Fleetwood Baptist Church, Glenwood
Salem-Troy Baptist Association
Favorite Verses: John 3:16; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:28
Favorite Hymns: “He Touched Me” and “Because He Lives”
Hobbies: Reading, studying the Bible, watching wildlife, collecting seashells, baking 7-Up pound cakes to give to people and visiting a nursing home
Family Status: Widow for 12 years after 52 years of marriage to husband, Curt; daughter, Calista Everage; son, Anthony Everage; two grandchildren
Phyllis Everage, 82, of Henderson, nurtured more than 50 children in the 30 years she operated a home day care. At the same time she was active in her church — in Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), as a Sunday School teacher to children, assistant teacher to women and nursery worker. Currently she is a member of the prayer awareness team, prayer chain team, choir and food service committee; worker in Vacation Bible School and volunteer with the Salem-Troy Association food ministry. At her church she also assists in a ministry to provide food and flowers to individuals during illness or grief.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: I was a “lost” church member. I know that it is possible to know about Jesus without knowing Him in my heart. At a young age I joined the church. As an adult, I was teaching Sunday School and WMU. The Holy Spirit works in us and reveals to us the things that are wrong in our lives and points us to Jesus. The Holy Spirit spoke to me and revealed that I was not saved (during a church revival). … God shined His light on my heart and I saw it as He did. I saw that it was filled with sin and foolish pride. … Jesus reached down and lifted me up and set my feet on the Solid Rock. I was 31 years old.
Q: What is your ministry work?
A: My ministry is to reach out to the lost, the lonely, the sick, the old, those who are burdened, little children, drug addicts and anyone who just needs a touch of the Master’s hand.
Q: What does your ministry work demand?
A: It demands a lot of studying, concentrating and just taking the time to look into the needs people have. It demands a lot of time with the Lord for Him to lead me and show me and tell me what to do. … It takes a lot of prayer.
Q: What do you get from the ministry work?
A: Oh, I get blessings on top of blessings. To help someone is one of the most important things in my life.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: They support me completely. They are always there when I need them. God has given me a wonderful family and I thank Him for that.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I see myself involved in the future the way I’ve been in the past. It is my heart’s desire to continue on the way I’m going. … I see myself as being busy in reaching out to people.
Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?
A: I pray He will give me the strength and the things I need to live the life that is pleasing to Him.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: He transformed my soul and made me a new creature. … He brings me contentment and He supplies my every need. I can’t begin to tell you what a wonderful Savior I have. I just pray that everyone out there who doesn’t know Jesus would come to accept Him and know the joy.
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