Living Sacrificially: A Conversation with Aileen Coleman

The Lord captured Aileen’s heart as a young adult, and from then on, she lived for Him, setting aside her desires and previously rebellious ways. Soon after, Aileen began mission work as a nurse.

“And that night I heard the voice of God. And my life lived for Aileen Coleman was over.”—Aileen Coleman

Aileen was called to serve in the Middle East, where Islam is prevalent. She made her way to Jordan and studied Arabic. This enabled her to speak to her patients, build relationships, and tell them about Jesus.

Kristy reads Philippians 1:6 (NIV)—a verse that makes her think of Aileen—which says, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” After more than 60 years of ministry, Aileen continued to serve diligently. Kristy wanted to know how Aileen kept pressing on without growing weary. All Aileen had to do was look around her and see the incredible need—the need for the Gospel.

“Look at the need here in America, wherever you are. There are needy people—people that maybe don't have physical or material needs, but they need the Gospel. And so, I think if you look at the need and you're loving the Lord, you'll see through His heart and His eyes the needs of people.”—Aileen Coleman

Kristy asked Aileen how the Lord grew and strengthened her prayer life, noting that is not an easy discipline to maintain. There are always going to be distractions, but it is about finding those pockets of time to be alone, talk to God, and listen to His voice—even if it means waking up much earlier.

“I think you've got to be very deliberate and very conscious that Satan's going to try and steal the prayer life from you.”—Aileen Coleman

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