathie) and her husband, Pastor John, are new to the area and to Sugar Grove Church.  What a blessing they have been already!

Greetings to the Women of Worth of Sugar Grove Church!

It is wonderful to be with you and to get to know you.  Thank you for all of your love and support these first couple of months of our life in Indiana!  As I look forward to continuing to learn about you, here are a few facts about our family and me.

John and I have two lovely adult daughters and two great sons-in-love.  We have four grandsons and a little granddaughter on the way.  Our children live in California and Oklahoma.  Our daughters and their husbands are dynamic Christians, and all of them are serving in ministries.  We are very fortunate to have a strong, Christ-centered family.  Two of our grandsons have received Christ!  This is quite an amazing thing, since we were the first couple on either side of the family to establish a Christ-centered marriage.  It was very challenging for us when we began our life together, since we knew nothing about how to do this!  It has been quite a process.  God has blessed us with more believers on both sides of our family.

Because of the influence of several Christian friends, God began to do a work in my life as a young adult.  One of my friends began to pray for me and invited me to several Christian concerts and events.  She included me in a Bible study and also encouraged me to go to a summer retreat in New Mexico.  I had no idea that I needed Jesus in my life.  I only knew that "something" was missing.

During this camp, the Lord connected me with a young woman who had grown up in Africa.  She explained the love of Christ so simply, and I learned it was possible to have a relationship with Jesus.  I can still remember the incredible peace I felt after I prayed my first personal prayer to God.

Learning that Jesus was pursuing me and asking me to fall in love with Him was and always will be one of the sweetest moments of my life.  He was so gracious to accept me, and to this day I can still recall the way it felt not to have Him with me.  My first prayer as a new Christian was to have the opportunity to share Christ with my family and see God raise up a new generation of godly people.  Little did I know that He was going  to bring a special person into my life to start this new generation!  This was quite a surprise to me!

There are many interesting details too numerous to write, but I was introduced to John within 24 hours of my decision to begin a relationship with Jesus.  New Mexico was the perfect place to fall in love with Jesus and meet John because I love the beauty of the mountains and being outdoors.  We enjoyed riding horses and hiking and doing lots of talking!  John was the first to realize he was in love.  It took me another month!  He asked me to marry him and we were engaged and married 15 months later.

Within three years, Jesus became my Lord, John became my husband, and I became a mother.  This was also surprising for me since I had planned to marry and have children at a much later stage in life.  John was in grad school and I was finishing undergrad when I became pregnant with our first baby girl.  Following grad school for John and my graduation from college we moved to Florida with our first baby girl and began our first ministry.  I knew nothing about ministry as a new Christian.  My husband discipled me and taught me the basics of the Christian life.  We learned how to disciple our little girls and began the greatest adventure of our lives.  There are many challenging things that happened and we experienced severe stresses and some serious problems.  God has gloriously seen us through painful conflicts, miraculous healings, incredible opportunities and hurtful circumstances that only He could have redeemed.  I am looking forward to sharing some of those stories with you at a future time.  Our God is truly able to do more than we can think or imagine (a truth from Ephesians 3:20!).

I love reading scripture and studying.  The Old Testament book of Proverbs is very special and He speaks to me regularly there.  One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:3,4, "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart so you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man."  Proverbs is so inspiring and encouraging.  God has given me a verse for my life and it happens to be Philippians 4:6-7.  He has also given me verses which have become themes for my husband, children and grandchildren.  My favorite devotional guide is My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers.

Some of my favorite things to do are hiking, biking, power walking, and sailing.  I absolutely love being outdoors, walking on the beach, and swimming in the ocean.

From the time I was a little girl I have been fascinated with people of other cultures and their languages.  Working with people from different countries and spending time with my family and friends are what I cherish!  I am a people person and love relationships!

My hobbies are sailing, reading, and cooking.  I also enjoy art history and visiting museums and presidential libraries.  John and I enjoy the theater and all types of concerts together.

