Tell us about you.

My name is Bobbi Ann White. I am 37 and currently live in Northwest Arkansas. I work part-time with college students in a Work Learning Program. My husband pastors at the First Baptist Church in our town. “Pastor’s wife” isn’t really a roll or a calling, but I get to encourage and help where needed within the Church family and find I can apply administrative skills.  

Another ministry I have been blessed to be a part of for the last five years is planning and hosting marriage retreats to encourage and strengthen godly marriages. Justin (my husband) and I have been married for 14 years. We have a 20-year-old son (I gained through marriage) and a 12-year-old daughter. Homeschooling has also been a large part of my parenting role.

How were you first introduced to the Lord?

My parents were separated when I was very young.  One summer, I was visiting my dad. One day while my sister and I were playing outside, a neighbor came over and invited us to a Vacation Bible School that their church was hosting.  That VBS experience is the first time I remember being introduced to the Lord outside of saying the “Now I lay me down to sleep” prayer.

How did you know you were lost, and what is your salvation story?

When I attended the above-mentioned Vacation Bible School, I wanted a life with the Lord and decided to make a public decision to follow Him. As I went through my teenage years and into college, I would refer to the Bible many times to try to live for Christ. At the age of 24, I was in my first year of marriage, a new mom to my bonus son, and expecting my first baby. My husband was preaching on a Wednesday night, and I don’t even remember the message because the Lord immediately began revealing to me that I had never recognized my sin toward Him and that my desire to follow Him was not His desire. His desire was for me to repent and to surrender which would lead to following/serving Him. On that Wednesday night in November of 2009, while sitting in my seat, I surrendered to the Lord, repented of many sins (even ones that didn’t come to mind in that moment), and committed to live for Him and His glory.

Tell us about the calling(s) God has placed in your path.

The first calling I had was to share what the Lord had just done in my heart. I was so excited to get baptized and share that, “I now know I am a child of God!” Since then, I have been blessed to serve Him in many ways. My family had already been working on being overseas missionaries, and we were able to fulfill that calling for 3 years. When back in the States for fundraising, the Lord opened a door in a very unexpected and seemingly impossible way for my husband to pastor a church in need in Northwest Arkansas, and we have been here for 10 years. In this time, I have been blessed to both encourage and serve in many ways within the church and through outreach events within the community. I have “accidentally” found myself steadfastly in a ministry for the last 5 years to specifically pour into godly marriages.

How did you know you were being called to do those things?

Overseas Missions: When in college, I visited a church one Sunday when they had Gideon Ministry speakers visiting. They shared testimony of the deep desire that people had all over the world for God’s Word and how people would keep pages out of the Bible because it was all they had of God’s Word. I guess in true Southern-hearted fashion I wanted to “feed the hungry,” and I walked away from that message knowing I wanted to go anywhere a door would open and tell people about Jesus. Looking back, it could have been seen as naiveness, but I prefer to see it as the overwhelming peace of God.

A life verse of mine is Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  I knew that if I needed to have a fate like Jim Elliot so that others could then tell someone about Jesus, I was willing.  

Church Service: When I was solely a stay-at-home mom, it came naturally to pick up random projects or opportunities within the Church family to encourage the ministries that already existed. I knew He saved me, and I couldn’t wait to serve Him in any way possible! There was a year (about five years ago) that the Lord gave me a clear word to practice. That word was hospitality. He taught me that year that it is okay to say “no” and to just be present. During that time, I would cook breakfast before Sunday School to share and check in on everyone in their ministries, but I did not make decisions. After that, I realized I have a gift for administration that I had been using in other areas of my life and could use those skills to encourage the Church family. I began organizing the children’s ministry and continued to encourage existing ministries when possible.

Marriage Retreat Ministry: Around that same time, my heart became burdened for the hurting marriages around me. I spent a lot of time in prayer. I can’t tell you when or how the Lord directed us to rent a lake house for a weekend and invite any couples to join us on a free weekend retreat, spending a little time digging into God’s Word together. Aside from us and the associate pastor and his wife, only two couples joined us. I was grateful for that time. I did not think I’d do this again, but somehow ended up doing it again the next year. I had to rent two lake houses that year because we had nine couples and not enough bedrooms. 

