My father came to this great country for a better life. He came to know the Lord Jesus as his personal savior and his change meant great persecution. When he arrived in the United States, he dedicated his life to preaching the truth of who Jesus is to the Italian immigrant community. I remember my father praying daily that his children would have a relationship with Jesus, and that someday our family would have pastors and missionaries in it. Now that my father has passed, remembering those prayers gives me great comfort. I have done all I can to follow… Read More
Church Activities
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The teenage years are crucial for a child, so when our older daughter was joining the church's youth group, we decided to become youth leaders. We planned to continue until our younger daughter graduated from high school. We just wanted to know their friends, their parents, and be involved in their lives. We had no idea that from the moment we started volunteering as youth leaders what that would mean for the rest of our lives. Both our girls have finished college and moved out. But we are still at the youth group every Wednesday. We're at every lock in, convention,… Read More
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People often think about meeting others' needs when it comes to housing, food, and clothing. But, people tend to forget about other basic needs, such as the ability to do laundry. Coming from a social worker background, I spent time working with families in low income communities where I saw how people struggled to clean their clothes each week, or how many children who have aged out of foster care don't know how to wash clothes. So, when someone in my church's ladies group mentioned a laundry ministry in nearby Knoxville, I thought it was something I'd like to be involved… Read More
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I used to wonder how God would ever use a simple girl like me for His own good purpose. But that became abundantly clear when I realized the musical gifts He gave me. Ever since I was young, music brought me great joy, and God put an unquenchable desire in my heart to keep improving and learning to play new instruments. I started with the tambourines, but God prompted my heart to take on one instrument after another, including the guitar, the bass, the drums, and the keyboard. I now have the priceless privilege of leading my church into His beautiful presence… Read More
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I am a people person. It’s just the way God made me. Growing up, I was always in trouble in class for talking and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t stop. Now I know why: It’s how God made me. I attend a very large church and struggled to find a place to connect. I am not a Bible scholar, so teaching Sunday School wasn’t a great fit. I’m a bit too scatter-brained to teach children. But, I can serve those who serve. That is my life’s mission. We have hundreds of people each week who sacrifice their… Read More
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For a long time, I just went to church. I didn't want to be too involved because being out front is pretty scary. I don't know a lot of scripture or a lot about theology, so I felt I was pretty limited on what I could do. Then a friend asked me what area I serve in at church. I sheepishly told him nowhere. He was astonished. We talked a bit about me, my personality, and what sorts of things I like to do. He said the sound team was looking for more help. He said they'd train me and I would… Read More