By Teri Rolfes
After years of trying to figure out what I wanted to be “when I grew up” and a variety of occupations, mostly clerical in nature, I ended up working in education as a school secretary and classroom aide, serving special needs students in grades K-9. “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NASB, 1995).
My younger son is on the Autism spectrum and struggled in school. We found a school that specialized in students with similar struggles, but it was located about 35 minutes from home, and I was the only transportation available. God blessed me with the job as school secretary. His Goodness overwhelms me.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
Although I had always gone to church, I finally stopped “going through the motions,” and gave my life to Christ in 2008. Later, after working in special education for about 11 years, it was time to focus on my family. My son had graduated, but as an adult, he still needed my guardianship and care, so I retired from education.
God has given me a servant’s heart. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than to serve and help others. After attending a variety of churches through the years, God led me to a church that gave me opportunities to use my talent of service. After retiring from education I wasn’t interested in working with little children, and I had no real experience with teens. (Actually, they terrified me!). So, I became involved in other service areas at church and in the community.
Fast forward to 2020. COVID shuttered churches, leaving online services the only option for most people. Having a servant’s heart, this was a dark time for me. I missed human interaction and connection.
I was ecstatic when the bans were lifted, and we were able to meet in person again! Then, God placed the very thing on my heart that terrified me. After listening to our NextGen Pastor speak about the need for volunteers to help our youth group, God urged me to answer the call.
Seriously God? Are You sure about this? Teenagers are scary and messy, and they don’t like me! There has to be someone more qualified!
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).
If I have learned anything these past few years, it’s that when God puts something on my heart, I need to yield to His Will. As he told Moses, “Now go; I will help you speak and teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:12 NIV).
So, I obeyed God’s Will and began helping out with the teens each week. In spite of the enemy’s lies that I wasn’t qualified or suited for working with the teens, through the love and support of the NextGen Pastor, leaders, and the students, I persisted. After noticing that many of the teens weren’t interested in the athletic activities, I began doing crafts with a group of students. I loved every minute with those amazing young people, and it turns out, some of them really do like me. I’ve also learned that they’re not really all that scary, and aren’t we all messy at times?
During the past year, God began nudging me to start a new ministry. While I had no idea what it was supposed to look like, and self-doubt was creeping in, God continued to direct me. Through my obedience to His calling, God revealed why He had urged me to work with teens and showed me His purpose for the new ministry.
Early this year, several high school seniors approached me with concerns about “losing their faith” once they left the security of youth group. Alarmed, I began researching support services for young Christian adults, only to find there aren’t many. The number of young adults who leave the church after high school is staggering. I was now keenly aware of God’s purpose for the new ministry. Through prayer and the support of some incredible Christian mentors, Pathlight Ministries began.
Am I terrified? YES!
Do I know God will provide? 100 PERCENT!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
Teri Rolfes, founder of Pathlight Ministries, lives in Ohio with her husband of 40 years. Together, they have two sons. Pathlight Ministries provides encouragement, support, and resources to help young adults stay rooted in their Christian faith after graduating high school. Please visit www.pathlightministries.org for more information.
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