As grad season is upon us, we wanted to share a spotlight on two graduates, Stephanie and our son Justice as we share some updates from recent ministry.
Spotlight on Stephanie…
We met Stephanie and her family when she was 4 years old, and we were just getting to know our neighbors at the start of our church planting endeavors. Her family were some of the first to come to the Lord and be baptized at our young church. Rebecca and Stephanie are great friends and we’ve been able to celebrate many birthdays, quinceaños, graduations and other milestones along the way.
Stephanie just graduated college – the first in her hard-working family. She finished her bachelor's degree in just three years and is now enrolled at Azusa Pacific University for her doctorate degree in Child Psychology. She will live at home and help her parents with their business as she studies.
She recently
shared at our church:
“First of all, without God I wouldn’t be able to be where I am today. I remember when I first started at Vanguard University, I wasn’t sure if Psychology was what I was supposed to be studying. I was praying about it for weeks asking God to bring clarity and direction. One day, during worship, a friend came to me, and this was a friend I’ve never shared any of my doubts with, and she shared with me that God was calling me to a place where there were people that were broken. She continued saying that my profession wouldn’t just be a profession, but a calling from the Lord to help and reach people for the Kingdom of God. That is why I worked so hard over the last 3 years to get my degree in Counseling. In August I will begin my doctorate studies so that I can help families and children in broken places, in homes where there is abuse, all with the desire to help reach more people with the love and hope of Jesus.”
Stephanie is one of our Trauma Healing Group facilitators and joined us on our mission trip to Mexicali, Mexico to train teams from four churches.
Here are a
few quotes from that training:
“I feel like through this training I’ve become more capable and confident to help people with deep emotional wounds. Now I feel that trauma isn’t such a scary topic…with the right tools you can really address the deeper needs and help others find healing.” (Anonymous)
“I loved how God, through this training, helped me identify hurts in my own heart and understand the process towards healing. Thank you so much for your generous service and attention in helping our local churches. It is beautiful how we can build deep bonds with brothers and sisters from other parts of the world.” (Anna)
“I thank World Impact and above everything else Chad, Fabiola and Stephanie for their heart and willingness to help us so that our community will be blessed through what we have been equipped to do.” (Pastor Ramon)
“It was such a fun and dynamic way to present the material, it helped me understand everything so clearly. I can’t wait to share this with my friends. Thank you so much for coming all the way to our city to share this training with us.” (Elizabeth)
Chad & Fabiola facilitating part of the training.
Stephanie facilitates part of the training and then
has the class break into pairs for an activity.
Chad going through some of the logistics on how to facilitate
healthy heaing groups and then giving each person an opportunity to practice
facilitating a section of a lesson.
Stephanie made some great new friends, did a wonderful job facilitating the healing group and assessing those being trained. We are already making plans for more healing group facilitator trainings in the future. (Pictured some of the participants showing off their certificates at the end of the training.)
Since our trip
it has been exciting to get reports and pictures from how those that were
trained are using the material and meeting in coffee shops, homes and churches
to help more people apply the Word of God to their own healing journeys.
Stephanie also helped lead a group of our youth to Winter Camp for the second year.
Isn’t it amazing that she has been able to continue ministering at our church locally and internationally while finishing up her bachelor’s degree in three years?!
Stephanie is part of our worship team and helped lead worship at our Mother’s Day brunch celebration.
Some of the
women gathered for the women’s ministry event.
While Stephanie finished up her undergraduate degree, our son, Justice, just graduated high school. As a vocal and charismatic part of his school’s ministry team he has become seen by the faculty and his peers as a “student pastor” and was able to share several messages with the student body at chapel.
Justice has been on the mission field since he was 1
years old. He has gone from being carried around in our arms and a stroller to serving
in children’s ministry at our church. He has witnessed first-hand how hard and
how rewarding ministry can be. He has benefited personally from your prayers
and financial support. Since he has been such a huge part of our life and
ministry, we thought you would appreciate hearing his heart and see how you
might pray for him as he heads off to college in just two months.
Dear Friends,
As many of you may
already know, I have recently finished a chapter of my life and have graduated
from high school. My time at Maranatha High School was possible only through
the support of family and friends like yourselves. Knowing this, I made the
most of all four years, ensuring I did my best in my academics and
extracurriculars. Some of my favorite memories were in sports, like on the
football field, and others were in the classrooms working on group projects or
class discussions. I was blessed enough to join the Ministry Team, where I was
able to speak in chapels and encourage others on their faith and walk with God.
I give thanks for all of you who have prayed for me because the Lord has
allowed me to flourish and be a light for others at Maranatha.
For my next chapter,
the Lord has led me to choose Biola University, where I will be studying
Christian Ministries! I know Biola will do a great job helping me develop for
pastoral work while allowing me to be in an uplifting environment full of
Christians. I plan to surround myself with believers who challenge each other
in growth and connection with the Lord.
I ask for prayer
regarding two things: first, that I can fill the financial and resource gaps
needed for tuition and living expenses; and second, for a smooth transition
into college life, including my academics, making new friends, and living away
from home for the first time. It will be challenging, but also fun and
exciting! Knowing so many prayer warriors will have my back brings me great
comfort and peace. I also pray for you and give thanks to God for all your
support and friendship with our family.
God Bless,
Justice Wolyn
Justice had the honor of leading the processional of
graduates as he carried the cross during his high school graduation.
Please be in prayer for us during the following
transitions:
- Justice starting college at Biola and moving to the dorms.
- Beniah starting middle school.
- Rebecca starting her classroom experience as an Elementary Education major and living off campus.
- Chad as he supervises more people and is responsible for larger regions in the mission work.
- Fabiola as she helps supervise the church’s new outreach initiatives and feels a little more of the ‘emptying nest’.
Thank you for your love, emotional and financial support,
and prayers!