God has given me a passion to see His glory through a new generation of godly people.  He started with my own family, friends in churches and communities, university students, and people in other countries.  He has given me the privilege of sharing His truth in many places.  I want to make Him famous wherever He asks me to go.  He deserves to be exalted and I owe it to Him to do so!  Can you tell I have a passion and calling for missions? :)

My favorite mission trip so far was to Africa.  It was a sad time to travel because John had just lost his mom.  He preached her funeral, and a week later we left for Africa.  While waiting for our flight, my cell phone rang, and my brother-in-law called to tell me that after John's mom died, he and my sister-in-law decided to attend church, where he heard about Jesus from a friend.  He wanted to call before we left for Africa to tell us he had decided to give his life to Jesus!  This was the beginning of another great adventure, and he has become a mighty man of God.

When we arrived in Africa, we were so excited to share this news with our mission team.  While there, I met a wonderful African named Joseph.  He was the first person to greet me at our guest house there.  In the course of our conversation, he told me his wife was expecting and due to have their baby any day.

Two days later he excitedly shared the news about the birth of their precious baby girl.  He beamed with joy as he described his little treasure.  Then he smiled and said, "You know we have a custom that the first traveler we meet after a baby is born has the privilege of choosing the name.  You are the first traveler I have met, so will you please choose our baby girl's name?"

Without hesitation and with tears in my eyes, I said, "Her name will be Esther, just like Queen Esther in the Bible, and also my husband's mother who recently went to heaven to live forever with Jesus.  Your baby has the name of two very wonderful women!"

Joseph and I stood still and thought about the blessing of new life and the way God allowed our paths to cross.  When I shared this experience with John, he was so delighted in the midst of his grieving and God encouraged both of us to continue His work with new strength and enthusiasm.  He always has a way of giving us something beautiful in the midst of great difficulty.  "To comfort all who mourn, to grant all those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called the oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3)

Sonya Lundy

Interview by Diana Gipson

Maybe you've seen Sonya Lundy under "The Red Tent" in the Event Center at SGC.  She and her husband, Ron, enjoy welcoming people there and offering encouragement and smiling faces to newcomers.

Sonya and Ron were themselves newcomers to SGC less than a year ago.  After moving to the area from Atlanta, Georgia, they visited different churches, but did not feel the assurance they were seeking from God until they visited SGC in June of last year.  "Everything clicked into place for us on our very first visit to Sugar Grove," she remembers.  "We both knew that we had found our church home.  We have been blessed so much since joining the Sugar Grove body of believers."

What brought the couple from Georgia to Indiana?  "It's a God thing," Sonya states.  Working in the big city of Atlanta for eleven years took its toll on them.  "We felt like gerbils on a spinning wheel," she says, referring to working long hours, traffic, and the fast pace of a bigger city.  Ron is from Bristol, but had not lived in this area since joining the Naval submarine service after his high school graduation.  Right when Ron and Sonya felt that God wanted them to move on from Georgia, Ron's mother's health began to decline.  So, in May 2011, Ron was able to transfer his Financial Services business here, God provided renters for their home in Georgia, and they found a place to live here . . . all in less than a month!

Sonya remembers spending many years of her childhood and youth traveling around the southeastern United States.  Her dad was a member of several southern gospel groups over the years, and every weekend, the musicians and their families would pile on the group's bus and hit the road.  She was eight years old when, at a little country church in North Carolina, Sonya trusted Christ as her personal Savior.  "As an eight-year-old, I did not fully understand everything that was happening in my heart, but I knew that the Holy Spirit had found a new home inside my heart."

Loving to learn new things, Sonya finds that the more she learns, the more her appetite for learning increases.  "Learning new things keeps me aware of what is going on outside of my personal space.  It opens my eyes to new sights, sounds, smells, textures, and emotions, and hopefully it makes me a better person."  An avid reader, Sonya sometimes reads 3 or 4 books at a time.  She loves how reading teaches her details about other places, or new ways of looking at a circumstance that she hadn't considered before.  The Bible is her favorite source  encouragement, correction, hope and the assurance of God's eternal love and devotion.

She also loves to learn by traveling.  Flying was once her favorite mode of transportation, but now she gravitates toward driving when possible.  She and Ron enjoy seeking out the "Main Street Diners" on their traveling routes.  "We have met some of the nicest and most interesting people in the non-chain restaurants," she says.

Another favorite way of learning for Sonya is by listening to beloved senior citizens.  She has had many family members live into their nineties and has been blessed to listen to their childhood stories, the joyful and traumatic times in their lives, the ways they lived their daily lives, and their personal view on life.

