"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20
Eileen Mahood, wife of Senior Pastor Jeremy Mahood, came to Sudbury from New York 33 years ago. It was early in her Christian walk, but she knew without a doubt that this was where she was supposed to be.
Despite working full-time and having twin girls, Eileen has always been active in church life. The Women's Spring Retreat Team has been blessed to have Eileen and her mother-in-law Jean dedicated to providing spiritual guidance to the planning meetings. Each meeting includes a small group Bible study, based in the word of the Lord, and time spent in prayer. Eileen and Tina Whitman MC the annual Retreat but many other women help to make this an outstanding event. The Women's Ministries of ANC sponsor the weekend, and the work of these leaders ensures that the Retreat honours the Lord before, during and after the event.
Eileen also extends her time outside of the Church. She is currently Chair of the All Nations Children's Centre Board, which sets policy and reviews programming and safety procedures to ensure the Daycares are operating in accordance with Ministry standards. She also supports the operation of the Daycares, which serve 160 children from infant to school age.
Eileen is currently on the board of the Family Enrichment Centre. The Centre provides counselling services and its vision statement reads, "Inspired by God's love and nurturing presence in the world, we are a centre that promotes healing of body, mind, heart and spirit". Eileen agreed to be on this Board because its vision is aligned with the vision of WoMin at ANC, which promotes wholeness of body, mind and spirit for all the women of the church.
In addition, several years ago, Pastor Jeremy and Eileen founded a charitable foundation called the "I Believe Network". Under that umbrella, a programme called "First Steps" was initiated in the downtown core. As Chair of the Board of First Steps, Eileen and the Board members support Pastor Brad Hale and Jane Ansamaa in the delivery of services to the most vulnerable population in our city. The work done at the centre includes drug and alcohol pre-treatment assessments, post-treatment follow-up, individual counselling and pastoral care.
Provincially, Eileen worked for the Ministry of Health for many years. Over the last ten years, within her own consulting business, she has been advocating for sustainable health care in the North. This includes addressing challenges such as acquiring an adequate number of physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, nutritionists and other allied health care professionals to serve our northern population.
Eileen considers it a privilege to have come to Sudbury over three decades ago, and she is grateful that early in her Christian walk, she was able to accept that the move was the place that God had for her. She still feels that way today. Thank you, Eileen, for being willing to "go make a difference in your world".
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