Image Credit: TLC
Check out our interview with Jana, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, and Joy in the newest issue of Crown of Beauty!
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Crown of Beauty: You girls are such a beautiful example of being faithful where God has
planted you, and loving and ministering to the person who is right in front of
you. What has your favorite ministry moment been so far? You've shared at
conferences, been on mission trips, ministered at prisons, fixed food for those
in need...any highlights? |
Jana: I have enjoyed many ministry
opportunities, from going on missions trips, to just being at home serving and
ministering to my family and many others that come through our home! One of my
favorite ministry opportunities that we do each Sunday is when we go to our
local Veteran’s home. We play instruments and sing for them and then one of my
brothers or another young man from our church will preach. It’s been such a
blessing getting to know each of the men and women there who have helped serve
in our military and exciting to hear their stories!
To encourage those of you still at home. Ministry is all around you, doing the
basics such as helping with housework, babysitting littles, cleaning, that is
ministry! “Divine service done here three times a day”, is a sign that could be
hung over the dish sink in our home! So, you don’t have to go on a mission trip
to do “ministry". Wherever God has you now, just be faithful to reach out,
encourage and serve those around you.
Crown of Beauty: Sometimes being single and
waiting for the one that God has for you can be hard. Many of our readers are
single, and could use some encouragement! What would you say to encourage
yourself, or a friend, when the waiting gets hard?
Jana: I know how it feels to wait
for “Prince Charming” to come along. I’m still waiting. Waiting is not
always easy. Especially in those times when all the married siblings are
getting together and you can’t go along because your not part of “that” group. But
waiting doesn’t mean sitting and literally waiting. No, we need to be busy with
where God has us and being content and joyfully serving Jesus there. My parents
have always encouraged each of us to serve those around us. As Jesus said and
led by example, “…the greatest among you will be the servant of all.”.
I’ve found that when I’m having a hard
or discouraging day, I try to look for ways to bless or serve someone else. And
in turn it usually blesses and encourages me!
Crown of Beauty: Jinger, it's been so much fun to see the Lord bring you and Jeremy together
through such a loving, God-honoring courtship. What were some of your favorite
things about Jeremy that first drew you to him?
Jinger: Jeremy was a young man who I
saw had a passion for not just knowing about God but truly knowing God. Seeing
his passion for the Scriptures and love for souls is what initially drew me to
him
Crown of Beauty: Most of our readers are teens,
and girls in their twenties and thirties, who are still waiting for God to
bring their future husbands. Any words of encouragement for them?
Jinger: Yes! In 1 Corinthians 7:35,
a chapter full of instruction for married couples and singles alike, the
apostle Paul tells us that the purpose of his teaching is "to secure your
undivided devotion to the Lord." No matter where you are in life, seek
first the kingdom of God. Let your requests be made known to God that you
desire to be married and let God know the type of man you desire! But then set
your heart fully to be devoted to what God is calling you to today. God
delights to give good gifts to His children but He wants our hearts to be free
from idols. Don't allow the thought of marriage to become such a consuming
desire that it chokes out your delight in and love for the Lord! "One
thing is necessary," Jesus told Martha in Luke 10. Sit at His feet and learn
from Him! He will direct, guide, and gift you with the desires of your heart if
your delight is in Him.
Crown of Beauty: What's the biggest thing that
you've learned about relationships, through your courtship, engagement, and now
your marriage?
Jinger: Not to take my eyes off of
Jesus! Since we began our relationship, Jeremy and I have learned that when we
are walking closely with Jesus, we are closest to each other. If we neglect
reading the Word and prayer (together and alone), we quickly realize our relationship
suffers! Jesus Christ really has to be at the center.
Read the rest of the interview in our Brave Issue!