Gems, a program in in Christian counseling and received her cooperation with The Community doctorate of philosophy in 2009. “We all have Foundation and Clarkes Jewelers, something to give, namely love,” Dyer said.

is recognizing another deserving Gem in a “God’s unconditional love can flow through unique way — with jewelry. Alberta Dyer will all. Our time and talent are the most precious be honored as the July Community Gem and gifts we have and are to be shared.” will enjoy a beautiful necklace, courtesy of Dyer also enjoys teaching Sunday School Clarkes Jewelers. at Mount Olive Baptist in Shreveport.

Nicknamed “Gemma,” this But her main focus is as adviser for exquisite piece is part of a loan Women of Vision Inc. “Women of to Dyer and prior Gems as a way Vision is an interdenominational of recognizing local women for ministry of godly women,” Dyer their hard work and community said. The mission statement of the contributions. corporation is to raise the status of all “I love loving and giving, as I have women to a higher level of spiritual Dyer

been commanded by God,” Dyer said. and personal excellence.

For Dyer, who is the mother of four “We are committed servants of God, children, the grandmother of 15, and the honoring the stewardship ordained by God,” great-grandmother of eight. Faith is an Dyer said. “We seek to educate, encourage essential part of her life and ministry. and motivate by reaching out to those who are She received her bachelor’s degree in math less fortunate, downtrodden and oppressed.

in 1976 at Southern University in Baton It’s our prayer that their lives will be enriched Rouge and went on to earn her LPN and RN spiritually, physically and emotionally.” in nursing. In 2008, she graduated Louisiana Dyer works tirelessly to plan outreach Baptist University with a master’s degree services for Women of Vision and uses

her degrees in nursing and counseling to help others. She’s also admirably taken her combined life experiences of travels, trials and tribulations and allowed God to use them for her good by his grace. She enjoys sharing those lessons with others. “It’s been said that the best method of learning is experience,” Dyer said. “I’ve been there and done that, which equips me with the compassion I need to give to others.”

One of the ministries the Women of Vision has taken a major investment in is the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue. The Rescue has been a passion of Women of Vision for more than four years. “We look forward to ministering to the men and women every fourth Sunday of the month,” Dyer said.

The Women of Vision address the physical needs of the shelter by supplying personal items, but they like to go above and beyond the surface as well. “It’s our desire to make

every effort to educate the entire being by mentoring; thus the mentee becomes a mentor,” Dyer said. Her work with the group includes her membership of Bilberry Park, where she is active with the senior and youth programs.

Faith is the fulcrum of Dyer’s entire life. “My faith in Jesus Christ is my life,” Dyer said.

“It renews me when I study the Bible daily, pray as often as needed, fellowship with genuine believers and most of all tell somebody else about Jesus.”

Her drive to volunteer and make a difference flows from that beautiful and genuine heart of love and gratitude. “As I look back over my life, all I can say is ‘thank you, Lord, for your amazing grace,’” Dyer said.

– Betsy St. Amant

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