Michele Rickett is a leader and published author. Among many things, she is the founder and president of an international ministry that tackles the abuse and exploitation of women and girls, fostering practical empowerment projects of local women in hostile places.
Michele’s relationship with Royal Treasure began when she and RT founder, Lou Dunbar, worked together on The Global Celebration for Women at the Houston Astrodome. Because of her proven leadership and heart for women, Michele was invited onto the board of directors for Royal Treasure in 2004 and in 2007 was voted president of the ministry.
Over 25 years Michele has been appointed to leadership roles in ministering to women. She also serves as a Women’s Ministry Leader for Fellowship Bible Church, Roswell, Georgia. Along with her international work, Michele is a strong and exuberant communicator who speaks at retreats, conferences and churches.
She has co-authored the InterVarsity Press bestseller, Daughters of Hope: Stories of Witness and Courage in the Face of Persecution and Eyes of Hope: The Exploitation and Dignity of Girls, to be released in fall, 2009. She also co-authored Least Valued No More – Research and Recommendations on the Plight of Women and Girls, publishes and speaks on women mentoring women. Michele has taught at Focus on the Family women’s conferences and contributed articles to its ministry. She is a frequent radio guest covering international issues for women for such programs as Moody Radio’s Midday Today, and Bob Lepine and Dennis Rainey’s Family Life Today.
Michele and her husband Daniel have been married 36 years, live in Roswell, Ga. and have two adult daughters. She can be contacted at: mrickett@sistersinservice.org, or (770) 552-1400
Pat Cannon became involved with Lu Dunbar, founder, and Royal Treasure in the 90s after hearing about the organization while attending The Gathering.
I felt Royal Treasure was an ideal place for women to learn more about financial stewardship. This was important to me since I had the awesome responsibility of running our family foundation after my father’s death.
I remember the first time I attended a symposium, and was delighted to find so many women who were like minded about the Lord and stewardship. Many of these women in time would become my close girlfriends. Perhaps we could say, “The Lord was in the city”. Royal Treasure was unique because it was a community of women believers that not only shared my passion for stewardship, but helped empower, educate, and encourage my growth in the Lord. I knew that Royal Treasure was a special gift from God.
Shortly after I was asked to be Royal Treasure board chair, Lu became very ill with terminal cancer. After Lu’s death the organization and her friends were in shock and needed time to deal with our grief and feelings. For the last few years Royal Treasure has been in a slow down mode giving time for healing. The healing has come, and it is an honor to be part of the resurgence.
I have been a registered nurse for over forty years, but recently earned my masters degree. I am now a professor, teaching those seeking a degree in nursing. I am on a path of lifelong learning and love learning from others and teaching anywhere that God gives me opportunity.
In 1992, my husband Pete (a PCA pastor) and I started a ministry to international students studying in the United States, HIS International, which is currently found on three campuses (University of South Carolina, University of North Carolina-Charlotte and Virginia Tech.). This ministry opens up dialogue on God and His love and focuses on those from countries where missions is restricted or not allowed. We are thrilled to watch students who initially seem hostile to begin asking questions and finally decide that Christ is what they are missing. My husband and I are active in our community, helping the homeless, improving the city and running our commercial real estate company. Our real claim to fame includes ten grandchildren and all that entails.
The Lord has been working on me regarding the totality of stewardship. Besides time, talent, and treasure, there are so many other areas. Recently I have been teaching in local churches about the stewardship of the body, and I am developing more on the stewardship of our environment, our relationships, and even our pain. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from all of you and I appreciate your willingness to get acquainted with me.
