Janette Jara is an exceptional young adult who serves the Region through multiple programs. Janette serves in the Media Ministry and Young Adult Ministry at her home Church of FCC North Hollywood. Regionally she serves on the Board as the Young Adult Representative and as an Adult Leader in the Youth Immersion Ministry. Janette says she feels like she has a true passion for Young Adult Ministry right now because it’s exactly where her life is. She has finished school, is currently building a business, relationships with friends and family, all with the focus on a greater purpose. She feels that in life, she is in a place similar to many young people who need to hear about Gods grace and mercy, and would love to be able to share in the journey with them.
According to Janette, she first got involved in the Pacific Southwest Regional Christian Church by accident. The Youth Minister at FCC North Hollywood asked her if she was available to be an Adult Chaperone for one of our Youth Mission trips. Unfortunately she was not available that week, but said if there were any other opportunities, to let her know. A new opportunity came up and he spoke with her about Loch Leven and that they were looking for some female counselors. Janette said that she had never been to Loch Leven before, but having fond memories of Theater Camp in High School, she was excited to jump at the opportunity. Little did she know how much she would fall in love with not only camp, but the PSWR Region as a whole.
Janette looks at her first camp experience as the perfect start to her relationship with the Region. “I only knew one other person going into the week,” she says, “and from there made a ton of friends! Not just that, but I also felt like I actually had an impact in the kids lives. I got to work with a very young and diverse group of kids. I felt like I had a great chance at being a role model for them, and also to learn from them.”
In the last two years since her first Camp experience, she has jumped all in and now gets to serve in many ways. Janette feels that in each of these circles, she is welcomed and feels the love of God from complete strangers, and that on its own is really amazing.
In her own words, “I feel like I have a true passion for Young Adult Ministry right now because it’s exactly where my life is! In this kinda weird place where I am already out of school, and building my business, focusing on friends and family, but wanting to do all of it with a purpose. There are many Young people who may be in this same stage in life who need to hear about God’s grace and mercy, and I would love to be able to share this with them!”
Janette says her hope with all of these ministries is that she serves as Jesus did by giving her all and not expecting anything in return. Giving love and respect because it’s what people deserve, not because she wants something from them. Being the first to volunteer for things to be an example for others to get involved, and not for her own glory. Giving from her heart as a caregiver and creating a safe space for the youth to learn and explore and grow in their relationship with Christ.
Janette says, “There are many ways in which people can get involved. We all bring our own amazing talents. For some, it may be getting up to lead in Worship, for others it may be organizing events, others may love to be a Camp Counselor, and still others may have a passion for advocacy. In what ever thing you feel passionate about, there is definitely a place for you to serve!”
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