by Gail Beran Neils

Holly and her husband, Matt, came to Bethany six years ago. They lived right across the street from Bethany at the time, and finding they liked what they heard and saw, they stayed.  Last summer, Holly interned with Dianne Ross, Director of Children’s Ministries. She then applied for the position of Children’s Ministry Assistant and came on staff in February.

Holly works 10 hours a week, helping with “anything that Dianne needs.” What she likes best is getting to know more people—in all the different areas of Bethany—learning the ins and outs of Children’s Ministry. “And I love meeting all the kids!”

Holly’s own journey of faith began when she was a kid herself. Growing up in a Christian home, she remembers asking Jesus into her life at age 4. Though she had later moments of doubt, this childhood decision stuck with her and was nurtured by her parents. In her late teens, Holly began to recognize the need to take initiative and ownership of her own relationship with Christ—apart from her parents—and she discovered that this was “a wonderful thing.”

Holly majored in elementary education at the University of Montana, and married her best friend Matt 6 1/2 years ago. They are parents of 1-year-old Kellyn Louise and have a dog named Sula June.

Holly enjoys being outdoors, art projects, reading, music, being with friends, and laughing. She says Matt’s goal each day is to make her laugh.  When asked if there was anything she would like to share with Bethany members that they might not know, she responded—

“I am turning 30 this year!” 

Happy 30, Holly.