Teresa Collett

From the time I was a young girl living in Indiana I remember wanting to “work for” Jesus. I loved Sunday School and VBS; in fact I went to two each summer, one at my church and one at the church across the street from our house. In the evenings I used to sit in a swing in our back yard and sing Jesus songs until time to go inside.

All that to say, I have loved working for Jesus along all the paths He has led me, and I still do. The majority of my ministry has been in education, with a couple side ventures into being a coach and a dorm parent. In early 2000 I joined the NAYM team serving as the Director of Publications, and helping with monthly Native fellowship meals at Judy’s home and at our church. The Lord then gave me the idea of starting a Native ladies’ Bible study. Brainstorming with Judy, the Lord led her to start a children’s Bible study to coincide with the ladies’ group.

The Lord has since closed that door so that I’m now doing more behind the scenes ministry with NAYM, again working with publications, and helping with any work where needed. At my church I’ve been co-teaching a third grade Sunday School class with Judy, and serving as a hall monitor for the children’s ministry.

I have been “tent-making” for over 10 years at a local Christian school. My transition from being a jr/sr high teacher has been fun, especially getting to develop my own “curriculum” for our Bible time.

One of my favorite verses has always been “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” [Proverbs 3:5-5, NKJV] Some of His paths have taken a lot of faith; some have been hard to follow; but all have been safe, in the center of His will. I’m so thankful!