Women Connect: Keep Dreaming — Jessica Martinson

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For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. >Ephesians 2:10, English Standard Version

Regardless of our age - don't you just love when God sparks new vision - fresh dreams in our heart? When HE dropped the inspiration in my heart for women connect, my first assignment was listing women who were making a difference for Jesus in their corner of the world. I couldn't type fast enough. Within a few minutes I knew there was no shortage of 'God- + people-loving' women.

In my heart I committed to doing this bi-weekly newsletter for one year. This issue marks the year's end, my final issue. It has been an honor to share stories of women who are such incredibly precious gifts to our broken world. (In case, you missed any stories, here you go.)

Today's story is the youngest woman I've interviewed and also the one I've known for the shortest time. As you read, I think you'll understand why my heart was drawn to her.

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Jessica Martinson

In September Wes and I attended a conference for Senior Adults in Branson, Missouri, where we got to share in two workshops with our co-laborers, Dan and Shani Parotti. In one of the general sessions with over eight hundred older adults in attendance, ministry leader Bob Cook introduced us to nineteen-year-old Jessica Martinson.

The schedule only allowed her to share sixty seconds of her story, but Wes and I could hardly contain our joy. Following that service, which included a beautiful time of prayer, we made a beeline to Jessica.

Back Story

When Jessica was eight years old, her Dad pastored a small church in Naperville, Illinois. She started going with him early to church Sunday mornings. Like many children would do, Jessica gravitated to the donut table. There she met 'Miss Nancy', along with other early-bird, coffee-brewing seniors.

Jessica loved those Sunday morning times. Even better than donuts, she started meeting new friends. Decades of age differences didn't matter. She especially gravitated to Miss Nancy, who began investing in this precious eight-year-old. (Since then Nancy has passed, but what a legacy she left!)

In seventh grade Jessica recalls being outside under a tree, when she received a divine call to minister to senior adults. Not necessarily earth shattering…but profound in her young heart.

Reflecting on what contributed to that calling, she knows the relationships she built with her grandparents, as well as the older adults in her church (and especially Miss Nancy), mattered! Profoundly.

Currently a sophomore, Jessica is a Biblical Studies major at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. Over the phone and through texts and emails, I am getting to know Jessica. I am so impressed with her spirit and God-given wisdom. I want you to hear from her directly:

Pertaining to ministry with the older population, what opportunities do you foresee?

As I minister to older adults, I will have the opportunity to receive a lot of wisdom from them. I will focus on pouring into those I serve, but I also know at the same time that I will have opportunities to learn a lot from them. Elderly Christians often have a wealth of knowledge and valuable insight, and many of them have a passion to share that with those around them, especially with younger generations.

What about challenges?

Connecting cross-generationally can be hard because sometimes it is difficult to relate to and understand those who are older. When it comes to the struggles that come with age, I can work to gain understanding, but I can't always be fully in tune and able to relate with what an elderly person is thinking or feeling.

While younger people like you seem to be an anomaly in older adult ministries, what is something you want your generation to know regarding this avenue of serving?

I would love for my generation to know that there is a place for them in this serving avenue. Whatever spiritual gifts someone may have can be used in a context that involves serving the elderly! Ministering specifically to the elderly is often overlooked, but it is still important. There are unique spiritual struggles that come with age, and cross-generational relationships are important to the spiritual health of all Christians.

If you could have a dream position working with older adults after graduation, how might that look?

While open to anything, I think my dream job would be working as a chaplain in a nursing home! (At the conference she also mentioned maybe serving as a pastor to senior adults…some place out there is in for a HUGE blessing.)

How could our 'women connect' community best be praying for you, Jessica?

I would love prayer that the Lord would strengthen my understanding of his Word, and equip and empower me for a life of ministry. I would also ask for prayer that the right doors would open so that I can find opportunities to minister to the elderly.

May I include your email in women connect in case anyone wants to reach out?

Yes!

Friends, PLEASE, let's root Jessica on!! Through prayers and emails let's encourage this young woman desiring to minister to an often forgotten, growing and marginalized segment of our population. Her story and life are going to be so interesting to follow.

GO, JESSICA!!

martinsonjg@gmail.com

thankful

for our year together! Your comments and notes of encouragement have been such a blessing. I'm glad we got to share this journey together. We will stay in touch regarding the upcoming e-newsletter that Shani and I will launch in Spring '25. (Dan + Shani Parotti will assume the role of Exec Directors of YES! sometime in 2025.)

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Maybe you already are - or can be - a "Miss Nancy" to a younger person? If you need a Bible to share with them, we've got you covered.

judy popineau wick