Meet Donna Reese

Donna Reese is a sweet and beautiful woman that we at Beltway Park are blessed to have a part of our church family. She is married to Randy, Pastor of Men's Ministries and they have been married for eleven years.  Together, Donna and Randy serve in many places at the church such as the prayer team, lifegroup leading, and meeting with people one-on-one. 

Donna and Randy have a blended family.  Between them, they brought six children and eventually sixteen grandchildren to the family.  Blending this new family proved to be Donna's biggest faith step to date.  It was a scary thing for Donna to consider being married again after being single for such a long time, but she knew in her spirit that God was leading her in those steps and that He had chosen Randy for her.  She knew He would bless their union so she trusted Him.  She says with a smile, "It has never been boring!"

Donna always knew in some way that she would be a pastor's wife.  Her first husband was a pastor for a short time, but then left the ministry and went into business.  Donna was able to ease into being a pastor's wife when Randy began at Beltway starting at first part-time.  When he finally went on full-time, it was such a passion for him and Donna felt that it became her passion too.  One of the main things Donna has learned being a pastor's wife is that it is hard to deal with any criticism of your spouse.  When you are a pastor's spouse, you know their heart so much of the criticism heard seems unfounded and can easily stir up offense.  Donna has see how well Randy is able to deal with criticism and she is learning to have those same graces for herself. 

Having now walked in her role helping Randy with men's ministry, Donna is passionate about becoming more involved in ministry to children and single moms.  Because she has walked in those shoes, she doesn't want to forget it and desires for God to use her experiences to help heal other hurting people.

In whatever ministry role she is doing, Donna is able to use her spiritual gifts with joy.  She has been given the gift of hospitality, for one.  Donna loves to make others feel welcome in their home, something she and Randy share.  About a year ago, during a stressful time with family after Randy's dad had passed away, God spoke to Donna about living out the gifts of the Spirit in their home to their family and others who visit there.  Donna believes she is a work in progress, but when she commits to living that out in her home, it brings peace and calmness to their children, grandchildren and everyone that enters their home.

Donna sees the blessing of having walked with the Lord for many years.  She has had the opportunity to see Him work in the hard times when she wanted to give up.  Though she knows she hasn't "arrived" yet, Donna can look back and see that she is way ahead of where she used to be.  This reflection keeps making it easier for her to trust God in new circumstances that come her way. Donna credits the teaching she has received in the Freedom Ministry for changing the way she thinks about things everyday.  Her only regret is that she didn't have that training years ago!

Donna's freedom journey has also led her on adventures she never thought she would be a part of.

  Randy and Donna have traveled to Israel together for missions and to Thailand to visit their children and grandchildren.  Donna says she never had a desire to travel so far, but being in those places were such blessings and reminded them how much God had blessed them with.  Now, Donna can't wait for her next Missions Adventure!

In her down time, Donna enjoys the simple things.  She loves to have her family and friends over to cook for, work in the yard and read.  She likes to decompress by sitting on the porch with Randy and friends, watch the sunset or rock one of her precious grandbabies. 

Donna has so much wisdom she can share with all of us!  Don't miss Let's Get Together tomorrow night to hear more from her heart!