When God Calls

On December 15th, 2019, I stepped away from my position as Director of Children's Ministry and Missions and stepped into a new ministry...one of encouraging and equipping other children's leaders.

Why? At the time, I could give you a dozen reasons "why." Hurt, disappointment, discouragement, frustration, exhaustion, lack of support.

Today, I can give you just one: God was calling me to something new...something challenging...something exciting yet scary.

At the time, I felt that I would be letting God down if I quit. I felt that I would be letting the children down.

I held on as long as possible, but our God is persistent.

For over a year, perhaps even two, God had placed a huge burden upon my heart. A burden for other children's leaders.

I could see the same hurt, disappointment, discouragement, frustration, exhaustion, and lack of support that I was feeling.

During this same period of time, God was busy developing new interests and skills inside of me.

He was giving me new gifts and talents. He was breathing new life into my ministry...a new purpose!

While I struggled with the decision to stay or leave, God was preparing me for a new work...and I didn't even see it at the time!

And then one day...it happened. My boiling point...my last straw...my I'm done moment!

I turned in my resignation for the end of the year to give them time to replace me, and I began developing my SteppingOut ministry!

I created a new website and a new Facebook page. I placed a couple of notifications on some Children's Ministry Facebook pages that I follow, and I hit the publish button on my Facebook page, making it live!

I remember sitting at my computer, hoping that I would get a couple of followers, but the "follower" numbers went wild. I cried when it hit 10, I cried when it hit 50, and I cried again when it hit 100. As it continued to climb...I continued to cry!

I sat in shock, realizing that I had indeed heard God's calling correctly, that there was a HUGE need for encouraging and equipping children's leaders, that I could still be a pivotal part of children's lives...and that God wasn't finished with me yet!

One of the best benefits is that I am still influencing the lives of children (through their leaders) around the world.

I am reaching more children than I could have ever reached in a lifetime!

I am so greatful to each of you for allowing me to be a part of your ministry.

I love creating artwork and flyers, sharing activity/event ideas and words of encouragement with each of you!

I have enjoyed helping those of you who have reached out with special requests, event needs and various help requests!

You guys keep me busy...and I love it!

My ministry has grown far more than I ever could have imagined...because of each of you!

You guys are amazing and your work is not in vain!

Keep doing the amazing work God has called you to!

If there is anything that you would like to see on my Facebook page...please let me know!

I am always looking for new ideas and challenges to share with each of you!

Remember...it isn't about the role; it is the goal that God is interested in.

Listen for God's calling, be courageous when He calls, and keep making a difference every day!