Building Hope:

The Transformative Power of St. Ann's Adult Mission Ministry

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to overlook those who may need a helping hand. But for the volunteers of St. Ann’s Adult Mission Ministry (AMM), lending that hand is not just a duty, but a calling. Armed with brooms and power drills, hammers and screwdrivers, paint brushes, and encouraging words, these volunteers are changing lives through home repairs, aiming to embody the teachings of Jesus by improving living conditions and bringing hope to people throughout North Georgia. “I love the fact that we are there serving for the Lord and that the people are aware of that and that they feel his love through what we do.” Lisa Zepf



Their work goes beyond just repairs; it's about making connections and restoring hope. And that was the case for Myrna Warner, an 86-year-old widow and stage three colon cancer survivor. “She’s an elderly lady who just couldn’t make certain repairs and in general the house was relatively in good shape. But she had some things that were just bothering her and that hadn’t been taken care of for, in what she describes as, over two to three years”. Bob Zepf

After feeling “hopeless, helpless, and frustrated,” Myrna said she received a telephone call from AMM informing her that some people from St. Ann would be going to her home to help her with the needed repairs. Feeling “shocked that anyone would come so far” to help, Myrna welcomed Bob and his wife Lisa to her home.

Bob and Lisa Zepf joined the adult mission ministry with the intention of serving Christ and others through their volunteer time. Initially in different groups, Lisa and Bob began working together and established a friendship that would lead them to join their lives in holy matrimony. An unexpected blessing through their ministry service.

“I was so impressed with the professionalism of Bob and his desire that the repairs be done perfectly and precise. And Lisa was a valued assistant.” “When the work was done and they left I could only smile through my tears as I walked around,” said Myrna Warner.

In a world often marred by division and strife, the efforts of the St. Ann’s Adult Mission Ministry shine as a beacon of hope and compassion. “I always feel in my heart that I get way more out of serving the people than they actually receive.” Bob Zepf. And it is through their dedication and service that we’re reminded of the transformative power of kindness and community. Bob and Lisa are an example of how being a prophet by our actions bears its fruits: “Thank you and all the members of St. Ann’s who contribute to this mission work. You will be remembered in my daily prayers, and will have my everlasting gratitude” – Myrna Warner