On a Sunday I sat down with Pastor Dan Schauer from New Heights Community Church in Inver Grove Heights along with two members of the congregation who have been participating in Starfish Adopt-A-Family for about three months. Kelly has been meeting with Therese as her life coach since the end of June while Kathrine has been Therese's financial coach. Following are excerpts from this interview and from Therese:
Pastor Dan indicated their congregation had been seeking ways to serve the community to help them meet their vision: "To transform our community and world for Jesus Christ by fulfilling our God-given purpose." He felt SAF was one of those opportunities. It was about a year ago he first heard about SAF and had been praying since then that he would have two volunteers come forward. Kathrine and Kelly did just that.
Kathrine made the decision to become a coach out of a need to show God's love to others. This was an opportunity to love another where that person is at. Kelly felt the same way and was at a point where she had some time to invest into a relationship.
Oftentimes when we set out to help someone, we also benefit from the relationship. Kelly has found that to be true. When asked what she has enjoyed most Kelly said, "Therese is a really good person. She is caring and loving and wants to do best for her family. She feels like a friend."
During the conversation we all recognize that any one of us could be in the position of needing help tomorrow. We do not know what the future holds. Being a coach brings that home for both Kathrine and Kelly as well as being a learning experience. Kathrine indicated she went into this open and there have been no surprises, but she has been humbled by it.
Both Kathrine and Kelly are busy active women. They have families and jobs, but schedule the time to insure they are being effective as coaches. Pastor Dan indicated they hope to add another family some time in the future and plan to have these two coaches speak to the congregation on the progress.
What are the skills required? Both Kathrine and Kelly said listening first and foremost, giving of your time, and allowing God to do the rest. In addressing the requirements I asked if they felt they had been adequately trained and equipped by the training Starfish Ministries provides. Both women strongly stated they felt the training was very equipping; preparing them for their roles. The added benefit is that Starfish Ministries' staff are only a phone call away. They are not left on their own. If you have been considering being a coach, but have felt you may not know enough to proceed, I would encourage you to contact Bonnie Smith and discuss any fears or apprehension you may be feeling.
Therese said SAF has already benefittred her by setting goals and receiving encouragement from her coaches. She is grateful to have both Kelly and Kathrine as coaches.
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