After the second retreat, I was for sure I would not be doing it again as two couples who attended ended up divorcing. I spent so long praying and crying and trying to understand how this ministry was helpful and how it brought God glory. Although I thought I wouldn’t do it again, the Lord burdened my heart to find a bigger location and go for a third year. The third year He brought 16 couples together. Last year, He brought another couple alongside us who started a second retreat at that location; we hosted over 30 couples! This year, we maxed out our location hosting 19 couples during our first marriage retreat. We already have 19 more couples signed up for our second retreat in September. We now have waiting lists for the retreats a year in advance!

The ministry has spread just by word of mouth, and it has reached couples from all over Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. I wish I could say how the Lord puts it all together each time but all I know is that it is all Him. He burdened my heart that the world needs to see Him, and marriage is a beautiful example of His relationship with His Bride (the Church). I had no idea how much other believers needed the ministry He provided until He pushed me past my ability and comfort zone! Now, I am just here for it and try to remain willing and obedient.

How have others responded to your calling(s)?

Overseas Missions: The immediate response from our church family was excitement and curiosity…asking the when and where and how. Outside the Church was mostly criticism toward our parenting. There was a lot of concern about putting our children in danger. There is a lot that I could say to that, but I know it was all well-meaning and stemmed from sincere concern. 

The Church (husband pastoring): One of the main reasons the church said they chose my husband to pastor was because he was married, and there was a strong need for women’s ministry (no pressure!). Suffice to say God had other plans. I’m not a “good” Baptist because I was not adequately trained up in the Church laws, etc. I attended a faith-based college but took no deep theological courses. I am growing daily as I read and study the Word of God, and as you can imagine, I have occasionally stirred the water unintentionally when the “this is the way it has always been done” sort of statements arose. Overall, there have been ups and downs, but 1 Corinthians 15:58 gives some great direction, and my goal continues there. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” God has brought me close to many in the Church, and I pray that He is using me to edify and uplift them as much as they edify my walk with the Lord!

Marriage Retreat Ministry: This one has had many responses. At first, people didn’t really understand why we were doing this or what it looked like (me included, as stated previously).  I would hear comments like, “Oh, no thanks. Our marriage is good.” That baffled me…okay, so then get away for free with your spouse for a weekend and be good there too! Some back out before ever coming, and I can only imagine they are nervous about knowing what to expect. Our fourth year, after we left the retreat, I began receiving texts that afternoon and the days following. A few people told me that within their church they’ve learned how important it is to pour into their marriage, but they hadn’t found any resources within the church to dig deeper into that. I have heard that couples who viewed their marriages as good needed the refresh more than they knew. I have heard of couples making friendships with new couples, not realizing how impactful another godly couple would be for their marriage. We have heard testimony from couples that sincerely believe that this one weekend away started healing for their marriage. We still see a lot of hurt, even from those who do attend, but I cannot imagine not doing this ministry now that I see how God is moving and the couples’ desire to bring Him glory in their marriages.

How have you been changed through your calling(s)?

I don’t think I could even list all the ways the Lord has changed me through the callings He has placed in my life. He has taught me to be more patient with others and myself. He has made me bold in areas that I internally still feel vulnerable in. He has made me vulnerable outwardly when I want to keep it all in. When I think of ministry, I often think of Proverbs 14:4: “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”  It is often heartbreaking to work with people, just as I know I have hurt people. However, it is also the most enriching experience to be surrounded by situations that are outside of your comfort or control and by people who can lead you closer to the Lord because of their wisdom, testimony, or example (good or bad).

What advice would you give other women who want to do more to further God’s kingdom but may not know how to go about it?

I cannot imagine my advice should go anywhere except my journal. I think I’ll refer to Paul on this one in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2: “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 

My encouragement however would just be to serve. Serve Him in the waiting. That does NOT mean to say “yes” to everything or anything; it means to watch for opportunity to serve Him. Know that He is in the waiting too not just the “BIG” ministries. Also, while not a biblical saying, I feel this is a quote I can relate to: “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” I feel that way about loving on behalf of Christ. I’d rather take the opportunity I have to love someone the way Christ loves me and to have them hurt me later than to have not even tried. Balance that with also protecting the ministry and people God has entrusted to you and not overshare or gossip.

