Do you ever wonder who you're talking to when you call Rest Ministries? We have a "virtual assistant" that helps out our office by checking messages and calling people back. Since Rest Ministries (publisher of HopeKeepers Magazine) is a volunteer organization, this is the fastest way for us to serve you and she's been an amazing blessing to our editor. If you call and leave us a message it will be Kara who calls you back to find out what your needs are, get an order, or help you locate resources on the web site.

Kara Marks began as our receptionist in July '04 and says, "People have been so nice and it's been very rewarding to find an area where I can be of help."

Kara was an RN for eighteen years and worked in obstetrics. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993 and has been at home since 2000. "I miss being able to work so much, but I've been blessed to find other areas where God can use me."

Kara has two sons, ages 15 and 11, and they live in Oklahoma. I asked her what her prayer needs are and she shared the following: "I have limited energy and that's an area where I would really appreciate being lifted up. I've dealt some with depression, and I do well with His help most of the time, but it's another area where I could use continued prayer."

Kara shared her favorite scripture passage-Psalm 100-the whole chapter. "It's the first I ever memorized, and it still speaks to me," she says. "And due to all my challenges, I love Isaiah 40:31 '...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'"

"I've learned a lot from living with a chronic illness myself, and also being a nurse, I feel like He's led me to this job as a place where those experiences can be put to use. I really am enjoying helping the ministry in this way and feel very blessed to have been called here.