I had been struggling with knowing that I wasn’t serving Christ to the fullest. I finally relinquished my self-centered desires and aspirations to be completely open to His calling. Immediately upon returning to school this past semester I was surrounded with members of the team who continuously talked about Above and Beyond. As I learned more of the purpose and concept of the ministry I was fascinated with every aspect of it. I prayed about it and felt God’s initiative and approval on it. Typically, I would be too embarrassed or scared to get involved in something like this but God didn’t listen to my excuses. I’m extremely glad that He didn’t!

Above and Beyond is such an amazing way to impact kids/teens/anyone that would not typically be open to a “3 points and a poem” sermon. Christianity is often portrayed as boring and unexciting and people need to see that it doesn’t have to be that way. It opens the door for real people who love Christ to share their faith in an exciting but candid setting that will impact a greater number of individuals.

At the conclusion of every ministry I get the opportunity to share my testimony and purpose for joining Above and Beyond with people.  

Pray for and encourage each team member individually and pray that God receives all the credit.

1 & 2.  Mom and Dad - Both of my parents have influenced me tremendously. They are honestly the Godliest people I know. They serve Christ with every ounce of their being. Through much prayer, encouragement, and lots of discipline they’ve been the biggest instrument in shaping who I am today. 

3.  Marcy Kilburn - Has also played an influential role in my life.

I grew up in a very Christ centered home. I’ve attended the same amazing church since I was born. My dad is the associate pastor and my mom is over the Women’s Ministries department. I accepted Christ when I was around 8 years old during a family devotion one night at home. I knew then my need for Christ yet I didn’t fully understand the impact it was going to have or how necessary it is to make the choice to serve Christ daily. I was constantly in the spotlight within my church and the entire town since my family was so well known. I quickly mastered the art of pleasing people and transforming myself into whomever I thought they wanted me to be.

I was in a lot of leadership positions in my youth group and was always looked to as the example to follow. However, the shallowness of trying to please people soon caught up with me. I grew to resent all that I was involved in and my passion greatly diminished. Rather than immediately seeking to purify my motives and please my Savior I sought to please myself alone. I neglected my walk with Christ and rebelled as much as I thought I could get away with.

Thankfully, God used different things, such as moving 700 miles away from anything remotely familiar, to get me back in true fellowship with Him. I finally understood that I had the choice to decide who I was going to be and who I was going to serve. I realized that it isn’t my responsibility to please everyone around me and all that matters is glorifying God with my life. I grew immensely after that and am continuing to do so.

Above and Beyond has taught me that there’s more to life than watching others live it. Every moment that you are given on this earth is a moment God intended for your life to matter. I desire for Christ to use every ounce of my energy, mind, strength, abilities, etc. for His glory. At the end of my life I want to be covered in battle scars from serving Christ to the fullest knowing that I truly lived “Above and Beyond” and allowed my life to make an impact. I don’t have this mastered yet - I’m selfish and far from perfect - but I’m learning and growing more everyday.

I’m still challenged with allowing God to truly take me Above and Beyond. I often see a glimpse of what God wants for me but the road getting there seems too tough so I make excuses. Settling seems so easy sometimes but it’s not what I covet. I desire to be completely open to God’s direction but I sometimes find myself holding too tightly to my comfort zones.

I feel God calling me to be completely captivated by Him and to follow His leading each day. He’s placed a desire in me to be a Godly wife, mother, and accountant but I do not know any of the specifics yet so I’m just taking the steps He shows me one at a time. I do feel like God wants to use me to minister to teenage/college age girls. I see numerous girls struggling with so many issues that God has already brought me through. I want to use my experiences as an avenue to reach out to girls and help them see themselves through God’s eyes.