Intern

Introducing Taylor Lightsey

TLightsey
TLightsey

By Taylor Lightsey

Hey there. My name is Taylor and I am a procrastinator; hence why this introduction blog is coming out weeks after I arrived at Grace Falls to serve as a summer ministry intern... but better late than never I suppose.

I am originally from Lake Placid. No, not New York, but Florida. Yes, there really is a Lake Placid in Florida. No, that's not where the movie was filmed. Yes, we do have alligators.

I like photography, traveling, coffee, and long walks to the fridge. My friends are like family to me, the only marathon I've got in me is going to be on Netflix, I absolutely love Florida, and my weaknesses include cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and a man with nice facial hair.

Amidst all the complications that life brings, my story remains simple. My relationship with God began at a young age, although I do not know the day or even the year it happened, I know that my confidence lies in knowing that I became aware of my need for God a long time ago and He has been present in my life ever since.

My journey with God has been hard, exciting, confusing, stretching, adventurous, and most of all absolutely beautiful; and I can say already at 23 years old that it is a marathon, and it is absolutely worth it. All that truly lasts in this world is the Word of God and the souls of men and I pray that the way I steward the relationships, money, talents, time, and opportunities that the Lord has given me will clearly reflect that.

Although I have walked with God for most of my life, in my first year of college I got to the point where I wanted to want more but I wasn't even quite sure what I wanted. That year, a family came into my life, and for the first time I realized what it meant to choose the life of a disciple. Salvation is free but discipleship is costly.

God used this family to radically change my life by being a living example of what it looks like to pursue God whole heartedly and what it looks like as the gospel begins to penetrate every aspect of your life.

After that change began in my life, I decided that just as that family was used by God to drastically change my life— if I could be that for someone else, then I want to be there. That desire eventually brought me to Grace Falls.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-- the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. (Acts 20:24)

Because the northeast is such a different world than the southern Bible belt from which I originate, I am excited to know that my worldview will be expanded. My favorite part of traveling is always that experiencing a new place, new foods, and different peoples never fails to expand my view of who God is.

The glory of God is thriving in the middle of this living room-styled gathering, through the most unlikely of people, and in an area where the tradition of church is so foreign that the concept that God really loves them is breaking news.

The ministry here is not to just see people "get saved," but to help them to recognize that their need is so much deeper than just a way to heaven. Ultimately, their need is to be in right relationship with their Creator. Just like any relationship, to experience the full goodness of it is to pursue it, so we are here to walk that road with them. More than just the saving power of the gospel is the sanctifying power of the gospel –Because the gospel changes everything.

Introducing Summer Intern Jennifer

11541973_10203013144008339_6639431452018029192_n My name is Jennifer Kingsley, but most people know me as “Jenn.” I am 21 years old. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida. I am going on my fourth year in college, and recently accepted into nursing school! I am a very adventurous person. I love being outdoors and seeking new places. I grew up running track, specializing in hurdles. Fun fact, I was a state finalist in my event during my high school years. Since college, I have found a new love for beach volleyball.

On a more personal note, my faith was made real in May of 2015. Although that may not be a long time, the amount of things that the Lord has taught me in this short time, has stretched me immensely (My story is extensive, but I would love to share it with you sometime). Since that day I have experienced the constant unconditional love, mercy, and grace that my Savior has given me. Now I feel the all consuming urge and desire to share that kind of love with others.

I have been an active member of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida, where I hold a position in leadership in the college-age ministry and have been active in their outreach ministries. I really have a heart for serving by coming alongside individuals and encouraging them through life-on-life discipleship.

A few months ago, I learned of the opportunity to be apart of Grace Falls as a summer intern and to serve in New Jersey. I was immediately intrigued to learn of just some of the ministry work that is being done in this community. I was given a chance to take a weekend trip to visit and experience what I was going to be involved in over the summer. Let me tell ya, I was blown away! I got a taste of ministry like I never have before. Immediately, I was plugged in with a fantastic group of women who share a mutual passion for women who work in the adult entertainment industry. The stories and fellowship I shared with this group sparked a desire to be apart of this ministry.

I am really looking forward to all of the opportunities that come my way to further the Gospel in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas this summer. I come expectant, seeds will be planted, and lives will be changed in the name of Jesus.