As we mark our anniversaries this summer and fall (40 years on the hillside and 110 years as a church), we are so encouraged to recall the faithfulness of God to us as a church. It is incredible to get to hear some your experiences of God’s faithfulness as well.
One of the early stories we have received is from one of our young adults, Nadia Barela. Nadia came to Church of the Open Door as a little girl, and now is a college student who has served in a number of ministries.
We’re so thankful for Nadia and many others like her who are committed to walking with the Lord and pouring themselves into the lives of others.
I hope this testimony to God’s work in her life brings joy to your heart as it did to mine.
With love,
Dave Anderson
Lead Pastor
P.S. We’re still gathering stories and would love to add yours to the collection. How have you seen the Lord’s faithfulness in your life as part of this community of faith? Short or long, we’d love to hear it. Here’s a link to SHARE YOUR STORY.
GROWING UP
Many of my favorite memories growing up at Church of the Open Door (COD) happened as a student attending camps and events. I went from Awana to Open Door Soccer League (ODSL) and from VBS to Camp Idrafoje and then from Jr. High Surf Camp to High School Tahoe Camp.
No matter the trip, I was constantly surrounded by a community of friends and leaders. So many genuine friendships were made early on that I still maintain today!
Through every stage of life and the trials that came with, I always felt encouraged by the support system I had through these various ministries.
DEVELOPING FAITH
COD has been so significant in my walk with the Lord! A big example being that I first put my faith in Christ one night after Sunday Awana. I was later baptized at COD by my father, while surrounded by my dear church family.
Much of my Bible knowledge also comes from Sunday School during my elementary years, held on upper campus in the colored door classrooms. Once I hit 6th grade, Hillside Youth became my safe place! Sunday mornings, Tuesday nights, and every winter and summer camp truly were the highs of my year.
My core group leaders throughout my junior high and high school years all shaped me into who I am today. These are leaders who even years later are still intentional about our relationship and still pour into me. They are mentors who encourage me to be involved and truly lead by example. There are peers in my core group as well who have walked through the highs and lows of life with me, and who push me closer to the Lord.
I wouldn’t have all of these memories and opportunities if it weren’t for this church and the intentionality they put into shaping the younger generation.
I thank God that I was able to grow up in the best environment with a strong, faithful foundation that set me up for life!
EXPERIENCING COMMUNITY
Time and time again I’ve seen the Lord’s hand work throughout this church community. For me specifically, something happened last year. I had no idea what college I was going to transfer to – I knew I had a dream of going to the University of Tennessee, but it just seemed so impossible.
So many COD friends and family were praying with me, including my own core group and my parents’ HUB group. All were praying that God’s plan would prevail.
During that summer of unknowns, I had those close people surrounding me and my family when I initially thought it was all a closed door. They comforted me in that heartbreak and pointed me to God.
Then, I had that same crew around me celebrating when God opened so many doors and made it possible for me to go after all! It was truly a testament of His goodness in my life, and of the amazing church family that supported me through it all!
SERVING FOR THE SUMMER
With many of my fondest COD memories being of my time as a camper or student and looking up to the leaders around me, I’ve always loved serving and getting to pour into the next generation.
Included in that was serving a lot with the 1st-5th graders. As I spent the last year away at college, and away from CODkids ministry, I really missed everyone! Talking to new college friends about my California home church and the camps that we hold over the summer is so encouraging to my heart!
I remember being the student who had the most fun at these camps. So now, seeing it from the servant’s side, I realize that these camps would be nowhere near possible without the many people who give their time to serve at them!
There was a period of time last semester where it was looking like I would be staying at my college this summer to take an in-person summer class. I had even booked housing and everything! I was so sad that I wouldn’t be able to do VBS, Camp Idrafoje, or be on the Navajo mission trip.
I prayed with my family, my core group girls, and even new friends at college that God’s plan of me staying there or going home would be made clear. Praise Him because it was!
He made a way for me to come home and serve at COD and also take the class! We prayed for a gracious and accommodating professor, and that’s exactly what I got. Praise God!
With being home, I was asked to teach the 1st-5th graders every Sunday, which is truly filling my cup! I thank God for this opportunity to reconnect with the kiddos that I missed so much!
On top of that, if I would’ve stayed at college, I would’ve had a summer job, which would’ve allowed me to save money for the upcoming semester. Since being home, I see many of my peers with consistent summer jobs, and a month ago I absolutely wished that that was me.
With God though, we prayed for income opportunities, and He provided! I’ve received multiple unexpected babysitting jobs, and various gigs that have brought the income I was hoping for. This is yet again another example of His provision!
I’m just in awe of His goodness! He’s given me family and friends that support me, a church community that prays continuously for my heart and my safety, and through it all, opportunities to grow closer to him.
I’m so thankful to COD for these countless opportunities to serve and to further his kingdom.
