When did Jesus first get your attention?
Jesus captured my attention at a young age. I think my first experience of feeling seen and known by God was a summer at Redberry Bible Camp when I was about 10 years old. I remember during one of our “free times” finding quiet time to myself, reading my Bible with fresh eyes and that’s when I first felt like my prayers were a personal conversation with God.
What is a faith marker in your life?
A significant year in my life was my Grade 12 year of high school. This year marked a time when I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to articulate my faith and truly understand and communicate to others what I believed. During that year I was deciding between post secondary schools and making big decisions about the trajectory of my future. That year was a faith marker because I felt God’s guidance and decided to go to Bible school.
What’s Jesus doing in your life right now?
With the way this year has changed our routines, I’ve appreciated reflecting on my life with Jesus and being intentional about how I remain filled. This year has also helped me to reflect outwards in different ways. As I have sought to learn more, my heart has been broken by the racial inequalities and injustices in our world. God has been opening my eyes to realities this year that will change the way I live and lead going forward.
What is a favourite scripture and why?
Years ago I memorized Hebrews 12:1-3, which says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”
I think these verses capture a full picture of our life of faith. That we are witnesses to others, that life can weigh us down, we need to pursue the goal and we are only able to do this because Jesus is our champion. I like having a champion in my corner:)
What do you love about FGCC?
When I think of our church, I like to think of the individuals that make up our church body. I think of the individuals who inspire my faith, the people who model servant leadership, the kids who bring incredible joy and innocence to a life of faith and the people who live and express their faith vulnerably. I am thankful for our church family. I hope that everyone who experiences our church family feels included and seen, and that they experience the love of Jesus through each person they encounter.