A Message from the Gilgal Board 

Dear Gilgal Family and Friends

My name is Barbara Jackson and I have been serving on the Gilgal board for five years.  Taking on the role of Gilgal Board Chair has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I learned about Gilgal in 2013 when my daughter Catherine had a piano recital there.  She later started teaching piano lessons with residents, and I tagged along to socialize and bring brownies.  Little did I know how quickly I would fall in love.  I soon found myself serving on the Board and helping with the agency’s Blue Jean Gala.  Seeing God’s continual faithfulness through the lives of the Gilgal women and this ministry has amazed me many times over.

And here Gilgal is now celebrating 15 years of God’s faithfulness during this most unexpected time we are facing as a nation. But of course, we all know that none of this has God surprised.  He has put each of us here for such a time as this – especially our FAITHFUL volunteers, without whom Gilgal would not exist.

So, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank each of you who have invested in Gilgal.  Whether it was a one-time project, a weekly class, or a group event – you have blessed us in countless ways that we can never repay.  You are God’s hands and heart that keep the organization going and we are eternally grateful.

I for one am personally thankful for the amazing people I serve with on Gilgal’s Board. It is an honor to come alongside of Val Cater, Gilgal’s Founder and Executive Director, who obeyed God in 2005 to birth His vision of restoring homeless women with addictions.  Her incredible love for the Lord and uncompromising perseverance at all costs are both inspiring and convicting.  I am honored to call her my sister in Christ.

I am also grateful for so many who have served on Gilgal’s Board throughout the years. Some I personally know; others I don’t. But what I do know about each is their dedication and passion for Gilgal and it’s future.  I offer a special thanks to Val Munnings, Verna Welch and Kristin Waites who faithfully served on the Board last year.  And, I want to take this opportunity to introduce our current Board members to you.  Each woman is uniquely gifted and called and I am grateful for all that they do.

Change Happens at Gilgal because of these FAITHFUL servants:

NATALIE HENDERSON, Treasurer

My name is Natalie Henderson  and I started volunteering nearly ten years ago and have been on the Board for almost two.  Currently, I am serving as Board Treasurer.  In my volunteering with the ladies, I’ve helped them train for and participate in various 5ks through a group called GoGal Running.  I have also helped tutor several Gilgal women seeking their GEDs and have watched them acquire this milestone achievement.

In my professional life, I work at Applerouth Tutoring, where we help kids, schools, and districts with their schoolwork and with high-stakes testing.  We do a lot of work helping high schoolers around town get ready for their SAT and ACT exams.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 6:34, and it’s felt especially powerful during this quarantine season:  “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries enough of its own.  Today’s worry is enough for today.”  It’s been a blessing to watch Gilgal flourish during the 10 years I have been volunteering, and I trust that God will continue to be faithful to us during this wilderness season.

TERENA WASHINGTON, Secretary

My name is Dr. Terena Washington.  My husband, Ken, and I have been married for 26 years and have three amazing sons.  I work as a pharmacist at The Kroger Company and currently serve as secretary for the Gilgal Board.

I first learned about Gilgal from some moms at my children’s school – Whitefield Academy.  I began volunteering with the group about five years ago coming once a month to bring lunch and host an activity with the ladies. We have done such things as carve pumpkins in the Fall, make Christmas ornaments, plant flowers and play games.  Our group also collects and brings donations to the agency throughout the year.

During this challenging time that we are facing, I have leaned on my decision to choose “Faith over Fear,” trusting that God will provide all that is needed for my Gilgal family.  I absolutely love Gilgal and the ladies we serve and am grateful for the opportunity to volunteer.

COURTNEY WEATHERS

My name is Courtney Weathers and I am new to the Gilgal Board of Directors and have spent about three months serving as a General Board Member. I have truly been enjoying the experience.

Currently, I work in Business Development for Verizon, and I’m thankful for a job that provides the flexibility for me to serve the amazing Gilgal community while working full-time. The Lord has big plans for these women and this organization, and I pray that He continues to reveal Himself in each and every one of their lives.

I know the times are challenging for many, and so I wanted to share a quote by Katherine Wolf from Hope Heals:  “As long as you have breath, it is never too late to seek a foundation stronger than yourself.” As Christians, our firm foundation is Jesus Christ and we rest in the knowledge that He will continue to build and grow Gilgal into all He wants it to be. I am grateful He allows me to be a part of it.

Thank you Gilgal Board members for your FAITHFUL service!  Change Happens at Gilgal because you choose to serve!