Valerie was born and raised in Sequim, Washington, near the breathtaking Olympic Mountains, she has carried that appreciation for God’s creation with her throughout her life.
Valerie accepted Christ as a child and sensed a call to intercultural ministry while still in high school. That call led her into a dynamic ministry career, with much of the first half spent in and out of China, where she lived out her passion for cultural education and sharing the radical love of Jesus across borders. Her academic journey supported this calling as well, with a B.A. in Church Ministries with a concentration in Intercultural Ministry from Northwest University, an M.A. in TESOL and Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and ultimately a Doctor of Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary.
Outside of ministry, Valerie is just as passionate about her family and the outdoors. She and her husband Nathan, her best friend and fellow adventurer, have been married for 25 years and share a love for hunting, fishing, gardening, and exploring where the mountains meet the sea.
Together they are raising four sons, born between 2005 and 2009, and they enjoy a life centered on faith, family, and adventure. With her larger-than-life dog by her side, Valerie continues to model what it means to be equally yoked, steadfast in faith, and committed to lighting the fire of God’s love in the lives of others.
One of her favorite Scriptures, Psalm 121:1–2, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Her faith has been the steady foundation of her journey, guiding her through both personal and ministry endeavors.
Today, Valerie serves as the Community Outreach Chaplain at the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties. In this role, she invests deeply in building bridges, offering spiritual care, and pointing people to Jesus through presence, listening, and genuine service. She lives out her calling to know, love, and serve Christ, and to help others do the same. Whether in ministry, mentoring, or simply spending time in her community, she remains focused on Christ, living as a testimony to His faithfulness.
#faith #Jesusfollower #YMCA #FaithAndAdventure
#InterculturalMinistry #LightTheFire #FocusedOnChrist #conversationswithBuddy
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For more stories like this, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckettIf you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031.
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About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years. A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married. This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage. We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well. Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ!
“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6
Episode 163