Listen to His Voice: An SLM’s Experience

By Ms. Chioma Okoye, Communications Director, Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa, FL

“I had my career and then I retired. I knew I wanted to serve in some way. The most important thing to me was figuring out what God wanted for me!” - Jerry Pederson

Jerome Pederson, often referred to as “Jerry,” decided to become a missionary after he retired from decades of accounting work. “Originally, I wanted to go to Africa, maybe Sierra Leone, but in hindsight, I’m so grateful I came to Tampa,” he explained.

During the orientation and training process of the Salesian Lay Missioners (SLM) program, Jerry was recommended to serve domestically by Adam Rudin, the SLM program’s director. “Adam suggested that I serve in Tampa, and I trusted his discernment,” he said.

Upon his arrival in Tampa, Jerry did not know exactly what he’d be doing, although he did come with an open mind and heart. “I had no clue what to do,” he recalled. “I just knew I would serve in whatever way was needed.”

Throughout his year of service, Jerry participated in all seven ministries of the Mary Help of Christians Center: Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Camp Mary Help, facilities’ rentals/ retreats, Mary Has a Little Farm, Korean Catholic Mission of Tampa, and the St. Philip Retirement Residence.

To say that Jerry helped would be an understatement. He did many things that greatly helped the Center, from driving the retired priests to celebrate Mass throughout the diocese and grocery shopping with them to livestreaming Sunday Mass and even chaperoning the school’s mission trip to Puerto Rico.

While looking back on his many experiences in Tampa, Jerry noted a few highlights, as well as where he believes God is calling him to next.

“The best part, for sure, was being a part of the community here,” he exclaimed. “Praying with the priests and brothers every day was just awesome! Most recently, I loved driving the boat for summer camp–getting to talk to and have fun with all the kids was great!”

Although Jerry enjoyed each moment of his experience serving in Tampa, he shared his struggle with discerning where God was leading him. “As someone who always is doing something and enjoys working, now I think God is telling me to just slow down and listen to His voice,” he revealed.

Following months of prayerful discernment and spiritual guidance from the Salesian community, Jerry has decided to embark on an extended semi-hermitage. “I’ll get out into nature, away from all the busyness and noise, and do my best to just listen to God,” he shared. “Who knows? He may tell me to come back to Tampa or go serve somewhere else: either way, I know I need this time to just be with Him.”

Please keep Jerry in your prayers, and may God bless him and all He has in store for him!