First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, EaglePoint campus
Calhoun Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 61:1–3
Favorite Hymn: “Trust and Obey”
Hobbies: Playing with grandchildren, reading, traveling, swimming
Family Status: Married 46 years to husband, Lawrence K. Hughes; daughter, Amie Hughes Knight (husband, Keith); son, Alan Hughes (wife, Heather); five grandchildren
Laura Hughes, 63, of Ohatchee, believes missions work is vital to every season of a person’s life. She has served as a youth leader, women’s ministry leader and conference speaker and in support roles as her husband was a pastor and director of missions (DOM). For five years she and her husband were International Mission Board representatives in Western Europe. She recently retired after working seven years at Calhoun Baptist Association.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: My parents and extended family were very faithful. I started going to church at one week old. I saw my father and my mother on their knees often. Mom read us Bible stories every night in her bed and then prayed with us. I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior when I was 6 at a children’s revival.
Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?
A: I never really imagined being a pastor’s wife, DOM’s wife or a missionary when I was older. Through (my husband’s) ministry, my ministry grew. … In our missions field of Western Europe we worked with refugees. I also was the family ministry consultant. I was asked to return to my job at Calhoun Association in 2010. I love the work there because every telephone call or visitor would direct your ministry.
Q: What does your ministry work demand?
A: My new ministry is total care of my husband, whose Alzheimer’s disease has progressed to the point that we are basically homebound. … It demands patience because if he thinks I am stressed, overworked or hurting, he will get very distressed.
Q: What do you get from your ministry work?
A: Every day there is joy. We go outside and he points to trees, flowers, birds and stars. When he sees pictures of family or friends, he laughs or smiles. I get the satisfaction of knowing that I am faithful in sickness and health in our marriage.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: My son and daughter, with their spouses, are on call if I need them. They show up when times require another hand. They are all faithful believers.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I really take life one day at a time with Larry’s situation. I want to be active with the association work again one day. They have so many ministries and opportunities and need volunteers.
Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?
A: I have become very reliant on my Bible studies and prayer life for strength.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: I do not know how people go through life without His comfort and guidance. I have seen miracles by Him through my service. Just working in His fields opens your eyes to His wondrous presence.
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