Ruth Powell

Ruth Powell works as Neil’s PA and in all areas of church administration.  She is South Chard church’s go to person; if you have a question to ask, (concerning something happening at the church, of course) and Ruth does not know the answer she will find out or be able to point you in the direction of someone who will.  In a way, Ruth is our church’s 118!!

Ruth’s parents, Pam and Harry Greenwood, joined the church in 1964 when Ruth was one.

I asked Ruth what it was about South Chard Church that makes it special to her.

“South Chard is a home. I have grown up here.  Everybody was an aunt or an uncle, it was my extended family and that was all I knew.  I am rooted at the church.  Church means family, friends.  It’s safe and secure.”

“When my sister and brother and I were little, at home we didn’t play schools we played church.  We used to imitate Uncle Sid coming home with his big old brown briefcase,” she remembered with a smile.  “Then my sister would preach and I would be the congregation. OnepParticular day my sister, in full preaching mode, told me I needed to get saved.”  So at the age of four Ruth asked Jesus into her heart.

I asked Ruth about a difficult time God has helped her through.

“In 1993 my husband Mark died of leukaemia.  We had been married for six months when he was diagnosed.  Just before Mark began chemotherapy I became pregnant with our son, Mikey, which was a miracle because once the chemo started we most likely would not have been able to have children.  I really felt the Lord say to me that Mikey was a gift for Mark; and he truly was! He was a big bouncing baby, just like Mark wanted; God really does give us the desires of our hearts even to the smallest detail. 

Mikey was three when Mark died.  I remember towards the end in the hospital, there was a lot of fear and turmoil in the room with family members.  Some members of the church went down to the hospital chapel to pray; and God’s peace came.”

Ruth’s favourite bible passage is psalm 23

“I can really testify to this…”

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For you are with me.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”