Answers2Prayer
Lyn Chaffart 
Coordinator of Mini-Sermons and Altar Calls

Hobbies: Who has time for Hobbies? As I contemplate this question, my mind goes back to the hobbies I used to enjoy in past years. They all seem so trite now, compared with what my life has become since I allowed God in. Yet, perhaps it is but my definition of hobbies that is faulty. Who says hobbies are bound to collectables and mindless pastimes? Shouldn't the word "hobby" also include the things God has caused us to enjoy doing? If so, then I have a rather lengthy list that includes Home schooling my two wonderful little boys; helping my mom who has had a rather bad year, physically-speaking; working with Answers2Prayer; writing; conducting small groups; starting up a Drama Ministry; and the list goes on. If I would have read this list 5 years ago, I would have said, "Lyn, you're crazy! You'll NEVER reach the point where you can say you "enjoy" these things!" But the God we serve has some wondrous talents, and one of them was to change me so that I would actually "enjoy" -- even see as "hobbies" -- the tasks He has given me to do! All praise to Christ our Lord!

Christian Since: I was born and raised in a Christian home, and I have gone to church nearly every week of my life. But being a Christian by name, and even going to church regularly, does not make one a Christian by heart. So it was with me. It wasn't until about 5 years ago that I began responding to the calling of the Holy Spirit. I slowly began to see that there was a lot more to Christianity than I had ever tapped into. I began to understand that I had always served a concept of a God -- and a somewhat tyrannical one in my view! -- But I had never served a personal God. Gradually, I began to realize that some people had more in their relationships with God than I did, and I began to desire the kind of relationship that I saw in others. It took some time for me to realize that God does not pick and chose His children, but reaches out His loving arms to each and every one of us, ever rejoicing when we finally begin to respond. Over the course of the past 5 years, I have developed an exciting, ever-growing friendship with God. I have learned that where before, while a Christian in name only, I could walk, now, suddenly, I can fly! And my walk with God continues to grow closer with each passing day as my faith in Him continues to blossom. God is my best Friend. He is the only one I can count on, no matter what arises. He is my support, my source of comfort, my guide, my inspiration, my loving parent, my patience, and my strength, and I praise Him for bringing me to the place where I could finally begin to personally experience Him in these ways. I look forward to my continuing growth in Christ, and I eagerly anticipate what "new" side of Himself He will reveal to me next!