By: Terri Maria Amos

When did Jesus change your life?

I first gave my life to Jesus when I was 12 years old. I remember being in my mom’s van and talking about Jesus. I felt convicted to give my life to Him, so I had my mom pull over to the side of the road. Mainly, I didn’t want her to get in an accident if I started glowing or something. I didn’t glow in case you were wondering.

How has your life changed since meeting Jesus?

Seriously? My life is completely different. I was selfish, perverted, evil in almost every thought–totally concerned about anything and everything that would benefit me. Now after I have meeting Jesus, the only thing that has changed is I am forgiven. I am still an evil fallen person who is selfish, but Jesus has changed my desires, my focus, my thoughts. I now try to spend most of my time in prayer and truly seeking what Jesus would have for me.

How long have you been a member of MHC?

For the past 8 ½ years.

When were you called to serve Jesus at MHC?

The first time I came, there wasn’t anyone welcoming people. Some guy tossed a paper with notes at me but didn’t even offer a smile. It took about a month before I decided that I wanted to make a change and started greeting people.

What ministry are you currently serving in?

I am currently on staff as the Ballard Campus Administrator. So you might say I serve with all the ministries within the Ballard Campus. I am also currently teaching Children’s Ministry on Wednesday nights. It has been a challenge and extremely rewarding. I am having to think of ways to teach the Gospel as we are going through the book of James and tie in some hands-on activities to help make it fun. For example, I had all the kids try to race the words I said across the room to drive home the point that words come out very fast. Obviously, it didn’t go well for them although they gave it their best effort.

What is your biggest challenge in this ministry?

The biggest challenge is getting the people who just attend church to actually plug in and discover what it is to worship Jesus through our service. You know, just like how we give the first fruits of our treasure when we tithe, we need to give the first fruits of our time by serving Jesus as well.

What is your greatest joy while serving in this ministry?

I think my greatest joy serving in any ministry is watching Jesus become the focus of why we serve to begin with.

How has serving in this ministry made an impact on you?

Before I started serving, I just showed up on Sunday, listened to Pastor Mark and sat convicted of my sin. I continued to do this week after week feeling like I was missing a big part of what I had always imagined church to be–you know the whole community, family part. Well when I started serving, it changed everything. All of a sudden, I started to meet people and develop friendships. This changed how I really viewed church. I have grown closer to Jesus through serving than I have in any other thing that I have done.

What are you looking forward to seeing God do in this ministry?

I would love to see God grow this ministry to not only take care of the physical needs of the church, but also start reaching out into the community. I would love to see people working together in teams that grow in closeness and then launch out as community groups.

What books have fueled your thinking or challenged you in the last few years?

Right now I am waist deep in Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. It has been a good read and has firmed up quite a bit of my theology.

What’s playing in your iPod right now?

I have been listening to several of the MHC bands including Sackcloth and Ashes from the Lake City Campus. I have also been listening to KEXP and some random sermons by Piper and Chandler.

What’s your favorite scripture? Why?

Lately it has been James 1:2-4. I like it because we will face trials in our lives. So when we meet those trials, the real question is what will we do with them and how will we glorify Jesus through them. I like verse 4 where is says “and let steadfastness have its full effect.” The conviction that I get is that I shouldn’t be looking for the light at the end of the tunnel but be looking for Jesus in the tunnel. Not being eager to be done, but being eager to see Jesus and be patient in the process, giving Jesus time to work on me.