Trezina Lueth's Faith Story

When I came here 25 years ago with my husband, I already had a strong faith. Even so, I felt like a stranger in a strange land. Life was not easy for me. I knew no one and always felt lonely. I was also in a marriage that was difficult.

Almost from the beginning I found support form the people of St. Thomas Aquinas. Because of that support and my constant faith that God was hearing my prayers, I was able to endure.

Now that my children are all grown and of age to take care of themselves, I have been thinking so much about my homeland and my people that I left behind. Again with the help of this faith community I was able to go back to visit. What I found was distressing. My village was devastated after years of civil war. I returned to Ames feeling a definite call from God to help those I left behind. Again, my faith community responded.

I know now that God has used me as an emissary to bring some comfort to my in in southern Sudan. I feel too, that all of those who have brought love and compassion to my life are angels of the Lord. My faith is stronger than ever. I thank God every day that I was given the strength to preserve.

-Trezina Lueth
Trezina, a native of the Sudan is now a U.S. Citizen, an STA parishioner for 25 years and a Homeward Health Service employee. Trezina and several STA parishioners are leading an effort to dig a new well and bring fresh water to her home village in southern Sudan.