March is also Womens History Month and we salute one of our sisters, Ms. Mary Townsend. Many
women have come before her but she stands before us as a living example of Gods grace, mercy and
love.
Ms Townsend embodies resilience, dedication, patience and nurturing. She is Black History and
Womens History and we are blessed by her influence and presence.
Ms. Townsend is a pioneer woman of New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Many of us recognize her from
the pulpit on Sunday in her role as part of the Nursing Ministry. Her journey is one of inspiration.
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...When she was a young 16 yr. old girl, she was able to move from fear to action when her ailing mother
needed her. Instinctively she took responsibility of the nurture and care of her mother. Like many African
Americans she relocated for better opportunities, but her new life in New York City was quite different
than her life in Abbeville, South Carolina. She had to make many sacrifices to succeed. She went to work
during the day and school during the evening while also raising her daughter. Even through sacrifice, Ms.
Townsend declares that it was God who blessed her to complete a nursing program, while still being a
present, loving and caring mother.
Ms Townsend is a woman to respect and admire and shares the following advice for young people going
into nursing: 1) be patient, 2) have a caring spirit, 3) have knowledge of your profession, 4) be a good
listener and 5) know that God has placed you in the profession to be a comforting presence.Its not about
you, your presence is Gods work.
Ms. Mary Townsend, thank you for being a NJBC Woman Making History!
The Last Word:
Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
He gives strength to the weary and increases
the power of the weak. Even youths grow
tired and weary, and young men stumble and
fall; but those who hope in the Lord will
renew their strength. They will soar on wings
like an eagle; they will run and not grow
weary, they will walk and not faint.
WE NEED YOU!
If you have a health related story or
testimony that you would like featured
in the Health Corner send your stories
to Kara Eleam at
kmeleam@gmail.com