My journey of faith began before I was born, carried in the prayers and dedication of my grandfather, the founder of Angono United Methodist Church in the Philippines. He was a man of deep conviction, a humble servant of God whose life was centered on building a spiritual home for others. He taught me—both in word and in example—that faith is not simply something you believe in; it is something you live out every day in acts of service, kindness, and perseverance.

Growing up in that environment, the church was more than a building—it was a family. Worship was woven into the fabric of life, and service was a natural expression of gratitude to God. I was surrounded by faithful people who encouraged me to see my gifts as blessings meant to be shared. One of those people was Ms. Fabro, then President of Harris Memorial College. I still remember when she came to recruit students to study at Harris and train to be deaconesses. Her vision was inspiring, and I was excited to sign up. For a time, I truly believed that would be my path.

But reality has a way of testing our intentions. The requirement to serve the church for four years after graduation weighed heavily on me. At that stage of life, I was thinking not only of my own dreams but also of my responsibility to help support my family. With much prayer and a heavy heart, I decided to pursue a career in accounting instead. When I made that choice, I told myself, “I can still serve the Lord even if I am not a deaconess.” I believed my skills could be used for God’s work in other ways, and that faithful service could take many forms.

For a while, I thought perhaps that was the end of my calling to ministry. But God’s call is persistent. Sometimes it is loud and urgent; other times it comes as a gentle tug, drawing us back to the path He has prepared for us. My tug came through the people He placed in my life.

One of those people was Althea Schlatter from Ronald United Methodist Church. In 2002, she invited me to travel with her to the United Methodist Women’s Assembly in Florida as her companion. That trip changed my life. For the first time, I experienced the power of thousands of women united in mission, justice, and prayer. I felt a deep sense of belonging and purpose. The Assembly was not just an event—it was a commissioning of my heart. I became a member of United Methodist Women (now United Women in Faith) and committed to attending every Assembly every four years. Each gathering has strengthened my faith, expanded my vision of God’s mission in the world, and connected me with sisters in Christ from all walks of life.

Another influence came in the 1990s, when Pastor Nancy Yamasaki—wife of Bishop Choi—encouraged me to consider becoming a clergy member. I respected her greatly, and her confidence in me was both humbling and affirming. I was scheduled to interview a group of clergy to explore that possibility. Ironically, that same day I had an audition for a documentary film. I prayed for guidance and ultimately decided to attend the audition, where I was offered the role. I remember thinking again, “I can still serve the Lord even if I am not a minister.” That moment reminded me that our calling is not confined to a job title, an official role, or a specific path. God can use willing hearts in every place—whether in the pulpit, in an office, in a mission field, or in everyday life.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in many ways:

– As Seattle District Spiritual Growth Coordinator from 2000 to 2004, I nurtured the spiritual lives of our members.

– As Seattle District Vice President from 2004 to 2008, I supported mission projects and leadership development.

– Led five mission trips to the Philippines and two to Cambodia, connecting communities across cultures and continents.

– Volunteering at Hopelink Food Bank and serving as a table captain for community fundraisers.

– Serving on the Board of Atlantic Street Center, where I helped with financial oversight through auditing records and reconciling accounts, ensuring accountability and stewardship of resources.

– And since 2016, serving as Conference Mission Secretary for the General Board of Global Ministries in the Pacific Northwest Conference. In this role, I help coordinate missionaries’ itineration when they visit our conference, ensuring they are welcomed, supported, and connected with churches eager to partner in their ministries. This work has deepened my understanding of global mission and has allowed me to witness firsthand the powerful ways God is moving through dedicated servants around the world.

Each of these experiences has deepened my understanding of what it means to be in ministry—not only inside the church walls but also out in the community where needs are great, and hope can be fragile.

Through it all, I have learned that ministry is not a title or position; it is a way of life. It is being present for people in their moments of need, celebrating their victories, and walking with them through seasons of struggle. It is about listening for God’s voice amid busy schedules and unexpected opportunities. It is being willing to say “yes” even when the path is uncertain.

Looking back, I can see how God has been preparing me for the Deaconess/Home Missioner relationship all along. The early influence of my grandfather instilled in me a passion for the church. The inspiration of Ms. Fabro showed me the beauty of dedicated service. The encouragement of leaders like Althea Schlatter and Nancy Yamasaki kept my heart open to God’s calling. My years in United Methodist Women/United Women in Faith have given me a network of sisters in faith and a mission-driven community. My work in missions, leadership, and service has equipped me with the skills and compassion needed to live out the covenant of love, justice, and service.

I also carry with me the awareness that I am still a work in progress. I like to say that “God is not finished with me yet.” My journey has not been perfect or predictable, but it has been faithful. Every twist and turn has brought me closer to the truth that my life is not my own—it belongs to God, to be used in service for others.

The Deaconess/Home Missioner relationship is, for me, a formal recognition of what I have already been living: a life dedicated to love, justice, and service in the name of Jesus Christ. It is a commitment to serve wherever God sends me, to advocate for the marginalized, to stand for justice, and to share the hope of the Gospel in word and deed.

When I think of my grandfather starting a church with faith as his only resource, when I remember the mentors who spoke life into my calling, when I see the faces of those we have served on mission trips or at the food bank, I know that this is the path God has been shaping in me all along. I am ready to take this next step—not as the completion of my journey, but as the continuation of the good work that God began in me many years ago.

I am still under construction, but I am walking forward with faith, trusting that the One who began a good work in me will bring it to completion in His time.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn S. Reid

In October, I was elected your new Pacific Northwest Conference United Women in Faith secretary. The first time I was elected conference secretary was in the last century!

Jenny Bygland was kind enough to do the new directories for 2026, but please remember to send any updates to me. Since she is still our communications coordinator, sending them to her also would be helpful.

The first learning session for all US conference secretaries was on January 12. One thing we discussed was acronyms. I know there have been a couple of different ways people have abbreviated United Women in Faith. According to the national secretary, the approved acronym is UWFaith. And you should use the whole name at least once before in your article or letter. If you have any questions about your job as a secretary, get in touch with me. If I don’t know the answer, I will try to find out for you.

I hope you have a chance to attend Assembly. It is an awe-inspiring event. You will never regret being there to learn about all the great things UWFaith members are doing all around the world.

I am looking forward to meeting you at Mission u this summer.