Each month, Abiding Presence will highlight a Stephen Minister, showcasing their unique journey and the inspiration behind their commitment to serving the community. This month’s feature is on Donna Stewart.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I was born in a small town in Texas into a large family with whom I am still very close. I left as a young adult to join my husband, who was in the Air Force, as we moved to various places in the United States.
We moved to San Antonio in 1977 and I have been here ever since. I went back to school in my 30s and worked as an accountant and systems analyst at Valero Energy and retired from there. My husband died and I married Hayden and we’ve been married for 29 great years. Between us, we have six children who live in six different states. We’re happily retired and enjoy a full and active life.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about Abiding Presence?
A: I have been a member here for 44 years and have seen the church through many different phases in its history. Throughout all those times the one thing that has remained constant is the love and support I have felt from my church family.
In good times and bad, I have felt the love of God because of what the people of this church have done for me. Hopefully, this has been reciprocal. I am grateful to be a member of this congregation where I see God’s love preached and practiced.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: Since retirement, I spend time volunteering and especially enjoy my time working with and for children with the Assistance League. I was in an organization called the Friendship Force where we traveled to many countries and exchanged home visits with people of those countries. The friendships we made and the experiences we had are invaluable.
Since COVID, we have traveled mostly in the US to visit our children in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, and here in Texas. I enjoy reading, gardening, playing cards, and games, and spending time with my friends and family.
Q: Tell us about your Stephen Ministry experience.
A: I have been a Stephen Minister for 22 years and during this time I have had the privilege of caring for many people. Each of them was precious to me and I pray that God’s love was shown to them through my ministry. I, along with my husband, Hayden, and Jarrell Pruitt were leaders for 20 years. We retired two years ago and the ministry now is in the very capable hands of Gizelle Henricksen and Sheryl Stanton.