This year we have 10 new Fellows who will be taking part in the Raleigh Fellows Program. Five of those Fellows will be working with the Children's Ministry on Sunday mornings and five will be working with the Student Ministry on Sunday mornings.
Today, we would like to introduce you to those who will be working with the Children's Ministry. Each Fellow was asked to share about how they came to know the Lord, why they wanted to participate in the Raleigh Fellows Program, and an interesting fact about themselves:
Sarah Bowman
How you came to know the Lord: I've
grown up in the church my whole life, but I think what truly helped me come to
know Christ was going to Summer's Best Two Weeks (a Christian sports summer
camp up in PA) and meeting various influential people in my life, especially
while in college.
Why you want to be a Raleigh Fellow: I want to be a Raleigh Fellow because I
thought it would be a great way to spend my first year out of college, being
immediately plugged in to a strong believing community consisting both of people
my own age who are seeking to learn more as well as those who are older who can
serve as teachers and mentors. I'm also preparing to apply to PA school, but
need to spend some time earning experience hours working with patients , so by
doing the program I can hopefully spend some time working towards those but
also being busy with other things, such as working with youth or children's
ministry and taking seminary classes. Overall I'm just excited for how much
potential there is for learning and growth while participating in this program.
Interesting Fact: I know how to
sword fight
Katie Riddle
How you came to know the Lord: I
was raised in Christian family, so from day one I was surrounded by believers.
At 13, after going through my confirmation course, I decided that I wanted to
pursue a relationship with Jesus myself. It wasn't up to my parents, friends,
etc. but it was up to me. Since then, I have sought to live a life focused on
Jesus Christ, pursuing His kingdom, and following His will for me.
Why you want to be a Raleigh Fellow:
Having been born and raised in Raleigh and attending school in Chapel Hill, I
have developed a deep love for this city. Coming out of college I wanted to
pursue something I enjoyed in a place I love. The Fellows Program was a
chance for me to expand my faith through classes, work, and service, and see
Raleigh from a different perspective. Having been rooted in Christ and
established in this city, I felt that Raleigh was exactly where I needed to
spend my first year out of college and in the "real world!"
Interesting Fact:
At one point in my life I was right handed... Now I am a lefty (for the most
part). I also have three younger sisters, am obsessed with the Tar Heels, and
love to go on runs with friends!
Matt Gross
How you came to know the Lord: I grew up in
a family where the Lord was always at the center, and church was a part of the
Sunday routine. Because of this environment, I accepted Christ at a young age.
I went to a private Christian school during junior and senior high years, so
was always surrounded by the scriptures. It was all a routine and going through
the motions. It wasn't until my freshman year at the University of West Florida
and sophomore year at Mississippi State University where I really began to take
ownership of my faith and really understand my need for Christ.
Why I want to be a Fellow: I
consider it an awesome opportunity to be a part of a nine month program such as
the Fellows. I am really looking forward to learning more about myself. Not
only my sin and how much I need a savior, but also to understand better where
the Lord wants me to go in this life. Another reason is to learn how to
minister to others in the marketplace and the church.
Interesting Fact:
I have been surfing since I was 11 years old
Rebecca Schuh
How you came to know the Lord:
I came to know The Lord through my family and developed a relationship with Him
through my Young Life leaders in high school.
Why you want to be a Raleigh Fellow:
I am looking forward to being a Fellow because even though I attended a
Christian college, I still feel I need more guidance on how to love The Lord
with my whole life. I am also unsure if teaching is what I am called to do so
becoming a Fellow seems like a great way to explore other avenues. I am so
excited and thankful for this opportunity!
Interesting Fact: During the
spring semester of my junior year I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria and it
was the best decision! I love to travel and I cannot wait to explore
Raleigh.
Wesley Martin
How you came to know the Lord: My parents have always been strong believers my entire life but when I was around the age of 7 or 8 I asked the Lord to come into my heart in my bedroom one night.
Why you want to be a Raleigh Fellow: I want to learn to be a better man and a stronger believer as well as give back to the community as Christ did.
Interesting Fact: I love playing guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, and piano. Music is one of my absolute favorite things and I love teaching other people about those instruments and music.
Unfortunately, our daughter, Lexie, was born with a
bulging right eye. An MRI revealed one
of the largest masses the surgeon had seen in a baby so small – it filled her
eye socket and then some. A biopsy (major
surgery for a 9 week old) was scheduled.
After the biopsy, the surgeon came to tell us he could not find the mass.
It was not there anymore! All praise and
honor to the Lord God Almighty! The
surgeon was dumbfounded. He said if he
had not seen the MRI, he would never have known there was anything wrong with
her eye. The recovery room nurse said “You must be a praying family.” Yes we
are. But it was not just us who had been
praying - it was our family, friends, people we had never met, and all of our
dear Apostles family. We are overwhelmed
by the Lord’s kindness, power, and unmerited favor in healing Lexie this way,
and saving her from the radiation and drugs that had already been discussed as
likely next steps. We are also overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayer,
meals, emails and encouragement from our church family. We have truly experienced what it means to be
part of the Body of Christ, and have learned a lot about the power of prayer
and blessing of community along the way. Our hearts are full of gratitude for you
all.
Sermon Teaser Question:
Sermon Teaser Question: