New Lease on Life Gives Time to Volunteer

Events in life that would have defeated most people have only made Elizabeth Bratton stronger and more determined to work for the Lord.

Looking back, she marvels at how God works and wonders aloud how we can possibly be “surprised when God’s plan for us is better than anything we could possibly have imagined?”

Elizabeth had retired from a 30-year job position, left the church she had attended for 14 years, and changed her residence all within a matter of months. Having moved near Prestonwood, where some family members were already attending, she prayed about making this her church home.

“It was a tough decision to leave my church family in Lewisville,” Elizabeth confided, but after much prayer, she felt that she was following God’s leading.

Excited about the changes in her life, she planned how she would be involved at Prestonwood. She joined the church, began attending the Encouragers Class, and volunteered to be a greeter. Then, her plans were suddenly changed.

“After joining the church in July, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C breast cancer in August,” Elizabeth said, the worst type of cancer.

She began chemotherapy in September of 2005. Weak from the treatments, she was unable to stand for long periods of time as a greeter. After chemotherapy, radiation and three surgeries, doctors said her chance of survival was slim to none.

“There were so many people praying for me—all over,” she said of those dark days in January 2006. The treatments continued for 17 long and painful months, but Elizabeth remained positive.

“I made a decision to grow through it rather than go through it,” she said. I had goals; one of them was to put makeup on every day and put real clothes on. It’s a challenge.”

While most people might have taken a self-pitying attitude, Elizabeth kept her chin up. During chemotherapy, she volunteered to help with the Dallas Christmas Festival, selling tickets. She even delayed her surgery date until after the festival so she could help.

She never gave up, and continued to volunteer when she could and where she felt God leading her. Since event planning and being a hostess seemed to come naturally to her, she volunteered to help with some of the church buffets. When the Main Street Café manager saw her talents, she was asked if she would like to volunteer on Sundays. She was delighted to accept the offer. As she grew stronger, she volunteered more time. Today, she volunteers at Main Street Café four days a week.

Prayer and determination brought a turnaround with her health. Even her doctor is surprised about Elizabeth’s diagnosis today: “I am in remission now and treasure every moment I have to serve Him.”

Elizabeth can usually be seen Sunday through Wednesday at the cash register—smiling, greeting patrons, and visiting when she has a moment. On Sunday morning, she volunteers as a greeter and security person in the Children’s Ministry.

“I like to do that so that my granddaughters will have memories of their grandmother in church,” she said, adding that she considers volunteering an opportunity for God to open the door for her to minister to others.

“The volunteer work has probably saved me because I was wondering what I would do with the rest of my life,” Elizabeth said.

She prays that God will “give her” one person a week to whom she can minister for more than 30 seconds. No matter where she is—church, work, grocery store—she is always alert to the fact that someone needs ministry.

Elizabeth has a heart for people being treated for cancer. She likes to approach those wearing turbans and say, “Are you okay? I see you have a turban on. I wore one just like it myself last year.”

“Having been there myself has emboldened me more than ever to reach out to that person,” she said.

Never in her dreams would this ministry have come to mind as a place for her, Elizabeth said.

“Yet, all the while, God had been preparing me for this place,” she said. “By volunteering here, I have the opportunity to meet and share with so many people who would never have crossed my path any other way. I have been blessed beyond measure in this area, and realize that God’s plan is never wrong, and His timing is always right no matter your age or your training.”