INTERVIEW WITH TERRI GILLESPIE

by Deborah Malone and Rita Prochazka

Questions from Rita

Terri, can you share some of your testimony with our readers?

I attended Lutheran Schools in the 60’s and 70’s. In high school, most of our instructors were very liberal. Some didn’t believe many of the Biblical accounts as factual – such as Jonah. Despite that, we were required to attend chapel services daily.

Someone must have been a very strong believer at the school because they scheduled a Baptist evangelist as our chapel speaker. He gave a clear Gospel message and had an altar call. Just not done in the Lutheran Church.

As the evangelist with big hair and wearing white from collar to shoes spoke, the Holy Spirit really touched my heart. I was one of many students who made the decision to accept Jesus into my heart.

The next day began a week or so of deprogramming by the teachers. Essentially, telling us it was all an emotional hype. Several years later, I attended a prayer meeting led by a Lutheran pastor, who had an altar call. Yep. I ran to the altar.

In your walk with God in this season of your life, what have you learned?

How precious life is. Every day is a gift and provides opportunities to be who He created us to be at this season of life.

How have you prepared/been prepared for ministry?

I must chuckle. My preparation for ministry is from the School of Hard Knocks. If there is an easy route to learn a lesson, I’ll walk right by and find the circuitous path. The good thing about all those uncomfortable lessons is that I experience and learn.

So, when I speak or write, I can pretty much cover a lot of ways to not walk that faith journey. Even more importantly, to demonstrate the loving kindness of our Heavenly Father.

Questions from Deborah

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

Two things:

Be willing to change. To shift to a new path when God points us.

Be aware of the needs around you. Ministry doesn’t have to have a business card or a website. Ministry is helping others, even if it is to listen to a hurting soul.

Can you share a little about your ministry?

I am a writer. I love writing fiction – parables that have contemporary lessons for women. Several years ago, the LORD directed me to tithe my writing with devotional blogs.

Today, there are nearly 1,500 free messages for women and men on my website. Plus, I publish them on social media. Those short devotions drive many of my messages when I speak.

One last question, Terri. What challenges have you had to overcome in this time of your “seasoned” ministry?

Moving from Pennsylvania – the Philadelphia area – to the deep south has been a significant challange. We moved because of my husband’s health – anyone who has weathered Philadelphia snowstorms knows what I’m talking about.

Culturally, I’ve had to learn to not be so “Philly” about things. Hubby sometimes must soften my response by saying, “Honey, don’t do Philly on them.”

People are so much nicer and polite here. However, it isn’t always easy to be accepted into established relationships as someone from the North. Perhaps, because there is still too much “Philly” in me. Ha!

All my contacts and regular speaking circuits dissolved upon our move. It was just too expensive to travel to the Northeast. Likewise, we really didn’t know anyone here and those in my new circle were already established speakers – who – well – weren’t willing/able to assist me.

Still, I must believe that God saw these days and is using this time for me to reconnect with my beloved, newly retired husband. So, even though my speaking ministry has dwindled to nothing, hubby’s and my relationship is nothing short of a treasure. In the meantime, I await my orders from my Heavenly Father.

Terri, dear friend, we are thrilled that you stopped by and shared your ministry with us. I know these encouraging words will help other women in their winter season.

Bio: Award-winning author, reviewer, blogger, YouTube personality and speaker, Terri Gillespie loves writing stories and devotionals that speak of the power of the Father’s redemptive love and healing. She has written six books. Terri can be reached at http://www.authorterrigillespie.com.