Mary Ann Lewis
For 38 years, Mary Ann served as a missionary in Kenya and Uganda. God gave her strong abilities in accounting and organization, and she filled in those roles wherever she was needed.
Mary Ann grew up in Ellendale, North Dakota, in a loving Christian home. Her parents farmed until she was 7 and then moved to town to return to teaching. “Education was a big deal in my house,” Mary Ann recalled. “We had English lessons for nearly every meal.” She and her family were regularly in church and came to know several WGM missionaries, including Bill and Ruth Cox and Marion and Gene Lewton. As a sophomore in high school, she committed to follow the Lord in whatever He had for her. Although initially uncertain of her missionary call, at the urging of her pastor, she went to Vennard College (Iowa) for a year of Bible training.
One year became more than seven years, including completion of a degree in Bible and Christian education. As a student, and following graduation as a staff member, she worked in Vennard’s business office and printing department. At a missionary service, she felt the Lord directly call her to become a career missionary. She applied to WGM for missionary service and told the board she would go wherever she was needed.
Mary Ann retired in 2007 after 38 years of service. She now lives in Bird Island, Minnesota. She is the manager for a local food bank, serves as the treasurer for the Southern Prairie District of United Methodist Women, and leads two Bible studies. “I am reminded daily of how much need there is,” Mary Ann shared, “and how much we need to take the light of the gospel to the world.”