Sandra Thiele, Associate Dean at Keiser University Lakeland, is Parker Street Ministries’ newest Board of Trustees member. She joined in October 2021. Learn a little more about her below. Welcome, Sandra!
What drew you to PSM?
My daughters volunteered with PSM during middle and high school for various activities: summer program, volleyball camp, and Christmas Store. I was drawn to this ministry because of the sincerity with which PSM served others. The leadership does not live apart from the community but in and with the people of the community. That, to me, speaks volumes.
What has God taught you as a result of this connection to PSM?
God, through Christ, calls us to serve. It seems many of us (self included) serve from a comfortable and convenient place. Yet true service calls us to know intimately the community we are serving. Telling people about Christ is all well and good, but showing people Christ is life-changing. God is teaching me how to have an impact by finding out how I fit into the work PSM continues to do.
What is your favorite scripture?
There are many wonderful scriptures, but there is one the Lord put on my heart when my daughters were in high school. I prayed with them every morning and recited Isaiah 41:10. When my first left for college, I began sending it to her every morning as I couldn’t pray with her in person. Then my second went to college and so I sent both the scripture every morning. Well, others in my family found out I was doing this and asked that I send them the scripture as well, so it has become a tradition. Yes, it has been years and every morning I send my family Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will help you; I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Then I end with eyes, ears, heart, and mind on Christ and everything else falls into place.
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Parker Street Ministries (PSM) is a 501c3 nonprofit in Lakeland, Florida that follows a Gospel-centered model characterized by living, listening, affirming dignity, and building community together in and through the Parker Street neighborhood. For twenty-two years, PSM’s vision has been to see a city transformed by the power of the Gospel through building champions who make possible desirable neighborhoods, lifetime learners, financial sustainability, and healthy communities for all.