The Beautiful Gift

Nancy Wilder – A Celebration of 40 Years of Ministry

On Saturday, February 1, the First Baptist Church of Kissimmee Women's Ministry hosted a special celebration to honor Nancy Wilder, wife of Senior Pastor Tim Wilder, for her 40 years of dedicated ministry. 

The Fellowship Hall was adorned in stunning pink colors, with a beautifully arranged table featuring cakes of various flavors, gorgeous flowers, candles, candies, nuts, and punch.  As church ladies began arriving around 10 am, they brought notes of encouragement and gift cards for Nancy to enjoy at her convenience after the event.

"My mom is passionate about people and always ready to help others. She loves connecting with people and is beautiful both inside and out," shared Nancy's daughter, Ashley.

Dawn, the event organizer, said it was an honor for her to take part in the event to celebrate Nancy's faithfulness throughout the years.  Elaine shared how Nancy has influenced and encouraged her and helped her grow in the Lord.  Maritza, a relatively recent church attendee, had just recently met Nancy. 

Although not a social person, she felt the Lord had put it on her heart to attend the event to honor Nancy.

Nancy shared that some of her most rewarding experiences have taken place in a D-Group setting which allows her to mentor a small group of women.  D-Groups create an opportunity for her to get to know the women of the church in a more intimate way, allowing her to live with, study the word with, and journey with them through major life changes. Another rewarding experience is the annual Vacation Bible School, at which she has participated and taught for 40 years.

Although there have been many challenges, such as crises and the suffering of people within the church body, Nancy and Pastor Tim have relied on the distinct calling of God on their lives to live among and serve this body of believers.  Their approach to ministry has evolved through the years, as they have grown into the people God has intended them to be.  God's calling on their lives has helped Nancy and Pastor Tim stay the course and keep the main thing the main thing.  Nancy shared that it is important to remember your calling in ministry, and then God will equip you in the place He has called you.

The celebration was a testament to Nancy's unwavering faith and dedication. Her life verse, which is shared with her husband, encapsulates her journey: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). The First Baptist Church of Kissimmee is truly blessed to have such a loving, giving, and Godly woman who has shared herself for 40 years.