Q How did you become involved with Foothills Alliance?

A I initially became involved as a volunteer with the ER victim advocate and hotline program under the Sexual Trauma Center. Later I volunteered with the Child Advocacy Center, helping them with community education in local middle/high schools. Shortly after, I began working for the agency as a Child/Family Advocate. Last August I switched gears. I wanted to be more active in the prevention of sexual violence in our community, which lead me to Community Education/Outreach Coordinator. Foothills Alliance is a wonderful agency and I have been proud to be a part of the work that is done here.

Q But I understand you are leaving Foothills?

A My last day will be January 28. It will be a bittersweet day for me. I am sad this chapter will end, though I will continue to volunteer. I am excited about my next step.

Q What is that next step?

A I will be launching a new business and ministry opportunity: Engage-Reality.com

Q Tell me about Engage Reality.

A This just seems like a natural progression after my work with Foothills Alliance. Engage Reality has several levels. First, it is a personal challenge for my husband and I to be more engaged with the work God's doing around us. Second, we hope to challenge others to do the same through offering resources that will ignite passions and empower others to impact their community in their own unique way. We will offer books, apparel designed to engage conversation about suffering and social issues that surround us, and small group studies on how the church can respond to various issues.

Q Why did you want to start a new organization with this focus?

A The church has become awkwardly silent on suffering. That became so evident through my work with Foothills Alliance. So many ministers told me that sexual abuse, for example, was just not on their radars. And that broke my heart. We have to get at the root of suffering, no matter how uncomfortable the issue might be. The reality is, people are hurting and it is our responsibility as Christians to offer hope, mercy, justice and purpose.

Q Why are you so passionate about this type of work?

A I understand suffering; I am a survivor of abuse myself. God gave me unspeakable comfort during that time, and just as 2 Corinthians chapter 1 says now I can comfort others because I have experienced that. It would be wrong for me to ignore that just because it is difficult to talk about. God has given us all unique experiences and he leaves it up to us to choose what work or ministry we do with that.

Q What do you want to see come out of your work?

A I want people to really see and accept what is going on in our community, good and bad. The fact is, bad things do happen that we can't explain but the reality is, God is working in the midst of suffering. And we can be a part of that if we educate ourselves and humbly engage in the lives of others.

Q How do you think people can minister to others in everyday life?

A I think everyday life is the only way to minister! I've worked in the church and it is easy to minister there; it's your job. The challenge is at the grocery store, at the coffee shop, with your family, in your neighborhood, and with friends. I believe there are three simple ways to minister and they are: really listen to people; be authentic; and never fake sincerity, because it shows when you do. Don't ask someone how they are doing just to be asking. Mean it. If Christians are compassionate, real and sincere, then we are following the example of Jesus.

-from January 12, 2007 edition of Anderson Independent-Mail