Nestled in a quiet community, New Joy Fellowship (NJF) is a small church with fewer than 75 members. Despite its size, the community members at NJF are making a powerful impact in their community through CarePortal, a platform that connects churches with families in crisis. And, as it turns out, that impact isn’t just reaching outward — it’s profoundly transforming lives within their congregation, too.
Manita, the pastor’s wife, is the driving force behind NJF’s involvement with CarePortal. As the CarePortal point person, she has witnessed firsthand how a small church can serve as a beacon of hope, helping meet the needs of families in their area. But with the amount of resources flowing in from the community, the demands were quickly becoming too much for one person to handle.
Manita knew she needed help, but in a small church where everyone is already stretched with volunteer duties, finding someone to step in felt nearly impossible. Unsure of what to do, she turned to prayer, seeking guidance for who might be able to join her in this ministry. As she prayed, one name kept coming to mind — Adrian.
At first, Manita hesitated. Adrian had been part of NJF for a long time, yet she’d never been involved in any ministry. She wasn’t sure if Adrian would even be interested, let alone able, to take on this role. But as the feeling persisted, Manita stepped out in faith and reached out to Adrian.
To her surprise, Adrian readily agreed to help.
What Manita didn’t know was that Adrian’s willingness to serve was deeply personal. Adrian had spent time in foster care herself, and the opportunity to minister through CarePortal began to stir something powerful within her. As she began to help others in need, the ministry turned into a journey of healing for Adrian. She found purpose and strength, and her spiritual life blossomed as she poured herself into the work.
Since then, Adrian has become a pillar in the CarePortal ministry at NJF. Her life, once touched by hardship, is now a channel of healing and encouragement for others. She even began leading healing prayer for other women, sharing her story and her faith with those who needed hope.
And last month, Adrian took a bold new step on her journey—she herself became a foster mom. Through her service and her personal story, Adrian’s life has come full circle. From being a child in foster care to now serving and fostering others, her journey is a powerful testament to how God can use ministry to not only impact others, but also to redeem and empower those who serve.
In the small congregation of NJF, lives are being changed, needs are being met, and one woman’s journey of healing and faith is a reminder of what can happen when people answer the call to serve. For Adrian, and all those touched by NJF’s CarePortal ministry, this story is only the beginning. Click HERE to watch the moving video about Manita, Adrian, and the community at New Joy Fellowship.
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