Diana Bridges
ESL Director at Woodland Church, San Antonio, Texas
By Ken Watkins
Ken Watkins
“Now faith is the turning of dreams into deeds; it is betting your life on the unseen realities.” Diana Bridges has chosen this translation of Hebrews 11:1 from the Cotton Patch Version of the Bible as her email signature. For over 30 years of friendship, I have watched Diana live out her dreams, nurturing them from unseen realities into purposeful communities of care and concern. I have seen her take what was given and make much out of not much.
When I met her, she had just moved from Southern California to Starkville, Mississippi, with her husband, David, who had accepted a teaching position at Mississippi State. The move was painful for Diana. In California, she had found her niche and discovered her calling and passion — teaching English to international students and other immigrants and assisting them with cultural adjustments. On our first visit, she asked, “Is there a place for me here?” In her years in the Mississippi State community, she carved out her place.
In pursuing her dreams, Diana is persistent and yet flexible. Also, she is a dream “sharer,” inviting others to come along on the faith adventure. During her years at Mississippi State, she befriended students, professors, and family members from all over the world. Weekly, she expanded the hospitality of our student ministry by working with U.S. students to host International Hour. She trained volunteers from area churches to teach ESL. After two years, she, with the support of our Baptist director of missions, rented an empty building, an old pizza restaurant, and established the Friendship House, a place for internationals to gather for ESL and fellowship. With everything Diana touched, she developed goodwill and trust with the various international organizations, including the Muslim Student Association, and the faculty and staff of Mississippi State.
Diana is indeed a world citizen. She is a language student and an international traveler. She crosses ethnic lines with ease. She is also an advocate for women in ministry. I have seen her stand her ground with calm tenacity.
When she moved back to her hometown of San Antonio, she once again asked the question: “Where and how do I live out my calling?” With every conversation, I am inspired as I learn what Diana is doing at Woodland Church and in her San Antonio community.
Rev. Ken Watkins is a retired director of the Baptist Student Ministry at Mississippi State University.
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Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.