Joan and her husband, Gary, came to our church when I was four.

Gary was the new preacher; Joan was his wife. She was also the mom of a three-year-old and a six week-old baby. Joan had plenty of reasons to stay home and get adjusted to her new surroundings and to care for her little ones. Instead, she did those things AND became part of my life, making a life-long impact and investment in who I am today.

Joan lovingly and skillfully read Bible stories to us, sang songs, and let us know she cared. As I got older, she taught me to read music, lead singing, pushed me to use my vocal talents for the Lord, and set an example of what a Godly wife, mom, friend, and servant should look like.

Over the years I’ve tried to be to others what Joan was (and still is) to me. I’ve invested my heart, my time, my energies, and my talents in young people who need leaders who will lead them closer to the Lord and into a personal relationship with Him.

I am grateful to Joan for investing in me. Every opportunity I get, I thank her for loving me. For caring about me.

For being a leader I can imitate.