Sandy Powell
Husband’s Name: Lin
Church District: Gratz
Schools Attended: Eastern Kentucky University, Southern Adventist University
Profession/Work: Pastor
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, writing, preaching, teaching, research, photography, graphic design, cooking, walking, and collecting (angels, hearts, lambs, and bears). Over the years, every time Lin’s family visited New Castle, I was around. And then the summer before his eighth-grade year (surprise of surprises!), his family moved back to New Castle into the house right next to ours! I later married ‘the boy next door.’ It was meant to be!
How I Met My Husband: When I was eight and Lin was nine, his family (who lived out of state) was visiting relatives in New Castle. Well, his first cousin Charlotte happened to be one of my best friends, and I was at her house while Lin and his family were visiting. I went home for lunch (two houses down), and pretty soon Charlotte came running and said, ‘Sandy, you’ve got to come back. Lin threatened to pour iced tea over my head if I didn’t go get that curly-headed little girl and bring her back!’ Needless to say, I soon returned to play!
How I Became an Adventist: Sandy is a third generation Adventist (her father’s parents were missionaries in China), and the church has always been an important part of her life. “I was baptized in a tent after an evangelistic series in St. Matthews, Kentucky (on the grounds where a church was later built),” she says. “I remember the strong commitment and sense of conviction that I felt. Over the years, I’ve counted it as such a privilege to be involved in ministry and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
What I Like to Do for Fun: Spend time with family and friends, walk on the beach, discover new ethnic restaurants, travel, read, create something beautiful, and spend time in God’s magnificent creation.
Favorite Bible Promise: Lamentations 3:22, 23 (NRSV): “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.”