My name is Katie. I was born to a single mom who had recently come to know Christ. I was diagnosed as a toddler with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. I grew up attending church, believing in God and loving Him. However, as most young teens do, I began to doubt God, feeling unloved by an earthly father and feeling different than all other kids with my arthritis limitations. I turned from Him in my heart.
During my last year of high school, I was moved by the spirit and I knew Him again. I knew He was calling me to help others. I attended college and earned my Associates Degree in Human Services and did an internship with a mission. I knew God wanted me there and I was hired on as staff after my internship ended. I was blessed to have Godly roommates and friends be very active in Bible studies.
Although I loved my job at the mission some of their operating practices were not safe nor biblical and my shift was changed from days to working an evening shift alone many nights. Between my family and my boyfriend, we decided my 20-year-old self shouldn’t be in that position. There was no changing my shift and I had to give my notice. Our lease was ending and my roommate was also moving on. I returned to York and worked for the public schools. I enjoyed teaching Sunday School and my job at the school. My boyfriend proposed and we were married shortly after my 21st birthday.
In 2009 Living Water Rescue Mission was being established and there was an auction to raise money for the remodel. My husband and I attended and got a few things for our home and I spoke with Ted Pearson about the future of Women’s Ministry at the mission. He was so nice and I was excited by the possibly of working at a mission again. The women’s program was in Columbus and the York Mission was going to hold a Men’s Program. There might not be a need for Women’s Ministry.
In 2011 the Lord blessed us with a baby girl and I enjoyed 3 years staying home with her. In 2014 my husband and I decided if I had some part time income that would help us in reaching a goal of moving into a bigger home. A dear friend suggested the mission knowing my love for helping others.
It was the Lord’s timing and in May 2014 I was hired as the evening Women’s Ministry Assistant. In October of 2014 my husband was called into Ministry and began working as the Ministry Associate during the day time. Serving the Lord together has been a blessing. In January of 2016 the Lord was calling me to work during the day. Our daughter would start all-day kindergarten in August and my heart was heavy. I would lose too much time with her.
Again the Lord worked and I was able to move into an administrative role at the mission and now work days. We are also expecting our second child June 2017.
I am continually amazed by the Lords blessings and how I can rely on Him for everything. My arthritis does make things difficult but it is His strength that works in me.
