Thorington Road Baptist Church, Montgomery
Montgomery Baptist Association
Favorite Verses: Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7
Favorite Hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Hobbies: Painting; doing arts and crafts; being around people; reading and studying Bible; being with family and friends
Family Status: Wife of 53 years to husband, Tom; daughter, Pam Owens; son, Thomas Wilbanks
Judy Wilbanks is known as the “Cookie Lady” because of the fresh-baked cookies she puts in welcome bags for church visitors. But Wilbanks’ official title is outreach director for Thorington Road Baptist Church, Montgomery, a position she’s held for 30 years. Seventy-four-year-old Wilbanks also created the Shepherd’s Staff, another group that contacts visitors. She also leads a prayer group, sings in the choir and mentors ladies through her church’s Apples of Gold program.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: I became a Christian when I was 12 years old. In church I saw how the teachers reached out to love me. That made quite an influence in my life. My parents were loving and caring and both were always doing for others in our neighborhood. They encouraged my sisters and me to be in church and to show kindness to others. My grandmother was a great influence in my life. I saw how she loved Jesus and I saw how she would meet people.
Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?
A: I was first approached about being outreach director as part-time work through my pastor (at the time), Paul Balducci, in 1985.
Q: What does your ministry work demand?
A: It demands meeting with the staff and planning with them; organizing different things; contacting visitors; keeping up with prospects; sending out cards to those who have visited us and encouraging teachers to do the same; making prayer cards for the prayer group on Wednesday night and visiting (patients) in hospitals.
Q: What do you get from your ministry work?
A: I get a blessing. I think I’m also the one who gets encouragement. When (visitors) come back, that is an encouragement because that means the church has reached out to them.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: They are all very supportive. My husband has been such an influence in my life. He is such a strong Christian and was such a minister wherever he worked. He encourages me every day. I’m so thankful to have that in my life. My children too. They have stood by me.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I enjoy so much what I do. If I did retire, I’d still be doing the same thing. I don’t feel like it’s a job. I’m thankful to the Lord that He has placed me here to serve Him.
Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?
A: I don’t know how long I’ll be here in the office doing this job. But I’ll take it with me, making friendships in the community, at the grocery store, in the restaurant.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: He is my life. To know that what He did on the cross for me that I might have eternal life, that is what life is about, to live for Him. … I pray that I will always be listening, learning and growing in Him. … I thank Him on my way to work every morning for His faithfulness.
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