Hi, we're Pam and Paula, twin sisters with a shared heart for family and faith.
People always ask us what it’s like to have a twin sister, and it’s honestly hard to put into words.
We have spent most of our lives doing things side by side.
Pam is the oldest (by 9 minutes), and is usually the one with the big crazy ideas. Paula is the organizer who makes it all work. So together, we have always been a bit of a powerhouse.
In our younger years, we used this partnership to concoct elaborate plans that usually left us grounded. As adults, we have found a way to harness this for the greater good. We understand each other in a way that no one else could, and have stood by each other during every major milestone.
After her husband Carl’s death, Pam felt called to put his story in writing. She knew that his journey could inspire so many people, and wanted to do this as a way to honor his life. Pam knew that writing Carl's story would be a journey in itself, and it only made sense for her to call Paula.
We spent a couple years traveling the world to write The Most Amazing Harvest – The Man Behind the Story. We dug deep into some of our favorite memories, and waded through the hard ones. We wanted to publish a book that honored the story of this incredible man who sacrificed everything for the people around him.
Carl's story is one of hope, about a small town farmer who gained worldwide recognition in the last months of his life as his community came together to harvest the crops Carl was too ill to tend.
The Most Amazing Harvest is an extension of that story, introducing readers to the man behind the headlines and his quiet strength that inspired so many others.
Now on BraveTwin.com, we invite you to journey deeper with us through an online small group book study designed to accompany the book, called The Most Amazing You. The purpose is to help you reflect on your life and connection with God and others. Our message is YOU are brave – YOU are loved – YOU are chosen.
We are also excited to offer a fellowship group for widows called Braving Widowhood. Be sure to subscribe to our email list to know what's going on there!
Pam Bates
Pam lived in Galva, Illinois for 99 percent of her life. She married her high school sweetheart and worked in the dental field for 99 percent of her life until retirement in 2021! When her husband of 34 years, Carl, was diagnosed with cancer and died three months later she had to redesign her life as a widow. This put her on the path to becoming an author and speaker to share his story and her own. All while following God’s lead and direction!
Braving Widowhood was another God inspired ministry that is bringing joy in the journey. Connecting with others with a shared experience gives strength.
Pam is also proud to be called mom by two children and Grama Pama by her seven grandchildren! She's recently moved to Geneseo to be nearer to them all.
Paula Patty
Paula grew up in Galva, Illinois and has ventured to Tennessee and Southern Illinois with her husband’s career before returning home to Galva again. She has worked in multiple industries such as investment banking, optometry, manufacturing, newspaper, medical, and landed in the dental field like her twin sister!
As they do most things together, Pam asked for Paula's help when they began to tell Carl’s story and they created Brave Twin partnership. The journey has been full of God-incidences and He gets all the glory!
Paula has three children and four grandchildren that give her so much joy!
