StaffNews

Jo Ann Eaton

Office Manager • LifeDiscovery Ministry Celebrates 5 years on June 30

Briefly describe your main ministry responsibilities:

The Life Discovery Ministry serves the body of Christ through a diverse group of offerings, such as one-on-one counseling from one of our licensed counselors or lay encouragers in the privacy of our Life Discovery Counseling Center and weekly and monthly support groups, such as Celebrate Recovery, Life Hurts God Heals, iWork, Divorce Care, Griefshare, and Caregivers support. Each spring and fall, we also offer a wide selection of life enrichment book studies,

such asSearch for Significance, DNA of Relationships,and Shelter

from the Storm, to name a few. As office manager, I schedule and help to promote these small groups and support groups, while answering calls and scheduling counseling appointments.

What do you find most rewarding about your position?

My position allows me the opportunity to experience the return of hope and joy in the lives of Christians who formerly believed their problems were without solution or beyond God’s love and mercy.

How do you feel God uniquely prepared you to serve in this ministry area?

During my childhood years, God uniquely prepared me by building a solid understanding of Who He is and how mighty is His power. This foundation allowed me to experience His love and healing following major storms encountered during my adult life. As a result, the Lord has also given me the gift of mercy and a compassion for hurting people.

How has your ministry area changed during your years of service?

I began at Idlewild as Assistant Preschool Director, serving in that capacity for three years before moving to the Life Discovery Ministry. During the past two years, this ministry has grown with the addition of new support groups and new subjects being offered through our Life Enrichment classes. The number of individuals and families who have been served by the counseling center has also doubled during the past two years.

How can our church family support the efforts of your ministry?

You can best support the Life Discovery Ministry and Counseling Office by bathing us in prayer. We also have many service opportunities available for those who have a heart’s desire to show the love of Christ to hurting people. More details about those opportunities are available by calling me at 264-8771.

Personal Facts

Birthplace Born into a Baptist preacher’s family in Houston, Texas, in 1956

Family Married to Darryl Eaton who I met at the age of 17. We have one grown daughter and three incredible grandchildren, ranging from ages 5 to 11.

Bible Fellowship class Sisters of Encouragement

Ministry areas of volunteer service Co-facilitate Divorce

Care for Kids and substitute teach in the Preschool and Children’s ministries

Hobbies Interior decorating, jewelry making, and scouting for “bargains”

Recently read Grace Rulesby Steve McVey Favorite verse Joshua 1:9

Unique fact I have been with Idlewild’s Missions team to T-Village in West Africa twice.

Around the Office

Susan Raabe joined the staff in March to serve as a seasonal SummerSing Music Camp Assistant. Serving under the leadership of Sheila Goskie, she is responsible to assist and coordinate registration, class assignments, volunteer leadership assignments, and much more. Susan has been attending Idlewild since 1986. She and her husband Thor have three daughters and are all actively involved in many ministries at Idlewild.

Staff Anniversaries

Warmest expressions of appreciation are extended to:

Tony Pasley, Director • Facilities and Grounds, celebrates five years on May 1.

Ryan Larson, College Age Intern • Family Life Ministry, celebrates one year on May 6. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8