Thirteen years ago I walked into Rivers Crossing after being invited by my daughter and son in law. I had gone through a divorce many years before that had totally blindsided me. I was still struggling from deep depression and the loss of my self worth. I was so broken! I knew that I had to move forward with my faith journey, even though I was still a bit angry with God. Something felt different when I walked through the front door. I felt so welcomed and I felt God’s presence in the small movie theater that we worshipped in. After a few weeks, I heard Paul say that we could sit and soak for a while, but then it was time to get out of rows and into circles and serve. It was exactly what I needed to hear! I joined the coffee time, which is ironic, because I don’t drink coffee. I began to meet people and loved to be serving again, like I had done at my previous church.
This turned into serving in many other ministries that Rivers Crossing offers including guest services, special events, Alpha, and the baptism team to name a few. I finally decided to listen to the nudging in my heart to join Discipleship School. This was something that brought so much clarity to my life. I began to be still and listen to what the Holy Spirit had to say about the planned path and purpose that God had for me. I was reminded “Whose I was, a daughter of the one true King!” I took my gifting test and was surprised at the results. I am a 2 on the Enneagram which is a servant. My gifting test showed other things such as shepherd, exhortation, evangelism, mercy and administration. This led me to ask God what this meant for me. The answer was that I should be working with young people, especially young women.
This answered the question about why I was so drawn to working with Tribes and Young Adults in our next-gen ministry. I love working with the young people of our church! They add so much joy to my life! Summer church camp with hundreds of kids is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!! Worshipping with them reaches deep into your soul. I also was recently called to join the women’s jail ministry team. My first reaction was no, but the Holy Spirit said yes. What a blessing this has been in my life, helping lost women find their way. I will be going to Uganda in the fall. I never dreamed that I would be called to go on a mission trip at this stage in my life, but the calling was very clear! The most important thing that my serving has taught me is that obedience brings so much joy and satisfaction to my life. All I had to do was answer the call!