If you could describe your walk with God in 3 words, what would they be?

HOPE, surrender, peace

What has been your biggest struggle in your walk with Christ, and how have you dealt with that?

Being vague or acting as though I don’t deal or haven’t dealt with anything serious in my walk with Christ seems like a cop out. Truthfully, there are SEVERAL to choose from and while it is obvious that the struggle was personal for me and Christ, many of the story details involve other people and those aren’t ready for a public platform. The simple answer, of course, is that I AM my biggest struggle in my walk with Christ. Paul reflects on our sinful nature and our surrendered spirit in Romans 7, and that is incredibly relatable. To deal with that, I read, pray (spend time with the Lord), and surround myself with not only like-minded people but like-minded people who will call me out and direct me to scripture.

As a Christian woman, what has been your greatest accomplishment?

I immediately want to say being a mom, not that I have succeeded in this area of life, but in the sense that in all of the above mentioned ministries, that has been the constant and most rewarding. Through motherhood, I have learned the most valuable spiritual lessons. It seems strange though to call it an accomplishment as I know that prayer is the ONLY way we have all survived my role as mom. I haven’t “accomplished” my kids being who I think they should become, but I have trained them up in the way they should walk and pray daily they will not depart from it! (Proverbs 22:6).

Is there a particular sin that is most difficult for you to overcome, and if so, how do you tackle that?

I do have one that I try to guard against the most because I think it is the sin I am most presented with by my flesh and most terrified it will take root in my life. I don’t ever want bitterness to have a place in my heart. Because I love the “upper room” crowd in my life so fiercely, sometimes when a person is hateful or tries to destroy one that I hold very closely, my immediate and fleshy reaction can be to build a wall and keep the “attacker” out. Unfortunately, I then recognize that I view this person as a threat and can become bitter toward them. THANKFULLY, the Holy Spirit begins to intercede on my behalf, and through the remembrance of scriptures and prayer, forgiveness begins. I no longer see that person in a hateful light but begin to see them in a hopeful light through Christ Jesus. I am a repeat offender of this process and grateful the Spirit intercedes on my behalf and that the Lord also forgives me!

What is your favorite verse or passage from the Bible and why?

My daughter frequently asks me this, and it is always so hard to pick just one! I suppose the one I most frequently refer to is Philippians 4:4-7.  So much is unpacked here, beginning with rejoicing. Our lives become beautifully healthy and put into perspective when we rejoice! Next is leading into the gentleness of the Spirit. Having mentioned bitterness before, it is important to remember the testimony that I want to be for Christ and overcome that temptation. Next is approaching the throne of the Lord with thanksgiving and avoiding anxieties (A thankful heart is an amazing tool!). Finally, to wrap it all up is this crazy good peace given by God, and as mentioned, it is so good it can’t even be understood!

Who is your favorite biblical woman and why?

Again, another hard question! My top go-to is a bit silly in reason maybe. Abigail was sacrificial for her people. She didn’t disrespect her doofus of a husband but also honored God by honoring His servant David. Abigail was brave and bold yet humble, and she trusted the Lord to handle the details; she chose only to be faithful.

Is there any other advice you would like to give to God’s feminine faithful?

Galatians 6:9-10: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Contact:

If you are interested in either starting a marriage retreat ministry or attending a marriage retreat, the following information was provided by Bobbi Ann.

There are three main reasons couples will not attend a marriage retreat weekend: 

1. Difficult to find childcare
2. Nervous about what to expect
3. Finances 

We can’t physically help with all of those, but one thing we try to do is make the retreat affordable for couples through sponsorships or donors. We collect physical items and/or monetary donations to make it manageable for couples to afford a weekend away together to be refreshed, encouraged and strengthened in God’s Word.  

Check out our Facebook page and reach out on Messenger for more information if you are curious or interested! We are also happy to begin helping you start this ministry in your area if you believe the Lord is calling you to this ministry! 

https://www.facebook.com/JustinBobbiAnn?mibextid=LQQJ4d

You can also contact Bobbi Ann for more information by phone at 479-295-7697.