When asked what God has been teaching her lately, Sonya responds, "God is constantly showing me that I need to depend on Him and trust Him completely."  She is well aware of the many times God has proven Himself faithful to her.  She finds it freeing to know that the Creator of the universe knows her past, knows what she is going through at any given moment, and knows what is around the next corner for her.  "I do not need to take on the responsibility of worrying about what tomorrow brings; He is already there and preparing the path for me," she shares.

About her husband, Ron, Sonya declares, "He is my husband and best friend."  Ron retired from the submarine service after almost twenty-one years, in 1999.  He has worked in the Financial Services field since retiring  from the military.  In 1992, while he was still in the military, he was stationed at Kings Bay Naval Submarine base in Saint Marys, Georgia.  "I was a single mom and worked for a government subcontractor," she recalls.  "Our two best friends at that time decided we were a perfect match and planned for us to meet over a blind date.  We stayed up all night talking, and, as they say, the rest is history."  In August of this year, the couple will celebrate twenty years together.

"When Ron and I married, we became a blended (sometimes, not so blended) family.  He had two children, a girl and a boy, and I had a girl," Sonya explains.  Now, the oldest daughter is 27 and lives in Goshen, the son is 26 and lives lives with his wife in North Carolina, and the youngest daughter is 25 and lives with her husband in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ron and Sonya have enjoyed being a part of a Life Group, where they can get to know a few people even better.  "We study the Scriptures together, eat together, fellowship together, and pray together."  Sonya is in one of the weekly ladies Bible study groups and also sings in the choir and does other volunteer activities at church.

Some of her loves include playing games, solving crossword puzzles, and, in the summer, fishing, tubing and just enjoying God's creation.  "I have recently started taking knitting lessons.  Please pray for my patient teacher." :)

One of Sonya's favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"  "What a loving Savior we have," she reminds us.

Shirley Savage

Interview by Diana Gipson

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!"

Shelley Becker

Interview by Diana Gipson

Perhaps you have been greeted at SGC by Shelley Becker, who just recently began helping with the First Impressions ministry there.  This lovely lady leads a busy life and has a lot to share with us about finding and maintaining a joyful lifestyle.

Shelley and her husband Brent have been married for nine years and have two children, Jacob (8) and Jordyn (6).  They discovered SGC through their kids attending VBS two years in a row and loving it.  Their children didn't feel particularly connected at the church they were attending.  Neither Shelley nor Brent had enjoyed church as kids and didn't want the same thing for their children.  They decided to try SGC as a family and have been a part ever since! "It has been so wonderful for our family to go to Sugar Grove Church," she reflects. "For the first time since we have been married, we feel we are a part of a church.  Sugar Grove Church is what I have wanted for my family for so long, and I feel so blessed that we have found it."  Shelley herself became a believer in 1998, when a customer of hers led her to Christ.  "I will be eternally grateful to her and her husband," Shelley states.

A self-described "Jane of all trades," Shelley has traded the high heels and skirts of her former sales career for housework, laundry, volunteering at school and barn chores (which requires a Carhartt coat instead of an Anne Taylor jacket!).  She explains that she now doesn't have a job she gets paid for, but a job there isn't enough money to pay her for or enough time to finish. :)  It took her awhile to love what she does at home, but she does indeed love it now.  "I didn't understand it at first--I mean, how others did it.  It was really tough at first.  I desperately wanted to go back to work.  But now I get it.  And it's awesome!"

Shelley sees true joy as a choice that one can apply to anything, and for her that includes housework, meal planning, barn chores, volunteer obligations, etc.  She feels that these can be viewed as tasks or as opportunities to bless her family and others.  To give her family a clean, relaxing and inviting place to come home to, and a meal that truly nourishes their bodies and is enjoyable is a source of joy for Shelley.  "I even find the barn to be a place of solace where I can talk to the Lord and appreciate the amazing animals he has blessed us with."

An animal lover, Shelley enjoys taking care of their horses, goats, dogs and cats.  She loves to spend time with them and is amazed by how different each of them is.  One of her favorite perks resulting from time in the barn is the uninterrupted conversations she can have with her husband or the children, or both.  "No phone.  No TV.  Just talking. I love it when we are all out there together."

