The British Union Conference (BUC) Women’s Ministries Department continues to acknowledge Seventh-day Adventist women who are positively impacting their communities. In this interview, we spotlight retired SEC Pastor Mary Barrett, a sought-after speaker and author of eight books and numerous articles. She is married to Jonathan, also a retired pastor. Her greatest joy in ministry has been sharing the Bible with those who long to know God better. Mary and Jonathan have two daughters and treasure the times when they can all gather together.
SPM – Pastor Mary, please share with our readers your call to ministry.
MB – When I became a Christian at the age of 16, I knew I wanted to work for God. I thought I would do so through nursing, something I had always wanted to pursue. However, after four months of training, I realised that God was nudging me in a different direction. I found myself wanting to speak to those who were sick about God more than practically helping them recover. It was then that I recognised my calling to pastoral ministry. There was nothing else I wanted to do. I thank God that He opened the doors for me.
SPM – What was your inspiration for writing?
MB – I had never planned to write. In fact, I began writing because of illness. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a condition that at one time left me unable to move for much of the day due to stiffness and pain. Fortunately, my right arm was never affected. I realised that if I could not share God in person, I could do so with pen and paper.
SPM – Share with us some of the publications God inspired you to write.
MB – The first book I wrote, When God Comes to Visit, focuses on developing our devotional life. I wanted to share how, during difficult seasons, God gave me courage and hope when illness threatened to take that hope away.
Most of my books centre on prayer. There have been times in my life when I have seen remarkable answers to prayer. Yet there are also prayers I have prayed for 25 years or more and am still waiting to see fulfilled. My desire is to inspire readers to keep praying and to encourage those who grow weary when answers seem delayed. During such times, it can be helpful to read a written prayer or focus on a Bible verse.
Some time ago, I also wrote a Gratitude Journal. I passionately believe that taking time each day to pause and thank God not only deepens our appreciation of Him, but also strengthens our faith and joy, especially when we are waiting for answers or when the answer is ‘no’. Praise and gratitude are powerful tools against discouragement and disappointment.
SPM – How have you used your publications in ministry, and what has been the outcome?
MB – I hope my books are practical for those who wish to deepen their trust in God or need encouragement during challenging times. I often give them to church members facing particular struggles.
They have also been used in evangelism. At Bury St Edmunds church, the Outreach Department sets up a book table outside the church on Sabbath mornings, weather permitting. We speak with members of the public about how reading can help relieve stress and then invite them to select a book. I have noticed that titles such as Little Prayers for Tough Times and Prayers for the Sick are readily received. I have also found that they can be given to friends and neighbours, as they are seen as non-threatening and accessible. They can be shared easily with both church members and those outside the faith.
SPM – Where do you sense God leading next?
MB – Although retired, I still feel a strong desire to share God, perhaps even more than before. I want to help non-believers become believers. I sense God leading me towards small group ministry, involvement in village activities, and continuing to write.
SPM – What key message would you leave with readers who feel called to write but are unsure where to begin?
MB – Ask God whether this is how He wants to use you. If the answer is ‘yes’, ask Him to help you listen carefully so that you are guided as you write. Writing can be a sacred time, a time of deep connection with God, because it requires stillness and attentiveness. As you seek to bless others through your writing, be prepared to be blessed by God’s presence as well.
SPM – Thank you, Pastor Mary, for your ministry impact and the ongoing blessings it brings.
Please see other books by Pastor Barrett
