By Elayne Samuels
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet.”Genesis 2:18 (American King James Version) The Strong’s Concordance defines the term “help meet” with both words having the same meaning.
Both the words help and meet mean “aid”. As the “help meet” of the man of God in each of our local houses of worship, the First Lady is an encourager, supporter, and exhorter of the vision(s) that God gives to her “Boaz” for their specific house of worship. This week’s featured First Lady is First Lady Dr. Ophelia Sanders of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Pompano, Beach, Fla. Interview with First Lady Dr. Ophelia Sanders.
WG: What is your life verse?
First Lady Sanders: My life verses are Romans 8:28 which says, “That’s why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” and Philippians 4:13 which says “Whatever I have, whatever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” I chose the Message Version translation because it makes it plain and simple.
WG: Do you remember your salvation moment? Please discuss.
First Lady Sanders: I gave my life to Christ when I was nine years old. However, like others, throughout life’s transitions, I detoured; but not too far away, and I came back. Over the past three years, God has been using me tremendously and guiding me in a higher real of ministry. God is my Father and my Husband/Pastor is my covering.
WG: Is there a spiritual move of God that you would like to see an increased evidence of in Broward County?
First Lady Sanders: I would like to see churches come together and realize that it’s not about the size of the church, the number of members, or the social or economic status of the membership, but about the salvation of God’s people. There are so many people that would love to change their lives but we keep them away because of the way we look down on them. We need to unite with other churches and Pastors. Lastly, I’d like to see more God-fearing people in government so that we can impact our communities and schools.
WG: What are the titles of some of your favorite Christian songs/singers?
First Lady Sanders: The lyrics of Marvin Sapp’s “Your Grace and Mercy” are so powerful. It’s a testimony. Two other favorites of mine are “Order My Steps” by WOW and “No Weapon” by Minister Louis E. (my husband).
WG: Do you watch or listen to other pastors? (National or local) Who are they?
First Lady Sanders: I enjoy listening to T.D. Jakes. Whenever I am led to watch him, there is always a message of encouragement. On a local level, I attend conventions, conferences, and anniversary programs where I listen to the Word from other pastors.
WG: Family Life— Your spouse? Children?
First Lady Sanders: God has given me the most wonderful mate in the Rev. Louis Sanders. We met at a worship service at New Bethel Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Fla over 21 years ago and we are still on our honeymoon. We are the pa-rents of four adult children and the grandparents of twelve.
WG: Do you have a secular job? If so, what is your position?
First Lady Sanders: I retired from The School Board of Broward County, FL in 2009 where I served as a Program Specialist. Currently, I serve as the Executive Assistant at Macedonia Missionary Baptist. I have a personal consulting business where I help small churches organize their financial record-keeping systems. I recently completed a PhD in Industrial/Organization Psychology from Capella University.
WG: What are your personal interests/activities/goals?
First Lady Sanders: My personal interests are (1) serving God, (2) spending quality time with my husband and family, (3) ministering to women in the age group of 18-55, and (4) planning events. I enjoy working with community-based organizations and with my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. My ultimate goal is to be an effective help-meet for my husband and to move forward in ministry as God sees fit.
WG: Please complete the following: Jesus is my
First Lady Sanders: Jesus is my shelter, my strength, my anchor, and my guide.
