“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
When Pat Ball first saw the Bethel campus for her interview, she was stunned at the beauty of the grounds, and wondered how she had never heard of the ministry before. “The campus was beautiful, I couldn’t believe it,” Pat exclaimed. “I felt like this was where I needed to be.” With her experience working with children and families, Gary Behler, Family Services Director at that time, knew that Pat had a specific skill set to work with the kids at Bethel. 1n 1993, Pat was hired as a social worker.
Beginning her work with the teen mom program, Pat knew her love to help others, but did not expect God to work in her own life. “Being here, God has shown me that I have to be careful of other people’s emotions. He has shown me how to pray for people and to speak the truth in love,” Pat said. Not only does Pat pray for the kids, but for her peers and coworkers. “I want people to know that they have a purpose and a mission while they are here. They have an assignment.”
Although Pat experienced many challenges, including differing social perspectives, and major shifts in the ministry structure, these challenges helped shape her own purpose at Bethel. “It took some time for me to figure out, but God has given me a gift to encourage people. I have done this with the kids, but also the social workers and house parents that I have worked with. I want people to feel love and acceptance no matter what. I want them to see past the present and see potential for the future,” Pat explained.
Now as the Director of Residential Programs, Pat recalls the main reason in the last 31 years for her motivation to stay, the kids. “It was the 1:00 am phone call, knowing a child was in crisis, and to help them when they didn’t understand what was going on.” The impact that Pat has made in the kid’s lives at Bethel is apparent, but God has used many children to make an impact in her life. “There have been some kids that I can recall that have really made an impact. I have had some of the most beautiful experiences. They have really touched my heart,” Pat said.
Continuing in her career, Pat has a clear vision for the future, knowing God will guide her plans. “I feel like being here has been one of the best things I have done with my life. I feel like there is so much more that I would like to do. Maybe it is time for a new vision or a new set of eyes, but every day I love knowing I can come here. I love meeting a new boy or girl who needs to know that they are in a safe place.”