A Trusted Voice
Around the halls of Ohio Valley Teen Challenge, she’s respectfully known as “Miss Wilena.” Our staff and clients adore her and, if you’ve ever met her, you quickly know why! She leads with her heart in all she does.
Miss Wilena wears many hats – pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, mentor and a very trusted voice to the ladies in recovery here at ATCOV.
She began volunteering her time several years ago and loved to come in and share, encourage and challenge the women. Over time, she began teaching education and providing one-on-one mentoring as well. So in September of this year, Miss Wilena came on board as a part-time member of our staff and has proven to be an integral part of our women’s program.
When asked what has been so rewarding to her during her time at ATCOV, she said, “I’ve seen someone come in to sit with me and share their story and look so downtrodden – hope is just gone. They would tell the stories of things that had transpired in their life (to where I would have to keep my face straight in disbelief of what they were telling me). And when that person told me everything they had told me and we had the chance to talk and pray, many times I would see that very same person get up and leave with a smile on their face – that is worth more than anything to me.”
Each day in various settings – prayer, education, mentoring time – she hears and sees the fruits of her love and labor. “I feel that the women trust me as a friend and I really value that,” Wilena shares. “I also feel that my presence is valued and that what I am imparting to them is really helping them and that means so much – they are grateful.”
Miss Wilena’s heart is for ministry – it’s her life. Whether it be here with the ladies of ATCOV, doing life with the folks at Lighthouse Covenant Ministries (where her and her husband pastor) or having eight or nine young girls over to their home making blueberry pancakes while giving their moms a respite, she loves ministry – she loves relationship – she loves people.
Referencing Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way,” Miss Wilena is seeing that verse come to life in so many ways. “I’m seeing how God is ordering my steps in EVERYTHING these days and that He has a plan!” And we are thankful that His plan includes Miss Wilena at ATCOV in this season.
