Nedra Patterson

In your life, where have you seen hope emerge from difficulty?

My husband passed away after 61 years of marriage. I had paid all of the bills because he traveled a lot, but I knew I would be starting a new life quite different from the married life. I depended on God to give me the courage and peace to go on a new path. My family encouraged me and about a year later I moved from Wimberley to Nacogdoches and joined Fredonia Hill Baptist. My house was for sale about a year and a half. When it sold for a lot less than originally listed, it was all I needed and then some. God knew how much I needed and had it for me. He also taught me patience. 

How has God used specific people to bring you to this point in your faith journey? 

Have any of these people been unexpected?

God used many people to help me in this new life, but a group of women in Wimberley, some who were already wonderful friends, helped me. They invited me out to lunch with them after church and to meet with them in a Monday night Bible Study. they go through the Bible and each person has to teach a chapter or two as they meet. I taught young children, never adults. Some of these ladies are Bible scholars and always offered me the comments about the chapter. We also have a time of prayer for others who have needs. I am with them on Zoom now.

What has “All My Hope” revealed to you about the nature of church family? How has this challenged some of the “typical” ways we view church community?

I never thought of anyone outside the church before I found that people living in the neighborhoods around the church have needs that the church could help. I helped by picking up food from the food pantry on Thursday morning and delivering it to the home. She can pick up the food for her family now so I am waiting for someone else who needs it. 

What has “All My Hope” revealed to you about the nature of church family? How has this challenged some of the “typical” ways we view church community?

I see the hand of God moving all around me. When a need is mentioned there is someone volunteering to fill that need. An Easter basket was delivered to my house by a young man from the Student Ministry Group. Casseroles have been delivered to people in the neighborhood who just need to know someone was thinking of them. Valentine boxes were delivered to people in the neighborhood. God is making us aware of the needs of people we don't even know, but we are able to help them in some way.