About Linda Thompson

Q. When did you come to Parkway and what events led you here?
A. My family and I came in 1999 when Pastor Steve was here. My mother attended Parkway and she had breast cancer. We wanted to worship as a family for as long as possible and I have many wonderful memories of her singing in the church on Feather Road. She actually sang "My Jesus I Love Thee" on a Sunday night 3 weeks before she passed away. The entire church rose to their feet in honor of her. She was a great Christian example and we know she's waiting for her family in heaven.

Q. Where have you come from? What are some of your previous ministry experiences?
A. I have attended church since I was 6. My mom was saved at a tent revival under Reverend Clayton Leonard's ministry. We started going to church 3 times a week. We rarely missed a service. I played the piano for church services for about 15 years at Western Light Tabernacle. I worked with Janice Leonard. She played the organ and I played the piano. I learned many of the timeless hymns and I treasure the time spent serving Jesus in that capacity.

Q. Tell us about your family.
A. I have the best husband in the world, Richard. We married over 23 years ago and today he is still my best friend. I cherish the time we have together. We serve Jesus together. It just doesn't get any better than that.

We have 4 grown children: Jason and his wife, Amanda and 4 children, Sara, Andrew, Alex, & Jonathan; Faith and Travis; Matthew & Melissa and their 9 month old daughter, Teagan; and Melanie our sweet 18 year old daughter who is graduating this year from PCA.

Q. What are your major responsibilities at Parkway? (Tell us what you do).
A. I am Pastor Jeff's Administrative Assistant. My responsibilities are "whatever Pastor Jeff deems necessary." I help do many different things. I work with the office volunteers, nursery team, welcome team, kitchen team, usher team, decorating team, & the benevolence ministry. I coordinate Blue Ridge Camp; Family Retreat and all the functions here at the church.

Q. What excites you most about your ongoing ministry here?
A. I see God working in people's lives almost on a daily basis. I've gotten to be with people who have prayed to be saved. I see God changing lives and it's always good and right.

Q. Name one highlight over the past five years. Your favorite Parkway moment.
A. I have been on 4 mission trips to Guatemala in the past 5 years and just went to Mexico. I love going and representing my Savior and our church. It's so exciting watching the team get excited about missions and realizing they will never be the same again.

Q. What are your hobbies/interests? What are some things you especially like to do in your free time?
A. I love to fish whenever I get the chance. I also enjoy reading, and just being with my family.

Q. What is your favorite food?
A. There are so many. I love to eat.

Q. What book(s) have you read recently that you'd like to recommend? Do you have a favorite book?
A. The Bible. I know I don't read it enough.

Q. What do you anticipate in the near future?
A. Jesus' return