Faces of myMISSON: Part II

Meet Sheryl Turner.

CFO of One Way Ministries. Wife to JT. Mom to Kaitlyn (15), Madison (13), Jett (8), Zeke (6), and Elly (4). Passionate about Christ’s redemption of us, missions, adoption, and living a healthy lifestyle to the glory of God. Inspiration to many (including myself).

I was 18 when I first heard of the Turners and their ministry. I would see them around church—JT is hard to miss being a 6’4, bald man with a long, blonde goatee—yet never had the opportunity to meet them.

The next time I heard of them was when they were adopting their middle child, Jett, from Guatemala.

Again, didn’t get to officially meet them.

Then, I was required to do an internship for my senior seminar class in college. But instead of me going to intern at their ministry, I "recommended them to a friend" to scope them out and see how “legit” they were.

During the time my friend interned with them, I discovered the Turners live less than 10 miles from my house…and yes, they are legit. Since that time, my hubs and I have had numerous conversations with them over dinner and Sheryl has become a motivator/mentor/encourager to me as we began running together and discussing life, God, marriage, kids, missions, being healthy, and glorifying God.

Later this year, myMISSION will reveal the myTopics studies. One of the first myTopics will be a small group study/event plan centered on adoption. This study will bring together the “why adopt” with the “how to adopt” and “how to minister to those going through the adoption process.”

One thing to know about Sheryl is that her family adopted three kiddos—Jett from Guatemala and Zeke and Elly from Uganda. The Lord knew these three would take on the Turner name even before they were born. These three “littles” (as Sheryl refers to them) have experienced much pain, hurt, and loneliness in their short time on earth. Yet, being in this forever family, they have also experienced much restoration, grace, and love.

The second thing to know about Sheryl is that she is the queen of checklists, organization, and “process”. Need to adopt? This woman knows how and can create a checklist for each stage of the process for you.

These two things, mixed with her undeniable love for glorifying our God, are some of the reasons I asked her to write the myTopics: adoption series. This is her passion, her life, and her ministry. You will not want to miss this.

To read more about “why adopt,” check out the book Orphanology by Tony Merida and Rick Morton.

*All photographs courtesy of Allison Lewis Photography.