Pastor Kenny Dodd,
Clairmont Emmanuel Baptist Church, San Diego:

Still young in her 70s and definitely not slowing down, my mom continues to influence me by her hard work, her humor, her commitment, and her willingness to take risks. She worked as a R.N. for over 40 years in a hospital and now volunteers at a local clinic. She has a great sense of humor and she’s not afraid to laugh at herself.

She is committed to her family. She and dad celebrate their 53rd anniversary next month and she is our family’s biggest fan. In addition to being pilots, my folks did a short-term mission trip to Africa last year and they will be in South America this summer. Mom is always thrilled when she can do something to help someone else succeed — especially her family.

Although it wasn’t her intention specifically, she did an outstanding job preparing me for the ministry. I praise God for my mom!

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Pastor Mike Robertson,
Family Fellowship Church, Oceanside:

The unspoken lessons were the most valuable, like the lesson of how to be a giver. She often worked it out where the receiver didn’t know who was doing the giving. Dad wasn’t as committed to the church scene as she was, but I remember she would have him write out a check just before going to church. If he wasn’t going to church with us, he had to send an offering with my mother for the family.

Most definitely, the reason I am in ministry today is due to the fact that mom would not give up on praying for her rebellious children. Thanks mom, when I wasn’t being smart you were. Thanks for giving me birth. May every reward God gives me for being in the ministry be doubled for you.