Ruth Ann Halteman

Adventures of Ana: By the Grace of God Ruth Ann Halteman

Graduation from high school in 1968 was a turning point for Ann, the author who was known by her middle name during school years. Ann was experiencing a lot of conflicting thoughts and emotions during that day. There was the excitement of graduation, yet there was a great sadness about leaving those friends who she saw daily during school years. What about the future? She was working at a coat factory part-time during high school and was given full-time hours upon graduation. What about further studies? Ann was pessimistic about the future as she lacked confidence and poor self-esteem and needed lots of encouragement to step out of this rut! During her high school years, Ann gave her life to Jesus as Lord and Savior and was growing in her faith. With God's help, those feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence began to change little by little. By nature, Ann was always a caring, adventurous young girl and cared a lot about the people who crossed paths with her. This grew as she matured in faith which led her to her pastor soon after graduation to seek volunteer service through the church. One path led to another, and with each experience, the author grew in faith and in confidence. From a frightened young girl who couldn't look anybody in the eye without crying, by the grace of God, was able to eventually become part of a small faith-based mission who required its missionaries to raise their own support by speaking to churches and organizations. By the grace of God, she eventually was led to Brazil, South America, to work as a missionary. Ann became Ana in Brazil which is the Brazilian name for Ann. The adventures continued for Ana, but there were many unplanned changes in direction. God's grace has been evident throughout the years. The direction that God chooses isn't always the easiest, but it's the best! He leads, teaches, encourages, and heals all by His grace. As you read the pages of this book, may you reflect upon how God's grace has guided in your life.