A Greater Blessing
Author: Danielle Hett
Serving in the children's ministry here at Stonebridge has been a greater blessing than I could have ever imagined. I have grown spiritually, had the privilege of being a part of the body of Christ here, and have developed lasting relationships with fellow believers.
Rebuilding your community can be hard. I was no stranger to re-starting in a new location; however, finding people to do life with seemed to be taking longer out here in the real world than on an army base. Thankfully, we found Stonebridge after living here for several weeks and felt right at home. The solid Biblical teaching, God-honoring, worship, and welcoming body of believers was a breath of fresh air! I was still seeking those Chris-centered relationships when I began to serve in the pre-school room on Sundays. The more time I spent serving in the children’s ministry, the more I felt like I belonged here. It has been such a joy to be a part of a team that imparts truth to little hearts in a way that reaches them where they are at developmentally and to see the light bulb moments when a child begins to understand more about our God and worship Him.
After serving for a year or so, my husband had to leave for training with the Army and was gone for several months. I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage everything while he was gone, but I had spent much time in prayer over the upcoming situation and had others praying for us. I knew I needed to continue serving. The word "intentional" kept popping up in my head. I knew that each day was a blessing from God to be used for His glory. I knew that He prepared good works for us to walk into each day. And I knew that I was wired to connect with preschool-aged children! I didn’t want to just sit around counting down each day until my husband came home.
So, instead of stepping back and taking a break, I stepped in and continued pouring out.
It wasn’t always easy, but God provided each and every time with the energy I needed, the words to say, and even the childcare arrangements when necessary. He also provided me with an amazing community, most of whom I have served alongside in the children’s ministry. I took comfort in knowing that these brothers and sisters in Christ were there for me throughout this trial. I was also repeatedly humbled, realizing I can’t do it all on my own and had to ask for help on several occasions. If I had not spent time serving alongside these wonderful individuals, I don’t know that I would have had such a strong community at my side throughout the long stretch of solo-parenting.
On the other side of the token, our own children benefited greatly from the children’s ministry during this trial. I took comfort knowing that there were other adults in their lives pointing them to Jesus and loving on them, especially when their Dad was away. The children’s ministry has also provided them with a great space to find and deepen lasting friendships. They, too, feel like they belong here and think of Stonebridge as a second home.
As I’m typing this up now, it just so happens that I am in a very similar season of life again. I continue to pray that I can have a posture of joy and intentionality during this period of separation from my husband again. I am very thankful each and every time I have an opportunity to serve in the children’s ministry. I am also so thankful for the body of Christ here at Stonebridge.