Dana Yost has served as the Director of Prayer Ministry at Hope for 17 years. As she enters retirement, we wanted to talk to her about her work, as well as her plans for the future, to share with the Hope community. We are going to miss her dearly as our Director of Prayer Ministry, but the good news is that she isn’t leaving Hope! She will still be attending and volunteering in various ways, so we get to continue to enjoy her company.
Can you describe your work for those who are unfamiliar?
The work that I do has changed somewhat over the years and now goes by a few different names, but it’s essentially still the same. I meet with people in person, over the phone and even by Skype, and help them take their emotional pain, relationship troubles, and even their physical pain to Jesus in prayer. I facilitate the process, but it’s Jesus who shows up and speaks the truth that sets them free from things that have held them back.
What has surprised you the most about your years in ministry?
In all those years, I never ceased to be amazed at what God would do. The things He would say and the things He would show people were amazing and so personal! Things that wouldn’t necessarily mean anything to someone else would be very powerful for that person. No matter how difficult or painful the issue, the truth that Jesus revealed to them along with His presence melted fears, calmed anger and brought about lasting peace, healing and freedom.
How did you get started with Prayer Ministry?
When I was on the mission field in Guatemala, I worked with a Christian treatment center for drug and alcohol addiction. It was through that work that I began using the Finding Freedom tools and teaching seminars. I saw amazing things happen with people being set free from their addictions. In fact, those stories were part of what Dean was so interested in when we first met. And it’s because of continued financial support from people who donated to the work I was doing in Guatemala that I was able to continue with prayer ministry back in the States and eventually led to my joining the staff at Hope.
Are there any stories from all your years of ministry that stand out in particular?
There are many, but one that definitely stands out is the woman that I worked with for a period of about 4 years who experienced incredible freedom—it’s really been remarkable. I knew her mom, who put me in touch with Angie in 2012. Angie suffered from such a bad case of agoraphobia that she could barely even leave her bedroom to get something to eat. She lived in Washington State, so we would meet by phone. Initially we had ministry sessions a couple of times a week, as she was having such severe anxiety and panic attacks. Over time, the Lord began taking her to some hurtful memories and showing her things from her childhood and younger years that had gradually come to enslave her. One by one, through the things He showed her and spoke to her, she received the truth she needed to be released from her fears and healed from those emotional wounds, and now Angie is fully restored! She is able to come and go from her house, enjoy her children and grandchildren, is no longer on disability, is working a full time job at an aerospace company that manufactures plane parts, and enjoying life again! And best of all she is experiencing a close and abiding relationship with her Heavenly Father and with Jesus, and loves to share with others how the Lord set her free!
What does the future of Prayer Ministry look like at Hope?
I’m excited about the future of Freedom Prayer Ministry at Hope. I was able, with help and input of others, to develop a new training manual this past year. Three women went through the training and were able to receive and facilitate prayer ministry with one another as well as facilitate with others outside of the group. As opportunities arise, they will continue to be available to offer prayer ministry to others. Rebecca has really grown in her call and gifting as a prayer ministry facilitator and is planning to devote even more time to Prayer Ministry! It’s been very rewarding for me to invest time in training others to continue Prayer Ministry at Hope. As our congregation continues to move towards being a disciple-making body of believers, it’s been special to see how God has made possible this kind of discipleship training in my ministry.
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
A big reason for my decision to retire at this time was to be of more help to my parents in their last years. With my dad recently passing, I will now be devoting my time to my mom. Along with the help of my sister and friend, I’m spending a lot of time with Mom, helping her unpack, get organized and adjust not only to apartment living, but to being without her husband of 72 years. (Thanks again to everyone at Hope who helped with the move!) In addition, I want to continue to be available to minister to people in any way I can, whether it’s prayer ministry, praying for physical healing, or having meaningful conversations with unbelievers. I’m also happy to serve as a coach and mentor to the prayer ministry team and help with any future training. And when the time is right, I look forward to playing more par 3 golf, walking, reading, and maybe a beach vacation to Mexico so I can get in some boogie boarding!
Anything else you’d like to say?
I’m very thankful to the Lord for leading me to Hope and for the opportunity to have served in the ways God has gifted me in my position as Director of Prayer Ministry. It has been a great 17 years working with and under Pastor Dean’s leadership. It will be an adjustment to no longer be a part of the staff and leadership council. They are such a wonderful group of people and have been a blessing to work with. I definitely could not have asked for a better job or a better place to work!