Remarkable Women

It is a Labor of Love to interview women to learn about how God has rescued, restored and given them NEW LIFE in HIM. There are many fabulously talented women of value who have come a long way, and who are willing to share their strength and hope. A mere sketch adds significance to our collected impact. We were chosen to be a mighty Spiritual FORCE! Our shared joys, talents and victories are a source of hope to all. The vision of Women of Value is to build a bridge, or a bond between courageous, and creative women. It takes a large portion of faith to be obedient to Christ and shine regardless of hurts, hardships and tragedies. Passing on HOPE requires all of us to teach by our softness and our quiet example of perseverance. It has been a great pleasure to get to know a few who have shared their Spirit filled testimonies. Purely, the intention of this blog is for Christian women to get to know each other on a deeper level.

All women who have relocated to live in Mexico have left behind important sisterhoods. We do not seek to replace those relationships, but to find areas in common with new friends. Please indulge your soul with the tales of women who have poured out their struggles and victories for the readers benefit. As the interviewer, the profile that I post herein, condenses what takes a lifetime to live and comprehend. In depth details about our lives, or our family roots are up to the individual to share, or publish, or not.  After interviewing 20 + women, I write a summary of what was shared. Hopefully, as random Lakeside readers get to know one another, bits of the story posted will foster a new relationship as we seek kindred spirits. With each encounter, I press for the positive impact of how Jesus turns a tragedy into a victory. Few women have lived a perfectly 'charmed' life without some sort of challenge. It is my delight to share what "I see" in the soul of the one who boldly pours out their journey.  We give God glory when we share our story. With a fresh lens, this blog is dedicated to commemorating significant chapters of life for a few local Women of Value. Peeking behind the veil of how we appear, we discover the deeper, the more important things that have made us who we have become to the glory of God.  AMEN

Today, just like in all past generations, we long to be “known, accepted, and useful".   As we draw close to Jesus, we come to experience His Spirit personally revealing to us… the secrets of heaven.  Jesus sees us as His, perfect in His eyes, worthy of eternity in heaven.  Jesus pursues us, He changes us, and by His love, Jesus allows us to see into our hearts,  what He sees in us.  Jesus came to give us ABUNDANT LIFE.  Each fabulous female has inspired others by their refreshing example of love, grace, and mercy as we are all being changed, day by day into His likeness. Each Woman of Value featured herein shines a unique Light despite the troubles in this world. Thanks to all who have allowed me to ask those probing questions. Our "Presence over Perfection" is what God and others long for.  "Always ready to give an answer to everyone who asks...a reason concerning the Hope that is in us." 1 Peter 3:15 - May your hope expand in Jesus!

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Mindy Nichols

Mindy grew up in Texas. She is a preacher's kid who continues to enjoy every minute of being immersed in ministry. "My dad never made me go to church, it has always been my choice and my blessing to go!" She is a native Texan, born in Wichita Falls and she spent her high school days in Waco.  Her dad was a Professor in Theology and in the Air Force. His family was his ministry and as a military God squad they lived in Arizona, Kentucky and a few seasons in California.  Mindy attended Bethany Nazarene College near Oklahoma City for two years and then she studied at LSU to become a nurse. While in college Mindy went on a few short term mission trips. The one she recalled as the most profound was the three months she spent in the Dominican Republic, near the border of Haiti. Spells of witchcraft are cast and devil worship is common and widespread throughout the territory. "Kids would come to the bible school and report what babies were sacrificed the night before." We spent a lot of time in prayer to demolish evil strongholds. God warns us to fight the good fight on our knees. The same kind of unseen, but effective Spiritual warfare is needed DAILY, no matter where we live. Fast forward through a short union in marriage #1 to her blissful marriage #2.  Thirty two years ago Mindy met Bill when she worked as a nurse supervisor. Bill was the hospital chaplain and they both responded to CODE BLUE alarms. Mindy would pronounce them dead and Bill would pray and contact the families. They became friends and one day a person in the Coronary Care Unit said "Hey why don't you guys have a heart to heart date?" A year later they tied the knot and today Bill and Mindy celebrate 31 years together and they have chosen lakeside as their permanent paradise. Mindy's first marriage produced two wonderful kids. Mindy's daughter Brooke, her wild child is now 37 years old and her son Calvin, the miracle child is now 34.  Mindy says her daughter was a woman determined to take the world by the horns.  Brooke,  the intellect, can speak six languages and for many years worked on private yachts. After a time in jail and few other hard knocks, Brooke returned to Jesus and now works in Texas managing musical events. Her son Calvin moved to Chapala after the 2017 hurricane wiped out his home and Mgr. position in a large hotel on the island of St Thomas.

