The Inside Story - June Edition

An inside look at the stories of those behind Aglow Australia.   

The Inside Story takes an inside look at the lives we love, perhaps only heard about, or may not even know at all. Mentors, leaders, valued Kingdom partners, and most of all you, of whom, together, are forming the wider, magnificent story of Aglow Australia today.   It’s always such a privilege to hear from the heart of those who so faithfully serve Aglow across our nation. This month, we’re delighted to share the story of one of our much-loved W.A Mentors, Sue Da Silva!

Childhood and Early Influences

I was the eldest of nine children in a loving Christian family. For the first 12 years of my life, we lived on a dairy farm in the southwest of Western Australia before moving to a wheat and sheep property just south of Narrogin, in the Great Southern region.

Life followed a steady rhythm, shaped by faith, hard work, and family support. From a young age, I could see how tirelessly both my parents worked, and those values became deeply rooted in all of us.

Later in life, Dad often told stories about how I cared for the younger children like a little mother, which is how I came to be nicknamed Granny. Looking back, I suspect I may also have been a little bossy.

I can see how that caring upbringing helped shape my nature and led me into a nursing career that I loved.

Leaving Home and Loss

After I left home, I gradually drifted away from some of the Christian values I had been raised with.

In time, this contributed to the breakdown of my first marriage after about nine years. We were also unable to have children. Although that was heartbreaking at the time, I later came to see it as a blessing.

Motherhood and Renewed Faith

Several years later, I met my late husband, and together we were blessed with a healthy son, who is now 42. Holding him in my arms for the first time and looking into his eyes, I knew I wanted him to have the same faith-filled upbringing I had received.

That moment became a turning point in my faith journey. I became an active seeker, wanting to grow a faith of my own and develop a strong and ever-growing relationship with God.

I know this prepared me to journey with my late husband, who was also a believer. After 30 years of marriage, he received a terminal diagnosis in mid-2013 and passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at home 12 months later.

Aglow and Spiritual Growth

Reflecting back to about 25 years ago, Christian friends in Narrogin invited me to join Aglow. Although I was not ready at first, after about six months of what I believe was the Lord’s leading, I felt ready to become involved.

Soon after, I was invited to join the committee and sensed the Lord had prepared me for that step. My journey deepened, and Aglow shaped my life profoundly. Through National Conferences, State Retreats, and Leaders’ Summits, my faith was stretched and strengthened beyond what I had imagined.

I served as secretary of Narrogin Aglow for about 12 years. When our leader stepped down, only a few months after my husband had gone to be with the Lord, I expected to remain in a supportive role and trusted God to give me grace.

Yet, as I pegged clothes on the line one day, I sensed the Lord speak to my spirit. I became leader for the next six years, supported by my small team, especially my co-leader, Irene.

During this season, in August 2018, I met the man who is now my husband, supported in prayer by my dear Aglow sisters. We married in May 2019 in a small wedding with family, close friends, and many cherished Aglow sisters.

Marriage, Moving, and New Service

After I retired from nursing, we moved to Baldivis, on the outer edge of metropolitan Perth in the City of Rockingham. I was delighted to attend Rockingham Aglow, so beautifully led by Cherie Schubert, and I expected at last to step back from the responsibilities of leadership.

Once again, the Lord had other plans, and I was invited to mentor Country WA. The thought terrified me, but I trusted that He had gone before me and would equip me.

In this role, I have had to learn not to compare myself with other mentors, but instead to sit at their feet on Zoom calls, as Mary sat with Jesus. I know I naturally tend more towards being a Martha, so this has been an important lesson for me.

Grandmothering and Purpose

As we searched for a home in this area, I noticed how many young families lived here and wondered whether it was the right place for us. Then I sensed the Lord speak clearly to my heart: this area needs grandmothers.

That is a story for another time, but I can see it unfolding even now. Alongside the joy of being a very blessed “Nanny Sue” to my six-year-old grandson, the Lord is bringing young families into my life who need the care and support of a mother or grandmother figure.

Reflection and Calling

As I reflect on my life so far, I can see how the unconditional love I received in my early years gave me a deep assurance of God’s love. Even in times when I was not living in a way that pleased Him, His love for me remained unchanged.

I know I am a deeply loved and cherished daughter of the King. He has given me a nurturing heart and a desire to encourage others to use their God-given gifts for the growth of His Kingdom.

I feel deeply blessed to be part of the Aglow family and look forward to standing faithfully behind our precious leader, Elizabeth, as I play my part in Aglow’s exciting new vision.