Linda Dixon, a physician and member of the Kailua church, finds diversion from her busy practice to provide a meaningful photography ministry to members of her congregation. At any given time, she can be seen, camera in hand, stealthily moving about the premises to catch a special moment, and will later, just as discreetly, present the subjects with a copy of her undertaking. As time permits, Dixon provides the congregation with a photo-filled communiqué of news items portraying the life of the church and its individuals.

Dixon's ministry is to capture events that too often pass by unrecorded. So frequently is heard the lament of those who proclaim, “Someone should have gotten a picture of that!” She notices things like a newborn’s first Sabbath, an aging member’s birthday celebration or a joyful family reunion.

Grandparents John and Leona Potter recently received a framed collage of Dixon's photographs taken during their grandson Makana's dedication.

"It isn't uncommon to see people taking pictures, but Linda has turned her interest in photography into a unique ministry that the entire church appreciates," says Pastor Robert Lloyd.

All church members have unique gifts that can be used for ministry. Janice Williams, who considers herself very shy, avoids being the center of attention at all costs, yet she thrives on sending notes of encouragement to those who are unable to attend services. Asked if she would be interested in expanding her ministry, she hesitated, expressing doubt that she had the ability. Eventually she agreed to give it a try. Williams began by sending copies of the bulletin to missing members, then a simple newsletter to keep them informed about church activities. From there she added sermon tapes, donated books and church publications to her lending materials.

Later, recognizing that most of her outreach was to members of her own congregation, Williams pondered what she could do for people in their small community. She purchased boxes of greeting cards and watched for announcements in the local newspaper to which she could respond. She sent cards to parents welcoming newborns, best wishes to those celebrating their 25 or 50th anniversaries, kudos to new graduates, congratulations to recently married couples, spiritual messages of comfort to families having lost a loved one. She often enclosed booklets relating to the event of focus.

What began as a few notes to missing members, mushroomed into a ministry of great proportions over the years. Now, known in her community as “the card lady,” Williams has exciting accounts to share about her experiences with folks she has come to know as a result of her special ministry.

"To send someone an unexpected surprise greeting card with a personal message offers an opportune time to uplift that person and to refer them to the blessings given by our Lord and Savior," says a fellow church member.