Robin's Story
Since I've been involved and serving in NH Kids/hopetown, I've done a little of just about everything. When I first started, I was a Greeter and a LifeGroup leader. For a while, I was on the supplies team. I've taught every grade, I think. I've served in the nursery, and even been an Area Lead (I can't remember the exact title, but it was something like that.) No matter what contribution I may have made however, I feel like I have received much more than I have given. God has worked powerfully through both the ministry and kids to grow me spiritually and to develop the fruits of the spirit within me. As I was growing up, people used to always tell me I should be a teacher, to which I always protested, “Absolutely not!” I always declared that I would never be a teacher and never, never work with kids! Now, after about 22 years total of being a “teacher” and working with kids, I'm more passionate about it than ever. I absolutely believe that I am doing the most important and meaningful thing I could possibly be doing. God took the very things I most resisted and turned them into the things I'm most passionate about. Never tell God what you won't do.
Each week, as I connect with the amazing people who serve in NH Kids, I find myself learning and growing and becoming even more inspired. I marvel at the Youth Leaders, who are so mature and bring such a joy to their service. The adults who serve who don't have children of their own are a constant source of wonder to me because I feel like their motivations are completely selfless. And the parents who serve are carving time from their crazy-busy lives to sacrificially give to God, the kids, and their families.
Regardless of leadership changes, volunteer shortages, or any other difficulties, I've always felt like NewHope has made it easy to serve. There has never been a time when I felt like the Children's Ministry was unimportant or an afterthought. There's always been an effort to care for and show appreciation for the World Changers, and we have been blessed with many talented and intelligent leaders.
- Robin Lindblad, World Changer