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iloiann M. Wiedenhoff: Thank you and welcome, Mary DeMuth, for taking the time to do this interview. We are so pleased to have you. Would you mind telling us a little about yourself?

Mary E. DeMuth: I am a speaker and freelance writer who writes novels (Watching the Tree Limbs, Wishing on Dandelions) and parenting books (Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God, Building the Christian Family You Never Had, Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture). I have five books out with four more on the way in the next two years. I have three kids, one husband, a cat and a needy dog. We recently returned from church planting in France.

Filoiann: Wow! Your ministry is truly a blessing. How did you become involved in this writing and speaking ministry, and why?

Mary: I’ve been writing all my adult life. I’ve felt God’s favor and calling throughout my ministry and career.

Filoiann: Please explain what exactly your ministry is doing for the community and what you hope to accomplish?

Mary: It’s my hope that my writing and speaking will help folks turn their trials to triumph through the power and grace of Jesus Christ.

Filoiann: Can you share one particular example - such as where your ministry made a significant impact on an individual or group, and how?

Mary: I recently spoke to a women’s retreat. While there, I felt led to share my own experiences with childhood sexual abuse. Later, the woman who coordinated the retreat told me she’d been praying about starting a support group for women who were sexual abuse victims. She said my being open about my own abuse opened the door for her to start the support group.

Filoiann: Mary, your story is a great example of being an open vessel for God and because of your willingness and obedience to share your personal testimony, God was glorified and women were ministered to. God is faithful and that is a blessing. It reminds me of this scripture, Revelation 12:11, "And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives to the death." What words of wisdom or advice would you like to impart to those who are reading this interview in regard to being a person of purpose?

Mary: Our ministry flows from our hearts. If our hearts are not right before God, we can’t hope to minister to folks. We can only give away what we’ve received.

Filoiann: What type of support does your ministry rely on and how can people reach you if they would like more information?

Mary: I generate income through speaking and the sales of my books. You can visit my website at (http://www.marydemuth.com/) marydemuth.com.

Filoiann: Mary, thank you for allowing me this interview and sharing your time with us. I can honestly say that Mary's heart is definitely in the right place. She is a wonderful woman of God and down to earth. I encourage everyone to go to her website and check out her books!