Submitted by: Jo Dubs
As a response to COVID-19 and the changes taking place Women’s and Family Ministry, Jo Dubs, director, created a Teen Girls’ Virtual Bible Study that meets twice a month on Friday evenings. The online Bible Study started in February with leaders Kristiana Carney, a travel emergency room nurse in Portland, Ore., and Jenny Wheeler, a biology teacher for Monterey Bay Academy in Watsonville, Calif.
When asked why she wanted to co-host an online Bible study, Carney said her younger cousin has increased anxiety from COVID. “I’m hoping that it’s a way I can continue to disciple my cousin and some of her friends and other girls who have joined us who I would have never met.” She also had young couples mentor her as a teen, and it had a huge impact.
Wheeler loved the idea of co-hosting. “I felt called to do more for God, especially with the ability to reach people through technology,” she said. “This little Bible study allows us as adults to show how we live godly lives in our different careers and share our experiences. It also allows the girls to take an introspective look at their own lives and see who they are to God.”
Carney says she feels blessed.
This is “allowing me to continue to do ministry while I’m not in one particular location,” she said. “Also, some of the girls who have joined are really on fire for God and wanting to be used by God where they are, and it’s super encouraging to hear their stories and dreams, and it’s fun and exciting to encourage them in their dreams.”
“We don’t just study the Bible, but we spend time getting to know the girls, their likes and interests, etc., and then also study the Bible, relate it to our lives, and hope and pray — literally — that it encourages them, and close with prayer requests and prayer,” said Carney.
The leaders did survey those interested to determine what Bible study topics participants to cover. According to Carney they have studied the story of Jesus walking on water, Elijah in the cave experiencing God (life’s storms, and God being with you in the storms, and preparing for storms), Jonathan and his armor bearer defeating the Philistines (asking who do you influence, and who influences you), and personal stories from the members’ lives relating to those stories.
Wheeler is enjoying the connection. “God has blessed me in this experience because it really makes me feel like I’m a part of something bigger than my little corner of the world. With this kind of Bible study, Kristiana and I really try to give the girls lots of opportunities to share, so I’ve really appreciated hearing their perspective on the topics and verses we’ve talked about.”
The Bible study group is geared toward girls in grades 8-12, and meets twice a week on Friday through May. They enjoy Bible study and small group activities, including cooking, baking, and crafts; and they foster a community that is honest and accountable, all online using Zoom. For more information or to register to attend, email Dubs at mdubs@gccsda.com.
Georgia-Cumberland | June 2021
Comments are closed.