Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara G. Ruff.
Hi Barbara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Life is an adventure! My life has always included a focus on both education and ministry. I spent several wonderful years as an elementary school teacher and several more as a principal. Additionally, I am a Christian with an ever-developing relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because I’ve been an intentional weaver of His gospel throughout my life, sharing my beliefs through ministry made sense. There are still so many important things that need to be done in education, ministry, and our society in general. And because I am passionate about those concepts, I strive to help make the world a better place.
When the call came to relocate to Murrells Inlet from Ohio, my husband and I moved. We now enjoy the beautiful weather while watching the golfers tee off on the golf course in our backyard. Once here, we found ourselves at Journey Church, a lovely little church holding services in the Inlet Mall. Life over the past couple of years in South Carolina has been a combination of working diligently on education, ministry, and authorship issues. I currently enjoy serving as an Educational Leader for Journey Christian Academy.
Additionally, I serve as an educational consultant through Grace Fellowship International with Journey Church. As a writer, I’ve published two books: “The Journey Into Grace” is an interactive, reflective text for reflection and growth in the truth of the grace of the Lord. “The Birth of Jesus” is a children’s picture book that retells the beautiful account of the birth of Jesus.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
While life has its share of bumps, I count my blessings daily. One challenge my fundraising task force team and I face is our need for more funding for Journey Christian Academy. Our vision is established, and the plan is in place. We hope that groundbreaking will be close on the horizon. Our mission is to provide the means to an excellent education for children in our community, and we feel a sense of urgency. We have been fortunate to have local businesses partner with us in our efforts to further our vision for a Christian school. Because we have yet to reach our financial goals, we are grateful for businesses that step up in partnership and agree with our mission.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of my strengths includes my leadership qualities. I’ve served in leadership roles most of my life, and I’m drawn to positions where I can serve others in this way. Being a successful leader rests on having an amazing team where mutual support and an emphasis on team-building are as important to them as it is to me. As a leader, I know making a difference is important, and I know that long-lasting results require investment from a team of people with a vision. As a principal, my business card read, “A vision for tomorrow = action for today.” I firmly believe in doing whatever one needs to do to get a job done. I also believe in mentoring others so they may become the leaders they were created to be.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Problems will always attempt to interfere with goals. But problems are opportunities for learning and growth. Interference in your quest toward a goal could come from many sources. However, you have the choice about which interference you want to entertain. So, I recommend not wasting time on problems beyond your realm of control. Don’t misunderstand – we must put people first, honoring various ways of knowing and being. And if all else fails, give it to God and then ask Google!