Togetherness is important to Shelley.  She uses the 20-minute drive to and from school everyday to connect with her kids.  Rather than listening to the radio, she opts for conversation during that time. "We talk about life, friendships, struggles--we solve it all in those 20 minutes, and it's priceless!  I have come to really appreciate that time.  It's time I never had with my own mom because she had to work while I grew up," she says.

Shelley also stays busy as part of the Little League board, volunteering at Loveway, Inc., and being involved in her children's school.  "I am so thankful that the Lord knew what was best for me and didn't just give me what I wanted.  I cannot imagine being anything other than a 'stay-at-home mom' right now."

When asked how she is teaching joy to her children, Shelley replies, "I like to think I teach the kids joy when I help them solve their struggles on their own with the Lord's help.  It's about guidance, I guess.  I received lots of that from my mom."  Shelley encourages her kids to seek the Lord every morning about everything and to take the time to notice the little things in life.

Christmas is a very special time of year for Shelley.  Her mother loved Christmas, and when her mother passed away, Shelley wanted to carry on her mom's warm, welcoming ways of treating everyone like family.  Shelley loves to have people over or buy little gifts for people who aren't expecting it.  "It feels so good to let others know you think of them when they are least expecting it!" she says.

Shelley says of her favorite verse, Luke 11:9, "Ask . . . Seek . . . Knock!  I love it!  The Lord is always there for me.  I just need to seek Him.  I was so independent before the Lord, and through all of my success I was struggling terribly.  Today, I am so dependent on Him.  I would rather do things the right way the first time!"

Shannon Oakes

Interview by Diana Gipson

Shannon Oakes sees stewardship as "the intentional  deploying of the resources one is given in a responsible manner that serves to benefit others, without thought to personal gain."  She has a great deal of experience with the stewardship of funds!  She has been the Office Manager and Scholarships Coordinator on behalf of the Elkhart County Community Foundation for eleven years.  This not-for-profit organization helps other not-for-profit agencies such as ADEC, CAPS, Boys and Girls Clubs, Bashor Children's Home and the food pantry at West Goshen Elementary, which is dear to the heart of SGC.  Elkhart County Community Foundation regularly stays in touch with the agencies it helps, so the needs of the community are always known.  Scholarships are another important involvement of the foundation.  A favorite part of Shannon's job is to contact families who have been awarded  a Lilly Scholarship, which offers its recipients a full-ride scholarship to any school in the state.  "The worst part of my job," she admits, "is calling the runner-up because all these children are amazing and I wish I could give them all a Lilly!"

Shannon and her family began attending SGC in September of 2008.  They had been members of a church in Bristol, where her husband, Tony, grew up attending, but, after two years of thinking and praying about it, they made the difficult decision to find a new church home.  "Leaving our family and friends was difficult, but imperative for our own personal and  spiritual growth," she says.  One of the needs on their list as they visited churches was "no family."  She explains, "I know that sounds a bit harsh, but at our home church our identity was linked directly to everyone else in the family.  We were hoping to start off somewhere new as just Tony and Shannon and the kids, without all the family history."

They also decided they would visit several churches and not stop at the first one, no matter what.  Sugar Grove was the first church they visited, and, ironically, twelve weeks and seven churches later, it was Sugar Grove that they decided was for them.  In fact, they had bragged so much about what a great church SGC was after their first week of visiting, Tony's parents and his sister's family had already begun attending SGC!  This fact caused Shannon to think twice, but she is so glad Tony and she decided to make SGC their home church after all.

Shannon describes her own walk with God as "hit or miss" as she grew up.  She was baptized and had her first communion in the Catholic church, and then her parents fell away from their faith when Shannon was in fourth grade.  She attended various Sunday services and youth groups with friends, but didn't understand the basics of faith, like reading and understanding the Bible, until she met her husband.  Out of embarrassment over her lack of biblical knowledge compared to her husband, she sought out a mutual friend of theirs, Jennifer Leiby, to explain the Bible to her.  Fifteen years later, Shannon feels indebted to her friend for helping her to understand the Bible without ever shaming Shannon for her ignorance of the Bible.

