Betty Stevenson was a high school drop-out, an unwed mother, a drug abuser, and a drug dealer. For years she had been in trouble, in prison, and just plain out of luck. But God wasn't finished with her yet, and soon her life would change forever. With genuine heart and soul, Sister Stevenson says, "People always told me that you have to be in a certain attitude to deal with God; that God don't deal with people if they are certain ways. Well, if that's true, I wouldn't be here. I believe in my heart that Jesus broke the bands of hell and set the captives free, and in order to do that, he had to go where they were." For Betty, God came to her through two missionaries whose message would literally pull her from the slums of life and give her a light to hold on to. In a world that would predict failure for people with circumstances such as Betty's, she uniquely says "As long as there's life, there's hope." Whether you are struggling with adversities or you just need a little boost from the daily grind, Betty's spunky "can-do" attitude toward life and toward the gospel is an inspiration to all that hear her incredible story.

Betty Stevenson manages a program for battered women in the Richmond, California area. She is the mother of two children and foster mother to numerous others. She has served as president in the Relief Society and Young Women organizations. Sister Stevenson has been an inspirational speaker on personal change and growth at locations throughout the Western states and has presented workshops at BYU's Women's Conference. She enjoys singing in a gospel choir, acting in community theater productions, and helping others find hope.