club 180 Ministry

"Many, O Lord are the wonders you have done. The plans you have for us, no one can recount to you. Were we to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Psalm 40:5. When I think of the miraculous work God is doing here in Eastern Kentucky, the Holy Spirit continually brings my heart to this scripture. What a wonderful God we serve!

I just completed my Master's Degree in Elementary Education from
the University of Louisville and worked as a cheerleading coach for
East Oldham Middle School, LaGrange, Kentucky. In August of 2007,
I came to Eastern Kentucky on a mission trip with my home church,
Crestwood Baptist, where we worked with various ministries
throughout the community. Though God had called me to "missions"
a few years back, I had no idea it would be to a town filled with
mountains, bear, and coal. But when I arrived here, my heart was
filled with awe as I learned of the miracles and wonders of God's
hand in this area. I immediately had compassion for the children
and young people in this area. That week, the Lord gave
me vision of beginning a tumbling/cheerleading ministry here. He confirmed the need through several people in the community. When it was time to leave, I knew God would bring me back here, if it was His will.

I continued to pray for discernment and wisdom as I completed my student teaching. I love my hometown of LaGrange and my home church as well. God has blessed me with wonderful friends and an amazing family. But, Jesus is my ultimate treasure and I pray always for His heart to be upon my own. After I graduated, the Holy Spirit continued to remind me of Eastern Kentucky. After six months of continual prayer, I planned to visit again. While on this trip, God made it clear through His Word and His People that I was to come for the Summer and if it be His will, for longer.

Step by step, He provided in abundance for me to be able to come and serve with Club 180 during the Summer of 2008. God used my family, friends, and my church family to get me here. In June, I began "Flip 180" as a summer tumbling program for the children/teens in the community. The first week I was here, I interviewed for a teaching position at Harlan Elementary School, Harlan, Kentucky. The second week I was here, I was offered a third grade teaching position with the school. God has allowed me to stay on a permanent basis and serve Him here in Eastern Kentucky!

I am praying for God to further His Kingdom through His children. It amazes me that He chooses to use us, but He does. I am thankful every morning for the JOY of knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior! I am convinced more and more everyday that, "nothing is impossible with God."