Linda Sheimo
 
"I Was Supporting Olive Branch When The Lord Told Me To Get Involved."
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Linda Sheimo-Smith was born in Germany when her father was stationed there. Her parents loved to travel and introduced the kids to many cultures. They became volunteer missionaries after retirement, and Linda was able to visit them in Nigeria and Japan and see how God uses "untrained" people to accomplish His will when they are obedient in serving.  
 
Linda joined the Army Reserves in 1977 and entered active duty in 1985.  She is now retired from the US Army.  Her husband, Shane, is now retired from the Air Force, and they live on a small hobby farm in Wisconsin.   God prompted Linda to be more actively serving in 2006, so she started by facilitating a Bible study in the Pentagon while also singing in the Chapel Choir.  One of her joys is being able to praise and honor God through song, as it is a great way to connect with others.  Linda met Caroline Grube (Board Member) and her husband, Rick, and they shared about the work of OBI.  That discussion led to opportunities to specifically pray for OBI and support its efforts.  
 
Linda's time as a Board Member has been a period of spiritual and personal growth, participating in various projects in Ukraine, Moldova and Sierra Leone. God has expanded her boundaries, given her new responsibilities and caused her heart to increase in love.  In Linda's own words, she says..."I thank God for the opportunity to serve with OBI and be part of the plan God has for it to reach people who do not know Jesus but learn of Him through our love in action."