Praying for my Prodigal :: About the Author :: Teri

Teri Dowell Ussery has a passion to use her gifts and experiences to challenge others to let God be God in their lives. The Lord called Teri to serve Him in full-time ministry when she was a young adult. Since that time, some 30 years ago, she has served as teacher, speaker and leader for her church, women's retreats, conferences and events throughout the state of Texas. Her gift for speaking and teaching is complimented by her musical talent. Not only is she a gifted singer but also a talented musician, playing several instruments including mastering the harp in her early twenties.
As a 37-year-old mother of two young children, Teri journeyed through the 2-year illness and death of her husband. Out of this heart break the Lord led her to write, publish and video tape a bible study focused on walking through loss and overcoming grief entitled "Walking in the Light of Grace." She has since had many opportunities to minister to other women who experience the loss of a spouse, sharing with them that God hasn't forsaken them or left them to remain alone but that He is there and still has a plan and future for their lives.

God's faithfulness did not leave Teri's family broken. He provided a wonderful husband for her and father for her two boys in a man who was alone as well, raising his two daughters after his wife left him to pursue a different life. They began the challenge of blending a family with "yours, mine and eventually ours." Teri has enjoyed the past 12 years as a minister's wife. She and husband, Kenneth, are parents to five and live in McKinney, TX. "We have journeyed through the blessings and intense difficulties faced by minister's families and have endured the heartbreak and sleepless nights as parents of two prodigals", she reflects.

Teri shares her personal journey as an encouragement to others walking through the pain of prodigals. It is Teri's hope that through your prayer times together on her "Praying for My Prodigal" CD, women will not only exercise the power of prayer in the life of their prodigal, but that they will find courage, peace and hope, as they trust the Great Redeemer to bring complete restoration.

Today, Teri knows God is calling her to step out boldly into the ministry He called her to so many years ago. She shares with us, "My life's experiences have truly taught me the value of walking by faith … discovering in God's Word and believing in my heart where He is leading and stepping out before actually seeing the place where my foot will land."

If you are interested in booking Teri to lead your next retreat or women's event, please click here.