Stories of God @ Work

God is at work in the hearts and lives of people at Harvest.  The following are their stories... the ways in which God challenges, encourages, and shows Himself faithful in the lives of real people.  As you read and listen, be encouraged and uplifted by these examples.

Submitted by Roberta Sipp, October 10th, 2009

The Start of My Story
By Roberta Sipp

            When it comes down to picking a hero on My Space, it’s kinda hard.  I can’t ever think of anyone I really looked up to in my life.  I was always happy on the outside but on the inside I was confused, angry, sad, hurt, used, abused, etc.

            Basically, I was broken.  Though back then I loved people, I would let them in and out of my life like there was a sale on me.  And that’s what it ended up being.  I would get used and manipulated.  I was very gullible and naïve.  I just thought there had to be someone good out there amongst the crappy ones that had already hurt me.

            But as I’m getting older and growing as a person and in my faith, I’m finding the only real person you can truly give yourself to is God.  And the only one you can trust is Him and possibly yourself.  But heck, I never can trust myself because that is how I got myself into things that made me get hurt.

            While I’m still working, someday I’ll go and talk to someone.  I know that I am ten times better than I was when I was younger.  I can actually consider forgiveness now.  Back then I never ever wanted anyone forgiven.  I wanted them to suffer but really the only one suffering was me.  I still held on to everyone and everything that had ever hurt me.  And holding all that inside really makes a person hurt through the bones.

            I am not perfect by any means and I’m probably the last person to give advice because I’m still working on everything.  But I am always willing to tell my story because I know that one day it will help someone and that I will help them realize that they aren’t the only one out there getting abused or used and hurting.  I will hopefully influence someone, someday, to help others and to pass on their story so someone else can learn from them.         

Submitted by Nancy Ann Battaglia, July 31st, 2009

The Lord Is the Lifter of My Head
By Nancy Ann Battaglia

In late May I had a major meltdown. The tears flowed non-stop for hours as I barricaded myself in my office hiding from my Consumers and coworkers. On Friday, July 17, 2009 I shared my heart and shed lots of tears in my boss’s office. I truly enjoy my job, however the demands of this year’s paperwork changes and constant staff absences left me broken physically and emotionally. Being a proud workaholic, I refused to admit that I was overwhelmed. I let my job take over my life. There was no room for others, and very little time for fellowship with God. So, I explained to my boss that I needed to start looking for another job. Believing that the only way out of this pit was to start over. My boss asked me to reconsider my plans. She promised that together we could figure out a solution. Being a Christian woman, she went home and prayed for me. The next day, God acknowledged that I was fulfilling His Purpose for my life.

A group of our Consumers called the "Team of Hope" and I volunteered at the Laurel Run. Before the first race, I was called to the platform to accept a Community Service Award. God wanted me to continue working to improve the lives of individuals with mental health challenges. The only reason I am able to do my job is because of Christ’s compassion with my own mental health struggles. My depression often leaves me feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, and drained. Many times Jesus reaches out, gently places his hand under my chin and lifts my head. His caring eyes look into my soul and remind me how much He loves me. Only the love of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit has the power to break through the grip of my depression. Like diabetes and the Apostle Paul’s affliction, depression is a life long disorder. But God is always there for me.

My boss and I are reassessing how I approach my day and my work. God is guiding my counselor and primary care doctor to find medications which will help my focus and concentration. And my boss still prays that the Lord will give me strength. My hope is that some how, some way I can deliver this message of God’s love and strength to individuals with mental health challenges. May I start today by encouraging anyone who feels anxious or depressed to ask for God’s help. He will bring earthly angels in the form of family, friends, pastors, doctors, counselors and others to provide relief from your sadness. I am living proof of His Grace, Love, and Mercy.

Pastors Alma and Brent Thompson

When Pastors Alma and Brent arrived at Harvest Chapel, they took the first two weeks to deliver messages of God at work in their own lives.  These introductory messages tell the story of God's grace and hope in each of their lives.  Click the audio links below to listen to these mesages.  May they encourage you and strengthen your own faith as you journey with Jesus.

Pastor Alma's Introductory Message

Pastor Brent's Introductory Message