Children are very important to Shannon, and God has gifted her to interact with them well. She is involved with a program called CARE, a mentoring program which matches up students with adults who commit to spending a half hour per week with them.  Shannon now mentors three children and is excited about being able to "follow" these kids up through high school.  She believes it is important to put ourselves in the shoes of children, get down on their level and treat them with love and respect.

When asked about her family, Shannon comments, "If I believed in fairy tales, I would have to say that I am living my 'Happily Ever After.'"  She met her husband, Tony, 18 years ago in San Diego, California.  Tony was serving in the United States Navy and San Diego was Shannon's hometown.  They met at a Halloween party neither had intended to attend.  "Truthfully," she remembers, "I had a date that night, but my girlfriend begged me to go to the party instead.  I agreed to attend for a short time, then had plans to leave for my date.  I never did leave, and, well, here we are!"

Tony and Shannon dated four years before marrying. Tony, divorced, needed time to be reassured Shannon wasn't going anywhere.  Shannon, on the other hand, knew Tony was "the one," and even wrote in her journal a few months into their dating, "I am going to marry Tony Oakes."  The couple have now been married 14 years and have been blessed with three beautiful girls:  Victoria (11), Sydnee (3) and their host daughter, Christine (22), who has been a part of their family for six years.

Shannon's favorite thing to do is read, and she makes weekly trips with her daughters to the library.  She reveals a couple of her wishes as well.  She would like to learn to fly.  "I have always had a desire to get my pilot's license," she remarks.  Another of her dreams, if she can ever convince her husband, is to learn ballroom dancing.  "I won't be holding my breath for that, though!" :)

Rachel Eger

Interview by Diana Gipson

Rachel Eger knows a lot about family.  She is a member of a large family tree whose branches reach extensively into the past, present and future, even within SGC.  Rachel herself grew up as one of ten children, nine girls and one boy.  She was the youngest, so, "According to my sisters, I was the spoiled brat!" she says.  "Aunt Carrie Stark told my mother I rode around in the air too much, meaning I was carried around by family members," Rachel remembers.

At the age of ten, Rachel went to the altar to be saved, but was not talked to individually about it at the time.  She did not receive the assurance of her salvation until after being married.

Rachel met her late husband, Herman, because he was the brother of the husbands of two of her sisters.  "He showed up at my house one afternoon in his Navy uniform.  I was getting ready to go to my piano lesson, so he took me there and brought me home.  He followed me to the barn while I milked my cow, then took me to see Snow White, which was my first date."  Rachel wanted a husband who knew the Lord, and Herman was saved while they were dating.  They were married September 18, 1948, and celebrated 60 years of marriage two months before Herman went to his heavenly home.

Rachel has four children:  Jean Wing, who lives in Florida; Joan Miller, Chris Stembel and Steve, who all live in this area and attend SGC.  She also has seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one on the way!

"Not having any younger sisters, I was very green at raising a family," she recalls.  "I learned that it is very important for husband and wife to agree on disciplining the children."

When making decisions about her family, Rachel often referred to Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  She advises young parents to be in agreement with their spouses and stick together on discipline.

Rachel's life verses are Proverbs 3:5&6:  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not onto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths."  When asked for her words of wisdom for women who have lost the loves of their lives, she replies, "Keep busy praying and caring for others.  Learn to enjoy being alone and spending more time in the Word.  Eat healthy meals, and exercise--even if you have to do it alone."

Rachel appreciates her family so much for the help they give her.  They are always there for her.  Sometimes she doesn't feel like driving somewhere and she can count on them to give her a ride.  "I'm thankful for all of them," she says.  Her favorite family activities include getting together for birthday parties and family camping trips.

Families can't help but to have funny times here and there, even if the humor isn't appreciated until later.  Rachel remembers a couple of those situations in her family, like the time her twin sisters pulled out the flour bin and showered each other with flour.  "Mom didn't think it was funny," she recalls.  Another time Rachel remembers involved her oldest daughter.  "When Joan was born, Christine and Frank invited us over for dinner.  Jean was in the bathroom by herself and unrolled the toilet paper, some in the toilet and some on the floor.  Frank cleaned it up, only to have Jean do the same thing again.  It wasn't funny at the time, but it is now!"

Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your memories and wisdom with us!

Barb Guthrie

Interview by Diana Gipson

"Did I tell you that my students were also my teachers and heroes?"

