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Beneath that gentle and beautiful exterior
there’s a gal with roots sunk deep in Jesus! Born into a
turbulent family life, Ann learned at an early age how to let
the storm rage on while her heart settled down on the foundation
in God.
“It’s
that quality that has made so much of the ministry at Life
possible!” In the formation years of the church it was her quiet
confidence and determination that kept her heart secure and her
husband on track. Cere says, “There were many times in the early
years when we were hurting (for six years she was near
death) or needy (there were many basic things I couldn’t
give her because of the needs of the ministry) or confused
(we were young and not too smart)…. If Ann had said one time,
‘I’ve had enough’ or even, ‘I don’t want to suffer any more’ we
would have packed it up. Instead, she was always even, always
sacrificial, always encouraging! When I married her I wanted to
lay the world at her feet… instead she made the way for us to go
after the world for Jesus sake!”
She’s
not only a great model of inward strength; she’s also a great
example of the love and compassion of God! Of the many ways Ann
serves our congregation she shines bright as our Care Pastor.
She’s always on the phone, reaching out to touch someone new to
the church, someone who needs prayer, someone who needs help, or
to someone who needs to be a helper to someone in need! And
receiving one of her handwritten cards is always like a breath
of fresh air in a stagnant place or a ray of sunshine in the
darkness of the world! Ann looks for ways to touch other
people’s lives in ways they don’t expect….
She’s not only strong… she’s also very
creative! When there’s time she loves to paint in watercolors!
She loves to design and decorate homes (her own is a sanctuary
of peace and beauty)!
She’s strong, creative and
beautiful! On the outside, she’s the graceful combination of
Tinker Bell and Barbie, complete with coordinated wardrobe and
perfect make-up; her twinkling eyes smile in perfect union with
her mouth, lighting up the darkest of situations! On the
inside, she’s all love and mischief and everything nice. People
just love being near her!
Ann is the servant of Jesus, the managing
partner of Cere, the model for Alexis, the heart of her home,
and matriarch of the Church….
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