Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
2024 marks the 30th year MARKINC Ministries has been offering help and hope to the hurting. We are planning ways to celebrate throughout the year, and we invite you to join us in this celebration! We have 30 years of resources that continue to shine the light of hope into the darkness of those in need of encouragement and support to press on. We are trusting God to use these free resources to reach that “one more” person with the living hope found only in Jesus.
Part of this celebration will be to look back to those who have contributed their story of hope. The roots of MARKINC’s legacy had expanded over the years because of the “yes” many have said to us when asked to share the light of hope they have experienced in their lives… to others. Together they help to reach into the darkness of that “one more” person with us.
The women featured in our “Personal Stories & Words From The Heart” series have been guest writers for Daily Treasure and have also shared their personal stories for our Help & Hope podcasts. We have included links to make it easy for you to connect with these women, and we hope that you will be enriched in your faith as you spend some time camped out with us for this series of devotions.
Featured Guest Writers
Dianne Balch moved twenty-four times during her fifty-four-year marriage to her beloved Dave. After Dave’s death in 2016, she downsized and moved four times during 2019, finally settling into her new home at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dave was a lawyer in Indianapolis, while Dianne was active in organizations such as the Junior League, Symphony Society, and DAR. When they entered Christian ministry in 1972 much of their work centered on the business and professional community. In New York City they co-founded Business & Professional Outreach, Intl. under the umbrella of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, after establishing Executive Ministries for 15 years with Campus Crusade for Christ. Redeemer Presbyterian Church of New York City started as a prayer group in the Balch’s apartment. Dianne served 3 years as a deaconess and served on the Women in the Church (WIC) ministry Council for 7 years.
For 35 years Dianne lectured at weekly women’s studies, using Community Bible Study and Precept Ministry materials, as well as other materials she wrote. Dianne has two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. When she isn’t busy mentoring and teaching, you might find Dianne painting in oil, pastels or watercolor.
Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is the author of several Bible studies and books, including The Covenantal Life: Appreciating the Beauty of Theology and Community and Never Enough Confronting Lies about Appearance and Achievement with Gospel Hope. Sarah is a wife, mother to four children, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more about: www.sarahivill.com.
Barbara Thompson and her husband, Mark, moved the week Covid quarantine began from Louisiana, where they had lived for most of their lives, to Mississippi. Their desire is to finish well unto the Lord, living near their son and his family. Caregiving for Barbara’s parents was a ministry priority until her mother and father both passed away in August, 2020. Barbara’s great joy is to, as she defines it, “sit on the bleachers” for women - praying, listening, connecting, and rejoicing as these women grow in grace. She’s a proud “spiritual mother” and rejoices to have a part in God’s work among us, through us, and in us. Barbara is intentional about connecting with her grandchildren and even learning to listen to the music they love.
Ellen Dykas has been involved in ministry for over 30 years and since 2007 has served as the women’s ministry coordinator at Harvest USA a national ministry dedicated to discipleship and church education regarding sexuality and gender. Ellen focuses on discipling women who struggle with sexual and relational sins in their own lives, as well as women who are impacted by the sexual sins of their spouses or others. She delights to teach God’s Word, disciple others toward intimacy with Christ, and encourage believers to fully engage God’s kingdom mission. She is the author of Toxic Relationships: Taking Refuge in Christ. Her most recent book and accompanying Leader’s Guide is Jesus and Your Unwanted Journey: Wives Finding Comfort After Sexual Betrayal is the fruit of over 14 years of ministry and care to hurting women.
Daily treasure devotions
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We need endurance to finish a race well, and that includes our lifelong journey of faith, obedience and love. I’m…