Haiti - prevalent demonic forces

Almost as an after thought, Mindy shared "Oh yeah, when Calvin was born I had a near death experience." Calvin is my miracle baby because an incident occured during childbirth that normally results in death for the delivering mother and the baby. I hovered above my body and saw all the details of the doctors life saving maneuvers to bring me back to life.  I then sped up to a higher bright light where I had no pain, no fear and total peace. "God has given me a few opportunities to "go home". During this incredible NDE a clear voice gave me the choice to go back down and raise my two kids or stay in heaven.  I do not remember hesitating I guess because I was only 29 and wanted to live more."  Mindy laughed and said "Either way it will always be a WIN, WIN for me."  Mindy reports that since her personal NDE she has an acute awareness of God and His Presence, you might say a higher perception, and most certainly a heavenly 'bigger picture' view of the world. In 1995 Mindy took a 72 hour church leadership class entitled "Walk to Emmaus".  At the age of 40, this twice married woman of value, and the mother of 4 children (2 from Bill) claims that this class was a major game changer for her.  In her words "Before the class, after completing a 24 hour shift as a helicopter nurse,  I would walk through the door of my home, pass my husband without a word and go check to see if any dishes needed to be washed. That 72 hour class taught me to acknowledge and engage the people in my life, and maybe passover the unfinished work for some quality time. People are more important than events or things." Those disciples who did not recognize Jesus, were they just too busy about their work, their studies, or too deep in grief to recognize their Friend?  From 2011-2013 we pastored a small church in Wimberley, Texas. Much like here at Lakeside, the average age was 73 and the people were pretty set in their beliefs about what is important. Social events would supercede a bible study every time.  From 1990-2006 we pastored a very different small church in Dripping Spring, Tx where the people were hungry for God's word. In 2006 we moved to Mazatlan to retire and we attended "The Blue Church". A Mexican congregational church.

The Mexican pastor asked Bill to preach for a month, well that month turned into six years!  We grew from 6 in attendance to over 400 combined between the English and Spanish congregants. Mindy led the worship while playing guitar and singing. "The best I can do on the ivory is clink clink clink" It was absolutely a blast. We held a "Brigada" outreach in which we set up a medical and dental clinic for the community. During the heat of the summer, church attendance went to zero so we travelled to Lakeside.  Initially we lived in Puerto Corona which is directly across from Chapala on the other side of the lake. In May of 2017 we chose to move to Chula Vista permanently.  A couple of more opportunities to join Jesus occured within four months of our arrival at Lakeside.  In May of 2017 after church and lunch we went home for a siesta and my arm went numb, my speech was garbled and I knew I was experiencing stroke symptoms. The small voice in my head said "go to the hospital or die". We went to Marascas Clinic and after a CT scan, the report indicated an emergency surgery was necessary as I had a 99% blockage of my carotid artery.  On the table I understood what the Mexican neurosurgeon was saying "Get her husband on the phone, I don't think she will make it".  They handed me the phone and I said "Hi, I'm in surgery and I'm ok."  My leg was blue, it was dead from no circulation. After surgery I was in ICU for 2 days and after the miracle of getting pulse back in my leg, I was released to go home. Six months later in March of 2018 the stint that was placed in my neck malfunctioned and I stroked out.  I could not speak or swallow. My thoughts during those next 12 hours of silence were filled with scripture.  The surgeon replaced my stint and when I woke up at 4 am, I was so blessed that I could talk!   I thought of Saul being struck blind for three days and I am so glad I was only struck dumb for 12 hours.  No doubt about it, Jesus lives and He still heals folks today!  I am indeed a walking and talking miracle!  God has me here at Lakeside for His purpose and I guess He wants me to be able to ask questions and speak! My favorite life scripture is "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8. Mindy's birthday on earth is Sept 4th and she has blessed many with a life well lived!  Mrs Miracle Mindy and her retired pastor hubby Bill moved back to Texas in June of 2019. They left a loving mark on us all at Lakeside.

