I also served on past BOD and Associate Pastor nominating committees. Currently, I am a member of the St. John’s Mission Task Force and have participated in five mission trips in the United States and internationally. Most recently, I organized the multi-home rebuilding project in Pond, CA. Jeff and I enjoy serving coffee and donuts on Sunday mornings and we have been fellowshipping in our Life Group for many years.
My hobbies include traveling with Jeff, volunteering in the community and with Make-a-Wish, participating in a book study group, and visiting my sons (and new grandson) located across the United States.
I have previously served as an AWANA volunteer, helped to build a home in Mexico, was a cart driver between services, delivered food and gifts during holiday season, was involved with St. John’s men’s group and a Life Group, served as a Capital Campaign member, and enjoyed greeting folks at the Information Booth. I also get the undeserved blessing of serving the Lord’s Supper/Communion.
In addition, I get a chance to serve others outside the St. John’s campus. I am part of a men’s Bible study group made up of other church brothers around the community. I volunteer time at a local food bank, I have attended a faith-based men’s weekend (Souly Business- in multiple capacities over the years) and serve as a prayer partner for this event.
I have been blessed over the past three years to serve on the Board of Directors for St. John’s. During this time, I have learned and contributed to “milestones” completed over these years. Thanks to God, as He continues to bless St. John’s. I am committed to praying and seeking God’s direction for His church and His people. I would welcome your support to be part of our board for the next three years.
My journey to faith was not as direct or traditional as many others. My parents immigrated from Thailand in the 1960’s to pursue their graduate studies, with my father specifically completing his medical internship in residency in pathology in New York, and I was born in Brooklyn. Our family moved throughout the States, from Michigan to Northern California, and then finally landing in Phoenix, Arizona where I grew up. I had been exposed to several religions in my youth, with Buddhism being the main backdrop of my family and Thai culture. We lived in a Jewish neighborhood in Phoenix, and I attended Catholic school through high school. Through family and friends, I learned about these religions but did not truly connect with any of them. It was when I met my husband that I (we) both began to grow together in faith, first attending non-denominational services, then attending Bel Air Presbyterian Church prior to our move to Bakersfield. I began to grow in the Lutheran faith along-side my kids as they learned, and the years of worship and studies I was able to participate in filled in all of my spiritual gaps seamlessly. Our family was baptized here at St. John’s in November 2015, and we formally became members in 2016.
I have enjoyed fellowship in participation in small groups at St. John’s as well as assisting where I can with activities related to St. John’s Lutheran School. My husband and I are so thankful for what the ministries and fellowship at St. John’s have provided to us and our family. It is truly a place where we have been welcomed and nurtured, a place that has allowed our family to grow in Christ. I greatly appreciate this opportunity to serve, and with God’s grace I look forward to assisting the Pastoral leadership, Board Members, Elders, and St. John’s staff in continuing the mission to “Love, Learn, and Lead.”