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COME MEET SHERI

Have you ever met someone new that you are captivated by, where the conversation immediately engages you and before you know it you’ve lost all track of time? Meet Sheri!

Sheri and I talked for a long time, and she emulates grace, joy and acceptance. I can’t wait for you to meet her.

Sheri tell me how do you see your work in reception being integrated with missions?
My heart is to be that ‘first impression’ that represents the heart  of YWAM Harpenden. Even if I am having a bad day, I aim to be the smile that someone needs, or to be an encouragement for those walking past, whether that be a visitor, student or staff member. I want people to feel welcome here and for them to know that I have an open ear to help them, even if it’s as simple as giving them a pen and paper. I also try to do my best in organizing things in this space, to make the job easier for whoever comes behind me.

What is the working climate like here?
The base vibe, created by all the staff who work here, is really awesome. Each and every staff member has a beautiful heart which makes it a wonderful environment to work in. There’s a commitment to value individuals, team and family, while working hard with excellence and communication keeps everything working well!

Do you see yourself working in reception long term?
Yes! My other passions are teaching and hospitality. I love teaching to equip adults to make a difference. I have been asked to teach on two schools that are lined up, and I’m also helping with the Hospitality Seminar. Hospitality is another thing I love about being here. It’s not something that is only for our hospitality department to think about, but I love how everyone is called to live a life of hospitality no matter what age or area they work in.

Sheri, so when did your journey to YWAM Harpenden start?
Well, it started a good couple of years ago.  We heard about YWAM for the first time through my second youngest daughter who did her Discipleship Training School. Listening to her experience, stirred something within me – a deeper hunger for more of God, a deeper hunger for missions. Nothing immediately changed and we then found out we were going to be grandparents – we were so excited! Unfortunately however this sweet baby girl only lived a week after she was born. This season was such a devastating time for us as a family and yet we also knew God was right there with us through it all. Not long after, my youngest daughter went to do a DTS. Again, with the backdrop of all that had happened and in listening to her experiences, I felt so compelled to seek God about what He wanted for us to do next.

So what made you take the final leap into leaving your home, work, family, and children in the States to come here?
Well, what compelled me was the fact my husband came to me and said he thought it would be a good idea!

Such simple words, why did that stir you so deeply?
Sheri looked up to me and smiled. “My husband is a creature of habit and security, so when he said he thought it was a good idea, I knew it was a God thing”.

In the Fall of 2015, Sheri and her husband Dan did the “All Generations DTS”, here at YWAM Harpenden. After DTS they were accepted to Staff full time here in Harpenden but needed to go back home to the USA to wrap things up, say goodbye, sort out their retirement and fundraise. Shortly before they left, God spoke to Sheri that her daughter who lost the baby after birth would be pregnant to a healthy boy. A few weeks later, on their departure day back to the USA, a photo message popped up on her phone. It was an ultrasound photo of a healthy baby boy! They got to be home to enjoy this sweet baby being born.  During their time back in the states, God took them on a detour, to serve at the Chico base in the US. Sheri taught the staff kids at the base school, until God opened the door for them to come to YWAM Harpenden in September 2018.

So can you call this YWAM Harpenden home now?
Yes, and YES again! I feel so close to God here. So many significant things in my personal faith walk have happened and been confirmed here. Home, for both Dan and I, is the place of belonging. It’s wherever God leads and has us be. And also, I’m totally in love with English history and the landscape, so I’m so happy its home!.

Thanks Sheri. I’m so challenged by your humility and your obedience. As an older couple who had everything going for them – family, children close by, well-paid jobs, a beautiful home – you remained humble to listen and allow God to re-route your lives and then you said yes to follow His call. You are such an example of what it means for God being our true ‘home’. It’s challenging for us all!  May we all stop to think today what home means to us? Is home simply an earthly place? Where do we find our rest? What might God be speaking to us? Is He calling us to somewhere different? More than anything, may we all find our inner peace, rest, assurance, love and home in God. And don’t forget to meet people today with a smile!

Be sure to join me next Monday evening with a new department and another inspirational story.

Till then,
Melissa

Sheri White is married to Dan (almost 25 years!) and is a mother of eight. She was born in Indiana, but has lived most of her life in Arizona, USA. She is a double masters student ( Ancient and Classical history & Military History) as well as a trained teacher (public school, homeschool and YWAM Christian school). Her husband Dan is the former owner of an Advertising Agency and was the Supervisor at The Art Bronze Foundry.