Dana Hagstrom

Meet Dana, a dynamic woman born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1962. Currently Dana and her Preacher husband David are leading worship at a local church at Lakeside. Dana thrived during her childhood. "Back in Iowa, people knew their neighbors. I attended St Mark's Lutheran Church and Sunday school every Sunday. It’s what we did as a family.” Dana recalls that her youth was idyllic. "I had fantastic parents!" When Dana was 16 years old she met a guy named Erik. "My parents did not approve of Erik and I guess that may have attributed to my attraction to him. Erik came from a dysfunctional family, and in my innocence, I figured all he needed was my love." At 16, Dana and Erik enjoyed a brief summer romance and then they broke up. Dana shared "Growing up I knew all the bible stories, but when I was 17 years old, an older school chum named Jill introduced me to the Holy Spirit." Dana's first year of college was in 1980, studying music at Coe College. She reunited with Erik, without the blessing from her parents, and they were married in 1983. Dana didn’t finish her college music degree because her income was needed to support Erik as he finished his degree. Dana gave birth to her son Zachary in 1989, then in 1992, her daughter Sarah came along. "My marriage was a nightmare! Erik abused me physically and verbally. His persistent name calling crushed any identity that I had 'in Christ'. Alcohol and drugs changed my husband and he used Scripture to manipulate and control me." Dana was given the choice to obey her husband’s horrible demands or lose her friends to his disgusting perversions. During 15 years of marriage, because of Erik's job hopping, they lived in Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and then back to Iowa. Living once again in her home town, in 1990 Dana began working as a legal secretary for Tom Wertz. "At work I excelled, and I was appreciated. My job was my only safe place where I could shine!” Within a year of on the job training, Dana was promoted to her dream job and became a bonafide Paralegal. “In my codependency, I was a major people pleaser. When I got home from work, I walked on egg shells afraid of what mood Erik might be in. I was totally controlled by him." Dana confessed that she was a broken woman who had just

been co-existing for years with a man that she was afraid of. She was so fearful of what Erik would do to her or the kids if she ever left him. She felt trapped. She struggled with what God wanted for her and waited patiently for him to rescue her. "I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands." Psalm 119:176 With great trembling, in 1998, “I was compelled to keep myself and my kids safe and I filed for divorce." Dana immediately returned to her childhood church with her kids and re devoted her life to Jesus. On her knees, she cried out, “Use me, God. I will never forget the first time I saw David! He was the handsome Associate Pastor at St Mark's and he was playing the guitar!" Dana got to know David through some counseling sessions. She humbly remembers that David recognized the beauty of her soul, and he inspired her to sing in the praise band. "Allen Koepke was the amazing director of the worship team. Between David's reassurance and Allen's patience, I found my voice. Eventually David broke down and sought the Senor Pastor's permission to date me." Pastor Gary gave them his blessing and in July 1999 Dana married David Hagstrom. "We are a God blessed happy family. With David’s two kids, Mikhal and James, we have such a beautiful blended family. It’s like we’ve always been together. After 19 years of marriage, we are still GAGA over each other.” In 2003 they moved to River Falls, Wisconsin where David became the Senior Pastor at Ezekiel Lutheran and Dana was the leader of the Praise Team. You may be wondering what Scripture that Dana depended on through it all? "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NIV While visiting Saddleback Church in California for some continuing education, a Celebrate Recovery Leadership pack was brought home. David had done a 12-step program in a previous congregation and had heard good things about Celebrate

Recovery. Today, the Celebrate Recovery group that was initially born at Ezekiel Lutheran is still going strong at Abundant Life in River Falls, Wisconsin. In 2008 The Hagstrom's moved back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. David had been “re-called” to serve as the Executive Pastor at St Mark's Lutheran and Dana served as the Director of the Children's Ministry for a 4-year term. Another scripture that kept Dana bouncing back "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5. From 2012-2016 Dana and David lived in Parkersburg, Iowa and served at Bethel Lutheran Church. "Both David and I were city folks, now living within a small population of only 1,500 wonderful people. I wore all the hats at this small congregation. I was the worship leader who also sang in the choir. I also volunteered with children and youth ministry." After a budget reality check, David suggested that they explore their options for retirement in Mexico. God was leading us in a new direction. "We both were drawn to the Hispanic culture. David made a spreadsheet and researched many locations for cost of living, medical care and climate, etc. We flew to Chapala in January 2016 and fell in love with the area! By Easter 2016, we announced our retirement plan to our congregation and on September 29, 2016, we packed up our four dogs, and drove our Prius across the border!" Very soon they will be celebrating their two year Mexico transplant and this amazing couple have already contributed greatly at Lakeside!  With tremendous joy and energy they now minister in the Praise Team at 'The Lord's Church" in San Antonio, Tlayacapan. They are far from being retired! They now are connecting with people globally online and running their own highly visible marketing business. Both are excited for the journey God has before them. Bienvenidos! Dios los bendiga a ambos!

