Gloria Buchanan

My life journey and experiences have been what I like to describe as a buffet table with a little bit of everything.

Often, we hear that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. Well, I have at times said I wish He hadn’t entrusted me with so much. However, these experiences have strengthened the foundation of my faith and shaped my character, which has developed the call on my life; to encourage and empower all people, but with a special heart to see transformation in women.

The early years and knowledge of my faith began in the Free Methodist church, where I was christened at 3 ½ years old. My recollection was that I walked down the red-carpet aisle of the church wearing my little crinoline dress, pill box hat, gloves and purse to marry Jesus! I was sold out for Jesus and enjoyed not only Sunday School but also attending the Church Service for adults. I knew I wanted to be a missionary after helping a visiting Missionary from Japan perform a tea service as we listened to her stories. This child was wide-eyed in wonder! When I was fourteen, we moved away, and I didn’t connect to another church, but the seeds were planted, and the roots were firm.

My life was full, and I had some wonderful opportunities, adventures and experiences but when I was forty everything I knew changed and came crashing down. I came to the end of myself and knew I needed to go home, home to church where I would find Jesus. The foundation of faith developed as a child carried me through many of life’s trials, wounds, disappointments and loss. But as I surrendered to Jesus the healing and transformation of my heart and life began and continue today.