Women of Worth was honored to interview Sis. Ann French of Hobe Sound, Florida. Sis. French will be speaking at our WOW gathering in Gatlinburg on April 6th. We trust you will enjoy this glimpse into the life and ministry of this gracious woman of God.
WOW: Thank you for taking time to be with us and answer a few questions. Let’s begin with where you grew up and when you came to know Christ.
Sis French: I grew up in Easley, South Carolina and came to know the Lord my early teens. I always had a heart for Jesus and a desire to do the right thing.
WOW: Would you tell us how you met your husband and when you were married?
Sis. French: We were both active in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Because he was eight years older than I, we didn’t get acquainted until I was in my late teens and in college. He had a BA Ministerial Degree plus a graduate degree from Asbury Seminary and was pastoring a church in S.C. He was elected youth president of the SC conference and I was elected secretary. We were often together for business reasons since we served on the youth committee. That was our first formal introduction. I was in a serious relationship with another young Christian man, but God had different plans. Eventually, we became good friends and then starting dating. When I graduated from college we married, pastored four years, and then moved to Hobe Sound in 1969.
WOW: What advice would you give to a single woman who is waiting on God’s direction?
Sis. French: First and foremost, allow God to lead and confirm your choice and relationship. Seek good advice and counsel from mature Christians you know. Young love sometimes acts out of emotions and not with good common sense. We tend to overlook traits that may be a problem later on. People can change, but we can’t count on that in every situation.
WOW: Tell us about your children and grandchildren. Share with us some of the values that guided you in parenting.
Sis. French: I have two daughters, one son, and six grandchildren ages 14 to 25. We always lived in a glass house with high expectations because of my husband’s leadership roles. We had to do what was best for each of our children regardless of what “everyone” else thought or said. The main objective was to guard their hearts from bitterness and dislike for ministry. And we also tried to win the hearts of their friends so we could manage their influence over our children. Always be available to listen to your children. You have one opportunity to mold them and if you fail to communicate the proper values, you may not have another one.
WOW: Did you have any ministry or professional roles outside the home during your earlier adult years?
Sis French: My first and foremost responsibility was to complement my husband in each of his roles and be a helpmeet. That varied and increased as the years progressed. When he began to lose his hearing, I had a big responsibility to become his “interpreter” in every capacity he served. I did lots of entertaining with young people, camp visitors and evangelists, missionaries coming and going and early morning Bible studies with the college young people struggling through a variety of issues. But, in addition to that, I did serve in several capacities at the college and church. I taught music courses in the college and worked with the academy music program, accompanied college quartets and choirs. I served as college Admissions Director for several years, then registrar.
WOW: How long were you married, and do you have any marriage advice?
Sis. French: I was 2 ½ months short of 50 years of marriage when my husband was suddenly taken to heaven. Advice – open communication is crucial. Misunderstandings happen too often, and they can grow into difficult problems. Always do what is in the best interest of your mate, regardless of whether you like it or not. Pray together, laugh together and cry together. The children and I will forever be grateful that after he passed away we had a clean slate with
• No unresolved conflicts
• No unsaid apologies
• No unforgiveness
WOW: When did your husband pass away, and how has that changed your ministry role?
Sis. French: My husband died November 2014. It drastically changed my role in everything. We were inseparable partners and then I had to figure out who I was without him and what my new role was. I am still figuring that out but opportunities present themselves often. I am working with Grief Share sessions for those who have lost a loved one. I also try to reach out to widows to encourage them and help them in whatever area they may need. It is surprising how many widows are somewhat helpless because their husbands did everything—finances, domestic decisions, driving and taking care of the car, even putting gas in it, etc. I work with them one on one, to help them navigate through all the things they are now responsible to do. I am a part of two groups that socialize often. It is a good venue to share our struggles without our husbands.
WOW: You’re still quite busy in ministry it seems! Do you mind to share your current positions with our readers?
Sis. French: I am half time as the college online registrar and halftime as assistant to Joe Taylor with Gospel Publishing Mission. I currently serve on the Hobe Sound Bible Church board and am the Sunday morning pianist.
WOW: I’d love to hear a Scripture verse that is special to you.
Sis. French: Proverbs 3:6: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”
Thank you, Sis. French, for your willingness to take a few moments to allow us to become acquainted with you. Your passion for God and dedication to ministry are examples for us to follow. -WOW
