I have been a member of Gashland for 40+ years, serving as elder several times, leader of women’s ministries, leader of coordinating five women’s retreats, on two pastor searches, the cook team, and teacher of adult classes. Bill and my son, Brad, is one of our church’s missionaries, working for YoungLife.

I became motivated to learn to paint from an aptitude test I took that showed my highly creative side, so I thought I would try to develop that area in some form. I started with oils and then switched to acrylics. This artwork is acrylics. It is faster to work with, and I am always urgent. However, I never considered myself an artist. I only painted when I wanted something for a wall in my house or a gift for a friend. But when Sarah Sporrer and Ellie McGinty wanted me to paint a large picture for the lobby, I agreed to give it a try.

The idea originated from the prayer cards I had describing the work of YoungLife leaders in the 105 counties they serve. They are taking the Great Commission seriously and literally. Thus the suggestion of “all the world” in abstract form and the charge we all have as believers from Mark 16:14.