Bill E. Wood Memorial Scholarship

My passion for ministry and serving others was ignited by two people: my pastor and his daughter Cheri. They didn’t just talk about faith—they lived it out, showing up for people in the quiet, messy, and meaningful moments. Cheri especially led by example, taking me under her wing and showing me that real ministry isn’t about titles—it’s about love in action. Watching her and my pastor serve others with humility and joy taught me that leadership means showing up where others won’t. That heart for service also runs deep in my family. My grandfather and father both served in the Army, and my father-in-law and mother-in-law served in the Navy. I’ve always looked up to them. Their sacrifices, courage, and commitment have shaped how I see leadership. They served our country with honor, and now I want to serve people with that same kind of dedication. My greatest respect is for veterans and civil servants who often go unrecognized when they come home. That’s why I have a deep passion for helping the homeless—especially those who once wore a uniform and gave their all. That calling led me to start Deeply Rooted Ministries. We serve through food drives, outreach events, and by simply being there for people who feel forgotten. One moment that stands out is when a family in our church lost everything in a fire. No one asked me to take charge, but I felt the nudge in my spirit. I gathered clothes, cooked meals, collected donations, and helped coordinate a place for them to stay. I wasn’t trying to be a hero—I just remembered what my pastor once said: “True leadership steps in without needing the spotlight.” I’ve also carried this heart for service into my personal life. I’m a wife and a mom of eight, including two sets of twins born 11 months apart. Life is full, but so is my purpose. After putting my dreams on hold to raise my children, I’ve gone back to school to become a teacher. My daughter, who was once homeschooled by me, is now studying to become a teacher herself. She told me I was her inspiration—and now she’s mine. That full-circle moment is what gave me the courage to believe it’s not too late to follow my calling. I want to teach. I want to serve. I want to lead in the background—lifting others up the way my pastor, Cheri, and my military family have always lifted me. Leadership isn’t loud. It’s faithful.

Ministry can be subjective sometimes, as people don't always see it as an important passion, but let me spend some time telling you about someone I spent my whole life looking up to. This person served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era and was a man I could go to for advice in any situation. This was my grandfather William, or as we called him, Grandpa Bill. He was a man who, even though he wasn't a church leader, led me to my future ambitions of serving others in the church community. This man just recently passed away, and I know I will make him a happy grandparent in my future endeavors because of how much of a great person he was and how much of a God-fearing man he was and spread that love of Jesus to his family. He always said, "Don't let others dim your light as you serve the lord, and let them see the love of Christ through you." This has been inspirational to me, especially since I am attending an Assembly of God College to earn a degree in ministry. My dear Grandfather passed away in June of 2024, just over a month ago, and I was supposed to go on a mission trip to South Asia three days after his passing. He told me before passing once more, "Don't let others dim your light as you serve the lord, and let them see the love of Christ through you." his last request before passing was for me to go on that trip and anytime where I was feeling distraught in my travels across the world I would just think what grandpa would say to me? Which helped me make it through my travels. So you see, it doesn't matter if someone has never served in the same position that you are working towards advice, and the Lord's voice can come from anyone or anything because the Lord can work in mysterious ways. I have seen that in my life, and I plan to have my grandfather's legacy live on through my works to glorify the lord because it will ultimately make him a proud grandparent from where he sits in heaven. So, as I live my college life and as a pastor and missionary after that, I will always think about what Grandpa would do and always know that I am doing what he would want me to. Thank you!