Not Alone... Why?

LeeAnn Gurley has been married to her husband, Mike, for many years, and together they have six grown children and 16 grandchildren. A hairstylist for 38 years, LeeAnn has spent much of her life serving others both in her salon, "as she's going," she would say, and at Kiokee. From praying with clients in her salon to teaching children, walking alongside women, and serving families with special needs, LeeAnn has learned that serving isn't about having all the answers or doing everything on our own. Together, we reflect on the significance of showing up, inviting others into ministry, prayer, and trusting God with the outcomes.

After 26 years of military service, Randy Soto knows a thing or two about leadership, hard work, and getting things done. But through his years of serving at Kiokee, God has been teaching him a different way... one marked by patience, humility, surrender, and trust.Through the encouragement of his wife and fellow believers, Randy is learning that following Jesus isn't about achieving something for God, but about aligning his life with Him.I hope this honest conversation encourages you about the many ways the Lord uses serving to sanctify us.

At 88 years old, Pete Knox has spent his life rooted in the same church and community. In our conversation, Papa Pete looks back on more than six decades at Kiokee, nearly 50 years of serving as a deacon, 66 years of marriage to his beloved BB, and a lifetime of caring for the people God placed around them.Near the end of BB's life, she gave a simple and powerful encouragement: “Always keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.” And at 88, Pete echoes it. After a lifetime of faith, family, service, joy, and loss, he says Jesus Christ is still his only hope.(Also, grateful for his grandson and my friend Mitchell for sitting in with us.)References: Waldo Harris

Keri Ball is a special education teacher. She and her husband have two boys and they've been at Kiokee over 10 years. In this conversation, Keri shares what she has learned about saying yes to God... even when something doesn't feel like “your thing,” you don't feel equipped, or you're not sure it's your particular gifting.This conversation is an invitation to stop waiting for the perfect calling, the perfect gifting, or the perfect level of passion. We are called first to belong to Christ, glorify Him, love His people, and serve where He has placed us. Sometimes faithful obedience looks remarkably simple: If there is a need, serve.

In this conversation, Beverly Hardaway shares her story of serving at Kiokee for more than three decades... from teaching first graders to hospitality, and now helping lead the Wednesday night fellowship meal. She reminds us that serving doesn’t have to be impressive or highly visible. Sometimes it simply means noticing someone, meeting a need, making room, or taking one small step of obedience.And when we take that step, we may discover that the God who calls us is also the God who equips us, sustains us, and patiently leads us one step at a time.

In this conversation, Randy and Carol Lott share about the many ways God has invited them to serve—from teaching and discipleship at Kiokee to leading a ministry that helps children improve their reading skills.But their story is about much more than the things they do. They talk about learning to trust God when they don’t feel equipped, recognizing that He often prepares us long before we feel ready, and discovering that serving is less about accomplishing something for God and more about joining Him in what He is already doing.

Romans 12:9-13 on March 17, 2024 is the fourth sermon in the Not Alone series. Recorded by Steve Hartman, Pastor.

Romans 12:3-8 on March10, 2024 is the third sermon in the Not Alone series. Recorded by Steve Hartman, Pastor

Romans 12:1-2 on March 3, 2024 in the second sermon in the Not Alone series. Recorded by Steve Hartman, Pastor

Romans 12:1-2 on February 25, 2024 is the first sermon in the Not Alone series. Recorded by Steve Hartman, Pastor