Sara Frutos

What a blessing it is to spend time with Sara Ana Frutos! She is a certificated Wellspring Counselor right here at Lakeside. Salvador and Gertrude Frutos gave birth to Sara in 1955 while living in Chicago. “Papa owned a grocery store and momma stayed home to take care of her brood of six children.”  Sara was only two years old when her father was instantly delivered from alcoholism. “Papa fell to his knees in a park and cried out ‘Lord God if You really exist, change me’ and God answered his earnest prayer.”  Her uncle Everardo was the pastor of their Spanish Congregation in Chicago and when Sara was 12 years old, while in attendance at an old fashioned tent revival, she was baptized in the Holy Spirit.  As a senior in High School she traveled to Spain and met her future husband, Juan Antonio. After corresponding for months, Juan Antonio moved to Chicago and they were married in 1975.  “The Lord blessed us with two beautiful daughters."  Their eldest Candee, lives and works in Indianapolis, Indiana as an executive secretary.  Their youngest daughter Sonia founded an English Academy in Spain where she works as a bi-lingual teacher.  In 1976 her husband’s father died of cancer,  then Juan Antonio chose to no longer attend church.  In 1978 her parents founded their first church in Fort Wayne, and in 1988 after a dream, her parents drove to Mexico with $600.00 USD in their pockets to build a church in Chapala. Her parents held bible studies in their home for years while “Iglesias del el Espiritu Santo” was built by miraculous donations. Today Sara's brother Raul Frutos is the senior pastor and his wife Anabel Frutos runs the "Love in Action" orphanage in Chapala.

Sara and her family moved back to her husband’s homeland of Spain in 2001. For a few years Sara worked as an English tutor while raising her youngest daughter.  In 2014 her husband fell in love with a woman 20 years younger and he asked for a divorce.  Divorced and with a fragmented heart Sara moved back to Chicago for a short time.  In prayer she got confirmation in her spirit that she was to move to Mexico. In June 2014 Sara arrived in Chapala and she immediately attended her first Wellspring Conference at Jucum.  Jan Hicks conducted her soul’s interview and her broken heart was healed.  During her graduation ceremony her dormant purpose came fully alive. “I announced at the Wellspring conference that I knew what my calling was.” Where there seemed to be no way - God provided His way. After 38 years of marriage, through the pain and agony of a divorce, the enemy intended to destroy her faith, but our merciful God turned it into a ministry, for His glory. Genesis 50:20.  Sara forgave her ex and his girlfriend, and she was set free. With great compassion and gratitude, Sara now refers to all counseling sessions as Divine Appointments. Her ministry scripture is Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach Good Tidings unto the meek, He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives in the prison of pain." 

Judy Whitener raised the money for Sara to fly to Alaska for some advanced Wellspring training. Sara has now conducted over 500 one on one counseling sessions in the USA and in Mexico.  “When the Lord initially directed me to move to San Juan Tecomatlan (SJT), I resisted and made all kinds of Jonah excuses. I did not want to leave my comfort zone or follow His guidance until I heard about the needs of one family that was totally devastated by their son’s rape at a daycare.”  Since January 2019 Sara has been living in SJT and God has blessed her immensely for her obedience.  She recounts instant healings from Lupus, Alcoholism, demonic oppression, depression and drugs. “It has been a spiritual domino affect”. Like the Woman at the Well, by word of mouth, the community is calling for appointments. In July 2023 Sara had her niece deliver the block buster hit "The Chosen" in Spanish to the girls at Love in Action. Sara was blessed by God to travel to Spain to attend her daughter's wedding and to be a witness to the people she meets. To reach Sara for a personal counseling appointment email: saraanafrutos@gmail.com or call her directly on her cell 332-177-2191