My earliest memories take place in church. Mom and Dad both taught Sunday School, sang in choir, and volunteered for so many other things. We were there every time the doors opened. As a 4 year old, I can’t count how many Sundays I went up to accept Jesus into my heart! So thankful for the adults who valued us and taught us how to hear God’s voice. I remember prepping to “teach” children’s church for the first time as a 4th grader thinking I knew everything! After only a few minutes, I realized I had a lot more to learn! Leading a puppet and clown team with my dad kept me out of trouble and gave me purpose as a teen and through my college years.
At 22, I had a BA in Communication, a heart itching to bring Jesus into the world, and no clue where to start. I wanted something more. I left my family in South Carolina for a fast paced internship for young people teaching character and leadership and never looked back. My passion for children strengthened as I saw God restore many young adults, broken by poor decisions they made as teens. What if we taught kids to hear God’s voice for themselves? What if their foundation in the Word of God was so strong that as they approached teen years, their identity was already anchored in Christ. They could reach out and help their friends. I am so grateful to be a part of the AWANA Program and see these things taking place!
I met married my love, Ben, in 2016. We are launching his son into adulthood and raising two little girls. We fell in love with the Hideaway community. When the weather is nice, you will either find us walking our dogs or down at the lake.
Favorites
Movie: The old Anne of Green Gables with Megan Follows
Food: Dark, Dark chocolate with salted caramel
Book: Culture of Honor by Danny Silk
Song: King of my Heart with Steffany Gretzinger. Our first daughter was a NICU baby and this was one of the songs that strengthened me during that season.
Time of Day: Night!
Season: Fall
Verse: Ephesians 3:18-20 TPT Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!
20Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.
Hobby: Creative preschool projects, baking, or dressing the girls
Favorite place in this world: Any campfire surrounded by trees with water nearby.
Ken Winebark