Laura’s face is a much-loved one around Energizer Church, particularly among the children down in EKids. Since joining us in August last year, she has jumped right in and served cheerfully and effectively in kids’ church. Laura’s natural affinity and gift for working with children is not something that is contained within the walls of our church though; she also works at a local Early Learning Centre throughout the week, working with children from babies to primary aged kids. Laura is very aware of the vital role she plays in the development of these precious little people and she is keen to launch out into the deep in 2015 in her workplace. “I have such an important role to play in the way that children learn and grow, and this year with God’s support, I want to strive to follow through with what I have learnt from church and implement it into my workplace. I really feel like this year is a big year of growth and confidence.”

Launching into the deep has been a common theme for us at Energizer Church so far this year, with the phrase “do it different” on everyone’s lips. For Laura, this year is about stepping into her identity in Christ, being happy and comfortable with who she is and allowing that to draw people to God. In particular she is passionate about showing the love of Christ to the young ones in her care: “I feel that I was always meant to do it, even though it’s been hard at times and I’ve wanted to try other things, something always stops me, so I think there is definitely a reason God wants me working with children and I think that’s where I’m going to have the most impact.” Laura’s love for the families which whom she work speaks volumes about her spiritual conviction: “working with children really gives me a great opportunity to connect with families in a positive way through building relationships to the point where I can openly mention God to them”. Laura also prays passionately for the families connected to her workplace and never let’s an opportunity to step out and help a stranger pass by. “I don’t necessarily believe that the only way we can tell people about God is through words; every little bit matters”.

Although she works in a secular environment Laura is not alone as she takes the love of Christ into her world. She goes in the strength of our Church, a community who believe in one another and champion one another. “To me church plays a vital part in the way I connect with people beyond the church. Without church I wouldn’t gain the confidence and support to step out in faith. Some Sundays I listen to sermons and feel that the sermon is really speaking to me; that God is telling me something that I need to know in order to step out in faith and reach the lives of others”. However, it’s not just Sundays that encourage and inspire Laura, a regular attendee at her LifeGroup, she attributes some of her confidence to the strong relationships she has forged within the church. It’s these relationships, along with leaning on her favourite scripture, Romans 8:38-39, that keep Laura staying the path when trialling days threaten to get her down.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)

“Connecting people to God, for me, is all about showing his love; showing people that they are not alone and that there is someone who loves you more than anything. Sometimes all people need to hear is that they are not alone and that god loves them. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a huge difference.”

This week, as you go into your workplace, school or wherever you are headed, remember, like Laura, the little things can make the biggest impact on people’s lives. Let’s be a church who are always ready to show the love of God with our service, our words or even just a smile!

By Jen Grubb