My Journey, Part 2 – I said YES when I wanted to say NO WAY

Ted and I were asked if we would consider moving to the Chicago area to serve in a church. (They wanted me to consider becoming the Children’s Ministry Director. At first, I wanted to say “No way!” But my husband asked for me to pray about it before answering. (Click here to read that story)

I prayed and felt strongly that, in spite of the fear and the unknowns, I needed to say “Yes!”

We agreed to a six-month trial period in my new role. If it wasn’t the right fit, I could go back to teaching elementary school.

Well, 6 months came and went, and I continued as the Children’s Ministry Director for almost a decade!

It was an INCREDIBLE journey, and I’m forever grateful that I said yes! I grew as a person, and a leader as the children’s ministry grew from 25 children to hundreds of children. From 3 volunteers to 100+ volunteers. Thousands of people came to events that we hosted for families. I got a front row seat to see God working in people’s lives and families – in our church, our city, and around the world!

Families in our church community were able to provide food for families in our city, as well as school supplies and free tutoring services for children. We provided Christmas gifts and clothes for hundreds of families. We sponsored children and families around the world – feeding them and helping pay for their education.  I got to witness children and their families come to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.

I’m forever grateful I gave a nervous and unsure ‘Yes,’ when the safer, more comfortable thing to say was ‘No!’

Have you ever been in that place before (maybe even right now), where saying “yes” was a leap of faith? Tell me your story!

To read the next part of My Journey, click here!