We continue to honor Ruthi Neely, Circle 555 Statewide Coordinator, as she enters retirement. Today, we recognize her as a teacher of God’s Word through The Elizabeth Project.


Written by Jane Mathis

The Lord has entrusted Ruthi Neely with various spiritual gifts, and she has been diligent and faithful to develop these gifts and use them for His Glory in ministry to our community. For many years through the Elizabeth Project, Ruthi has taught Bible studies to women. I am just one of the countless hundreds of women who have been blessed by Ruthi’s teaching.

Pictured (left to right): Jane Mathis and Ruthi Neely

As a dedicated Bible teacher, Ruthi loves Jesus Christ and has a passion for the Word of God and for teaching it. Her insightful, thoughtfully prepared, and prayed-over lessons are a source of inspiration for others. She kindly and graciously encourages her students with words of wisdom, such as “We don’t have to do Bible study; we get to do Bible study.”

So that we may “be doers of the Word, not hearers only” (James 1:22), Ruthi leads her groups in ministry projects that support local Christian ministries. Her heart is full of compassion and love. Because Ruthi believes in the power of prayer, she is faithful to pray for her students, and she invites us to share our prayer requests with our group so that we may “pray for one another” (James 5:16).

What a precious gift from the Lord is Ruthi’s life and ministry of teaching. She is a woman who “rightly handles the Word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). May the Lord continue to be pleased to use Ruthi to teach His Word. May He be glorified in and through her life in the years ahead.