Embracing the Call: Virginia's Journey as a Minister and Fellow Laborer

Our lives started together when we were twelve years old, at Lincoln Jr. High School, and from that day forward our friendship grew stronger even when we were separated physically due to different localities, the bond was and still is there.

There were two other good friends; we were foursome; Judy and Bertha Ann. Virginia remained in constant contact with Judy and Bertha; they lived in the same county. Prior to relocating to New Jersey the last time, the Lord allowed Virginia, Judy, Shirley (Judy’s sister) to fellowship together a couple of times.

One of those times we visited our dear friend Bertha in a Nursing Home. After not seeing Bertha for decades, she still recognized me and said “Betty!” Those were amazing moments of reconnecting; not knowing it would be the last time we would see each other on this side. 

Each of us knew and functioned in our God given ministry. It’s incredible how the Lord joined us together as unsaved youngsters and years later our friendship also became kinship; daughters of our Father and sisters in Christ.

Virginia was inducted in the Dudley Educational Sports Hall of Fame/Hall of Distinction. in 2019 after fifty-eight years of teaching in Guilford County Schools. I was blessed to be at the ceremony. She became a Spanish teacher at Dudley and taught some of the same students she attended school with. She is still teaching as a substitute teacher at year number sixty-two and says passionately that she will continue to do so as The Lord assigns her.

Virginia sponsored student tours for four decades to Mexico, Spain, France, England, Holland , Switzerland, Italy, Morocco, and Portugal. She also received several Awards of recognition for her service. Virginia volunteered as an interpreter for the Greensboro Police Department during the early 1990 's.

A letter to my dear sister/minister, friend.

Virginia,

This is my commendation:  You were never ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You were courageous and bold, yet humble in your God given assignment at Dudley. During my tenure as youth minister, I would visit the school and classroom where kids from the church were in your Spanish class.

You were stern when necessary and gained high respect from your students. Your service has been ongoing until this present time, which definitely is proof that the Lord’s purpose for your life is being fulfilled.

My dear sister, I feel that these words are appropriate for such a godly sister as you: You are excellent teacher/minister in the natural and in the spiritual. Whatever you put your hands to do, it is done to the fullest, and that includes you being an associate minister in your church.

Thank you for blessing me with the pedicures (natural) –How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15b) [spiritual]. Thank the Lord for all your accolades (special honors) and that He is glorified in your life.

Although we are physically absent from each other, nothing can or will separate us spiritually.

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org

Love Always, Betty

"Happy Birthday"