Roz Duffy and her husband John
Sometimes faith doesn’t begin with certainty—it begins with questions, doubt, and even anger.
Join us as Women Sharing Hope presents “A Life Unexpected” on Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. in the Robson Ranch clubhouse and discover how even anger with God can become the first step toward knowing Him more deeply. Hear a powerful, deeply personal story of how one woman’s unexpected journey led her from skepticism to a lifetime of faith, service, and global ministry.
Raised in a large family in Kankakee, Ill., Roz Duffy grew up in a “moral” home, but church was not part of daily life. From a young age, she learned responsibility through work and independence. She went on to attend Illinois State University, earning a degree in biology and embracing a liberal, self-directed outlook on life.
Everything changed during her sophomore year of college when her favorite cousin, an active, devoted Christian, was killed unexpectedly. Hearing the Gospel for the very first time at his funeral left her unsettled and angry. If God allowed this to happen to someone so faithful, who was He really? That question lingered. Back at college, she visited several churches searching for answers, but nothing seemed to resonate.
Marriage, motherhood, and a move to Indiana followed. There, a friendship quietly altered the course of her life. After declining six invitations to attend a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class, convinced she knew nothing about the Bible, she finally agreed when she learned there was a program for her young children. What began as a simple, five-week study in Philippians became the turning point of her life. As she listened, she recognized something unmistakable: “This woman knows God.”
Soon after, she enrolled in a study of the Gospel of John. Step by step, she came to understand the Cross and the Savior who died for her. With little knowledge but deep conviction, her faith took root—and grew.
That “yes” led to 45 years of service with BSF, including leadership roles, teaching, and international ministry. Alongside her husband John, she spent five years in Seoul, South Korea, helping establish BSF classes across Asia, including Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Later, they served at BSF headquarters before eventually settling in Robson Ranch to be closer to family.
Her story is one of obedience born from questions, faith forged through loss, and a life shaped by saying yes—even when the path was unclear.
About Women Sharing Hope: Women Sharing Hope is a Christ-centered community where friendships flourish, faith deepens, and God’s love is shared freely. We meet regularly on the first Friday of every month. For more information. Email womensharinghopeclub@gmail.com or visit our website womensharinghope.net.