Turning Ashes into Beauty
| 2017-03-30 00:00:00 -0400
God’s goodness brought a young missionary into a new position in ministry, fulfilling a dream of hers that has been years in the making.
When I went on staff with Reliant in 2014, I had a lot of growing up to do. I had experienced trauma during my college years and needed a space of grace to grow and learn. During the season of my life when I experienced said trauma, God started breaking my heart for sexual violence and human trafficking. I didn’t know what to do with this burden that weighed on my heart. I knew I felt deep conviction and passion for trafficking awareness, but with my own sin and brokenness, I felt helpless.
I interned with Reliant in 2014 and was officially released to work with H2O church in 2015. Over the past few years, God has worked wonders in my life. The H2O staff team has been a haven of grace and discipleship. I’ve had amazing women pour into my life, and our pastors have given me incredible opportunities to grow my faith and my ministry skills. I’ve not been a perfect staffer as I’ve specifically reached out to women in Greek Life (many of whom have experienced sexual violence). I’ve stumbled my way through the past few years and learned over and over again that God is ultimately in control.
I’ve stumbled my way through the past few years and learned over and over again that God is ultimately in control.
Through my job with H2O, I’ve grown up a lot. I’ve learned about conflict resolution and flexibility. I’ve continued working through my own trauma and abuse. I’ve used my voice and learned how to turn to Scripture for truth. My few years of coffee dates and life lessons led me to a place where I could say yes to Jesus and the burden he weighed on my heart years ago.
Our church recently partnered with an organization here in Columbus called She Has a Name. SHAN desires to “see all those impacted by human trafficking restored into society and thriving in their community.” During our yearlong partnership, I developed relationships with the SHAN staff team. Through coordinating volunteers and helping to get students connected to the organization, a support-based job opened up for me. This month I officially accepted a position as Community Engagement Director. I feel infinitely blessed to fill this role and step into a hard space in our community.
As a Reliant missionary, I am fully-funded to work with both H2O and She Has a Name part-time. I don’t know of many 25-year-olds who get to work both of their dream jobs fresh out of college.
This season of ministry has been a sweet lesson in remembering that God knows our hearts. He knows how he’s uniquely gifted us and ultimately never gives up on us, even after we’ve long given up on ourselves. I firmly believe that had the position with She Has a Name been available three years ago, I would not be in the space to say yes. But because God kindly and gently allowed me to grow up through being on staff with H2O, I am in a place to serve him in new ways! God is good, friends. So good.
