Deb Borst Reflects on 23 Years with The Other Way

I recently stumbled across an ancient document—my application for a position at The Other Way Ministries in 1988! Reading it produced a flood of memories.

When our youngest children entered school, a friend and I began praying together for God to lead us to work that was more than a paycheck, work that would honor Him and utilize our gifts. A short time later, a bulletin announcement caught my eye. The Other Way was looking for a part time Women’s Ministry Director. I was immediately intrigued and wasted no time applying. My answers were so idealistic and naïve—yet God, in His grace, allowed The Other Way Ministries and the neighbors of Westown to become my community, agents of His transforming work in my life.

Twenty three years later I look back in wonder at the priceless tapestry of relationships He has intricately woven together through the sharing of daily life in the neighborhood. Its beauty is in the marvelous diversity of the faces and lives and stories of the people of Westown, who have loved me so well and let me love them, too.

Although my perspectives on life have changed dramatically through my work here, I would answer one question on that 1988 application exactly the same way today. “What do I value most?” The only two things that are eternal–the Word of God and people. God’s greatest gift has been witnessing His Spirit quietly and persistently pursuing people in Westown, calling them out of darkness into living relationship with Jesus…and then using their lives to draw others into His forever community of faith. How grateful I am to God, The Other Way Staff and my dear friends in Westown for the privilege of walking this journey together.