INTERVIEW WITH WANDA PELFREY

by Deborah Malone and Rita Prochazka

Hi, Debbie here. I just wanted to take a moment to introduce you to Wanda and tell the story of how I know her. Wanda and her husband, Danny, lived beside us when my girls were young children. I had met them but their children were older, so we really didn’t socialize that much. Well, fast forward about fifteen years and by that time I’d written a couple of my cozy mysteries. And Danny had started working on his. We were at a book expo when Danny came up and introduced himself and said he had wanted to meet me. Well, I admit, it had been many years since we’d seen each other and we had both moved to different locations. I told Danny who I was and that we had been neighbors for years. By that time, Wanda had arrived and we all got a good laugh out of it. That has been several years ago and we both have many books published now and have seen each other regularly at book shows. They both amaze me with their tenacity to keep on keeping on for Jesus! Okay let’s get right to the questions.

Questions by Rita Prochazka

Wanda, Can you share some of your testimony?

From my earliest memories, I never doubted God’s existence or the fact that Jesus was His Son. I just assumed I was a Christian until a friend asked me when I was in 6th grade. That day, right after school, I hurried home to my Grandmother Penfield’s house and asked her. She sat down with me and her Bible and led me to realize that a head belief was not enough. Becoming a Christian required a belief that I could trust Jesus to control my life. That meant being willing to turn from the world’s way to His, repenting of my sins, being willing to confess my choice, being baptized for the remission of my sins, and being willing to live for Him. It was a choice I needed to make, and I did. I have never regretted it.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work from the soul, as for the Lord and not for men. This verse gives me purpose in even the smallest and distasteful tasks. Cleaning the toilets at church can be just as important as teaching the best Sunday School lesson.

Briefly, what are some things you have learned in your walk with God in this season of your life?

The wonderful thing about this season of life is that I can look back on the many times God has “showed up” in my life. He has never failed me. Because of that, it is so much easier to trust Him now.

How have you been prepared, or prepared, for your ministry?

I have been blessed that most of my life experiences (church and work) have been focused in one area – working and writing for preschool children. That is still my first love in service. At this stage of life, I feel my other responsibility is to mentor and encourage younger women in the church.

Can you share a time, recently, that you saw God work in your life, either in ministry or personally?

I think the way, Danny, (my husband) and I have been able to merge our previously individual, writing experiences to work together on our inspirational cozy mysteries has been a gift from God. It has opened a new level of sharing in our 55-year marriage and new avenues of outreach.

Would you share something about yourself that most people would not know?

I am not musically talented (I can sing “Jesus Loves Me” pretty well), but I love symphony music.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I consider them blessings, not achievements. I have to say our daughters. Kellie is a teacher and Sandy is an attorney, but the things I am most thankful for are they both love the Lord, have strong marriages, and are great moms.

Would your life make a good movie?

No, most of the audience would be asleep in the first ten minutes.

Where do you see yourself/ministry in five years?

If the Lord tarries, and I am still here and able, I hope to just continue running the race. He will let me know when to stop or change course.

Questions by Deborah Malone

What would your advice be to other “seasoned” women on ways to stay active in ministry?

Ask yourself, “What can I do?” instead of “What do I feel like doing?” Never say, “I have done my part,” until the Lord calls you home.

Have you ever felt “too old” to be used by God? What made you decide God could still use you?

Not really, but I have been blessed with exceptional health to be 75. I think as long as God enables me to do so, I should just keep going. More slowly, perhaps, but still going.

What seasoned woman in the Bible is an inspiration to you?

Probably Elizabeth. She allowed herself to mentor Mary.

If you’ve had illness or physical limitations, what accommodations have you had to make to continue in ministry?

Age has slowed me down, so, when I get tired, I rest for a time, then get up and go again.

Wanda will you tell us a little about your ministry?

I still teach preschoolers at church on Wednesday nights. I also volunteer at our local elementary school, mentor a middle school child, and occasionally teach knitting in one of the schools. I would love to have a younger woman to teach with me whom I could mentor, but, as of now, I just try and encourage the younger women in church whatever ministries they have.

What are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome in this time of your “seasoned” ministry?

Like most folks of a certain age, I have to accept the fact that things change. I no longer attempt to write curriculum, because I no longer am up on the newest methods. My technical skills are not what they should be, but I can always enlist a younger person to help.

Wanda thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a little about yourself and your ministry. I admit I chuckled a time or two reading some of your answers. I didn’t know you had such a great sense of humor. Once again, thank you for taking the time to spend with us.

Bio: Wanda Pelfrey is a retired Montessori teacher who has been married for 55 years to Danny, a retired minister. They have two daughters, Kelly Dailey, a second-grade teacher, and Sandra Ellis, an attorney who is now a stay-at-home mom. Wanda has written curriculum, articles, and devotions for several Christian publishing houses as well as two books; Celebrate the Bible for Rainbow press and Making the Most of You Child’s Teachable Moments for Moody Press. Currently she helps her husband write inspirational cozy mysteries, The Davis Morgan series and The Adairsville Heritage Series, set in the town of Adairsville, Georgia. Wanda also enjoys knitting, quilting, and volunteering with the local school system.