Brenda Carter grew up knowing she was stubborn. Her father told her so, even though her introverted personality and quiet demeanor kept her from standing out among her five siblings. Even still, Carter’s tenacity made itself known.
That innate characteristic in Carter would shape the rest of her life. Carter has now lived among the Hakka people of Taiwan for more than three decades. A minister to the Hakka people who themselves are often characterized as stubborn, Carter sees herself not as a preacher but as a spiritual matchmaker.
“The job of a matchmaker is to introduce two people, giving them a chance to get to know each other and build a relationship. But the matchmaker cannot force them,” Carter told CT. “I came to give people the opportunity to get to know the God who created and loves them, to build a beautiful relationship with God.”
During her time in Taiwan, Carter has demonstrated resilience in evangelism, relationships, and conflict. She has advocated for honoring Hakka values and worked hard to contextualize the gospel. Carter’s stubbornness has not always been easy for herself or others, but overall, it has empowered her and those she serves to know and follow God.
Whether our children are stubborn, sweet, or silly, may we trust that God has meaningful work for them to do—not despite their personality traits, but through them.
