Page 26 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine 2020 Spring - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
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Senior Senior Ashley Penrod

Becoming the

Hands and Feet

of God

by Ashlyn Mallory

hen I think about those Ashley is a head pastor in the excited to meet her and got to begin
who have had a positive children’s ministry at my church. I caring for her when she was just six
Wimpact on my life, remember the impact her messages weeks old. I felt so honored that
several people come to mind, but had on me from when I was a fifth they trusted me with their children,
one specific person has not only and sixth grader. I could always and the relationship I have with
positively influenced me, but has understand the point of her sermons both of them is very special to me.
also invested in me and made even when some of the topics were In fact, I watched the two littles
me feel like family. I have been a hard to understand. She has a gift every Friday last summer, and it
volunteer at my church in the child for relating to kids that age. I find was definitely my favorite day of
care ministry since I was a seventh her an inspiration because I want to the week.
grader; and my church has been like do the same thing; I want to reach
a second home for the past six years. young kids and connect with them Ashley’s parenting style is
Working in the church childcare has in ways that enable them to relate inspirational to me because she has
been so rewarding, and in addition, to others and work through issues. her son do things like walk me to
has blessed me with opportunities I want to do that for
for babysitting jobs outside of the others as it has been
church. done for me.
I met Ashley Penrod’s little son in I began keeping
the church ministry and developed a Ashley’s young son
special bond with him. Developing for the Penrod’s
relationships like that is one of the date nights and for
main reasons I have enjoyed being a kitchen remodel,
a part of the children’s ministry and that is when
in my church. I love having the Ashley took me in
opportunity to bond with kids, and as a member of her
when I develop friendships with family. About a
their parents, it is an added blessing. year after I started
That is exactly what happened. I keeping their son,
connected with Ashley because of his little sister was
the bond between her son and me. born. I was beyond

26 Amarillo Senior Link