Barb Guthrie has no doubt it was God who led her to Sugar Grove Church.  When she moved to Goshen in 2008, her hairstylist suggest SGC to her and, after trying out another church that didn't seem the right fit, Barb decided to try SGC.  "The overwhelming love of God oozes from Sugar Grove Church, through individuals, outreach ministries, the messages, and friendships made.  The Holy Spirit regins and there is no better reason for me to remain," she comments.  Barb is excited about what God is doing, how He is showing Himself, and she looks forward to becoming more and more a part of the SGC ministry as a whole.  "Wild horses and golden chariots could not steal me away at this point in my life!"

Growing up with two brothers and two sisters, Barb was first exposed to Christianity when she was six years old and her father decided the family needed to attend church.  She clearly remembers the night when, at age seven, she lay awake in bed talking with the "Jesus" she had learned so much about in Sunday school.  "I felt His very strong 'knock.'"  She found her mother still up, crocheting, as Barb's dad worked the late shift.  "I went downstairs to Mom, with tears streaming and simply told her, 'I need to ask Jesus into my heart.'"  Barb's life changed forever that night as she listened to Scripture and was led in prayer, and the Holy Spirit filled her heart.  "I've often wondered how a 7-year-old could have such an overwhelming experience and life-change," she reflects.  "But that's our God!  He's in the business of gathering His flock, regardless of age, background, culture or race."

Unfortunately, Barb recalls that her "Christian home" took a turn for the worst a few years later when her parents allowed some disappointments to cause them to pull the family out of church.  "It wasn't until I was 18 that God's amazing grace drew me back to Him."  In the course of her family's life so far, her father, now deceased, is the only one, other than herself, to have completely turned back to the Lord.  "To this day, he remains my hero for turning his eyes upon Jesus once again," she declares.

Though she never thought she would be a missionary, Barb spent nearly three years in Malawi, Africa.  She explains, "Sometimes when you say, 'no,' and He says, 'yes,' you learn some very hard but growing lessons.  The whole experience, from the time I first acknowledged His call to the area of overseas missions, was another total turn in life."  She learned a great deal and witnessed many miracles during her time in Africa.  She faced very tough and life threatening times on the field, but testifies that the blessings far outweighed the hard times. "I would not trade those years for anything," she proclaims.

Barb returned to the States in 2007, and is currently an Insurance Specialist for a medical practice in Goshen.  She loves being outdoors, and that's where you will find her most of the summer months when she is not at work.  Bike-riding, walking and hiking are some of the activities she enjoys most.  She also loves festivals and fairs, reading and Bible study.  "I suppose you could say I'm always wanting to peek around the corner to see what's next," she says.  Barb enjoys people and cherishes all the friends God has blessed her with--from every place He has planted her during various periods of her life.

When asked about her seemingly calm and restful approach to life, Barb quotes something she heard not long ago that she sees as describing her life since coming back to the States from Africa:  "I have sprinted from a multitude of activity to a marathon of patience."  She acknowledges that after being on the mission field 24/7 for nearly three years, back in the states she sometimes wonders what God wants her to do here.  "Very recently, I felt Him touch my shoulders and say, 'Patience! Why do you feel you always need to be doing? This is a time to be . . . to listen . . . to witness. Share the messages I have taught you from the messes.'"  Barb is now grateful to be sharing her life with all of you!  "My life and heart are so full of His love, grace and faithfulness.  I can never give back enough."

A favorite Bible verse, close to Barb's heart because it is a favorite of one of her former African students, is Jeremiah 29:11.  She believes that if anyone takes this verse to heart, it is they who live in mud huts with scarce food and no electricity; those who walk to school, two miles each way for some, every day, because they know it is God Who provides for them and has a plan for each of their lives.  "Did I tell you that my students were also my teachers and heroes?" she remarks.

Barb also loves another, "less traditional" verse, John 17:24:  "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world."  (ESV)  She encourages, "How could we not be touched by such a loving plea from Jesus to His Father for you and me?"

A final thought Barb wanted to share with us:  "I have to tell you that every turn and every change is a complete story in itself.  And it's only the tip of the iceberg.  Hopefully, we can all look back and forward at our lives as such.  I pray many blessings upon all of my new SGC family and give thanks for each and every one."