Sherry Dehaan
Leader: Women of Lordsbook
https://lordsbook.com
T4JYM: Can you share with our readers what Lordsbook is and its history? What is your role in Lordsbook?
SD: Lordsbook is a new social media platform that is Christ based and intended for all users of other social media who are tired of the “garbage” and censorship that we encounter. Lordsbook has been the dream of my husband Tim for several years. He thought of the name “Lordsbook” in July of 2017. Through research and trial and error, he connected with Tom and they created this site together. It is a combination of both of their ideas and talents. With God’s help and many hours of texts and phone calls they were able to launch the site December of 2023. It already has members in several countries around the world and is growing every day. We hope to share our faith and our lives with Christians and seekers of Christ in a safe and user-friendly site. My role in Lordsbook is small for now. I am trying to encourage others, encourage Tim and help the site become what others like.
I started Women of Lordsbook because I feel that women have unique ideas and questions to share. I hope that we can pray for each other, share our stories and find new friends in Christ from all over the world. Finding friends out of my “circle” is the most exciting part for me. I just love connecting with other cultures and finding all the things that we share in common. God willing someday this site will grow and we will be able to reach out to those in need and come alongside them with help. That is my part of the dream for Lordsbook.
T4JYM: What is one highlight of your past year?
SD: One of the highlights of this past year has been taking my mother into my home to live. She is now 91 years old and no longer able to live independently. With the help of my husband, she joined us last fall. It has been a journey for sure. I retired from a school for children with severe handicaps. I feel this was one of the ways God prepared me for taking care of my mom. I received training in many techniques that really helped me care for her – the biggest being patience. We had our ups and downs, but it was a joy for me. It brought my husband and I closer also giving me a chance to share some great memories with her.
T4JYM: Who have been your biggest influences in life?
SD: My Dad was my greatest influence in my life. He taught me so much. He was a wonderful Christian and was a great example for me. He ended every evening meal with the reading of the Bible, and we never failed to pray before and after meals. He worked hard to send all six of us kids to Christian schools until we graduated from high school. He did not have a college education so this took some sacrifice on his part and the part of my mom. He was always there to talk to me about my faith. We had many great discussions because I always had questions. He served as a deacon and elder of our church many times and was able to help me with understanding the CRC. He was a wonderful example in life also. Work hard for God, not yourself, keep the Sabbath day holy, return things in better shape than you borrowed them, laughter is the best medicine, and many other life lessons I still use.
T4JYM: Could you share a short testimony with our readers?
SD: A short testimony… The first time I truly believed that God answers my prayer was when I was pretty young, about seven or eight years old. I was camping with my family and my baby brother was not with us. He was too young and was staying with a favorite neighbor. Sometime in the middle of the night park rangers came to our tent and woke the family up. My brother had been taken to the hospital. We all loaded up into our station wagon, still in our pajamas, leaving everything behind. I remember praying to God with my childish faith “Please let him be ok!” Upon arriving home, we found out that indeed he was ok. He was still in the hospital, but out of danger. That started my life of prayer and true trust in my heavenly Father.
T4JYM: What is your favorite Bible verse and why? What is your favorite book in the Bible and why?
SD: My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him.” This is my favorite because it so talks to me. God has helped me so many times I cannot count them all. I trust Him more that I can say. He is truth when so much is untrue. That means so much to me. Then I love to sing. The praising Him is great for me. I cannot tell you a favorite Bible book – I do like Isaiah, Daniel, and Acts.
T4JYM: If you could meet any one person (not God) – past, present, or future – who would it be and why?
SD: If I could meet any one person, not God, I suppose it would be King Solomon. I have always thought it was so wonderful that he asked for wisdom when God asked him what he most desired. I know he was not perfect, but this really impressed me. I ask for wisdom all the time now. Not that I feel I have it, but I ask.
T4JYM: Are you involved in your own home church? What role do you have there?
SD: Presently, in my home church I serve as the librarian. I serve in the kitchen when asked and any activity that I am able to help with. In the past I have taught Sunday school, Gems, and Vacation Bible School. I really like interacting with young children and I love to sing in the choir. Churches always seem to need volunteers and I try to help whenever possible.
T4JYM: Many young people have a difficulty sharing Jesus with others or praying out loud. Do you ever face fear when sharing the Gospel or praying for someone? How would you encourage youth to set aside those fears?
SD: Sharing the gospel with others is not something that I am good at either. I have full confidence in my faith and am very comfortable talking with fellow Christians, but the unknown is harder for me. I have started wearing Christian clothing or hats. These seem to be a good conversation starter. I have had several opportunities to talk about my faith because of a T-shirt or cross. This is an easy start if you can go against the mainstream and be bold this way.
T4JYM: What life advice would you give to the youth of the world?
SD: The advice I would give to the youth of the world is also a toughie. In a world where social media reigns, ignore it. Don’t get trapped by it’s value. You are valuable just the way God made you. You are a Christian under construction. God does not make mistakes. Things may be hard; it may be difficult to always trust Him but you can. In this world of change and challenges, you can. My yardstick has been WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?). I know this is old, but it helps me in my choices. May God bless you on your journey.
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