I was an elementary school teacher for 15 years before becoming the AADS for the Beacon District. This sort of paradigm shift caused me to change the way I thought about my career. As a teacher, I always felt so rushed, stressed out, and overworked. Now, I am more balanced than ever because my work is centered around God and I have a strong support group within the District Office. What a blessing to work with such wonderful people! This special group includes Gil Wise, who has been my number one supporter since day one.
I began my journey as an AADS with the NCCUMC on February 1, 2020. We were able to meet face-to face at the Methodist Building in Garner for about a month until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March and then suddenly, our face-to-face meetings turned into Zoom meetings. Face-to-face meetings with Gil included gathering at churches and at Frank’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant in Washington. In March of 2020, all meetings turned into Zoom meetings, emails, phone conversations, and text messages, which usually began with our 8:30 am check-ins on Monday mornings. These Monday morning check-ins were a time to talk business, but also a time to check in with one another. Gil always asks how my family is doing and how I am doing and then he takes the time to pray with me. What a wonderful way to start the work week!
I am so grateful to have Gil in my life. He is a wonderful District Superintendent, mentor, and friend. Gil has guided me through some very difficult times and prayed with me when I needed spiritual and emotional support. He sets a great example for others to follow as he is truly a man of God.
Soon, we will have a transition of the District Superintendent and we will say farewell to Gil and welcome David Blackman to the Beacon District. While we are going to miss Gil so much, we wish him well in this next phase in his career and I know we will keep in touch. Join me in prayer for a beautiful transition for Gil and Linda, for David and Jackie, and the Beacon District. We are all in God’s hands.
Ashley Kennedy
Administrative Assistant to the Beacon District Superintendent
If you would like to view past editions of A Moment with Gil, follow this link: https://beacondistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/