Renee Parker learned the importance of faith as a child, and that is what compels her to ensure other children have the same opportunity. You will find Renee serving most Sundays in the graceKIDS! hallway at the Winter Garden campus, teaching preschoolers three basic truths: \u201cGod made me, God loves me, and Jesus wants to be my forever friend.\u201d Renee knows personally the difference this foundation can make.
\n\u201cMy own childhood is not something I talk about very often,\u201d Renee admits, \u201cIt\u2019s the story that shaped me, but not something I like to discuss. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Renee and her twin sister were the youngest of four siblings. Her parents separated when she was very young,\u00a0 and then shortly after that, her mother became sick. The four kids and her mom moved in with her grandmother, and it was during this time that Renee\u2019s faith began to grow. \u201cBoth my mother and grandmother had a very deep faith in Jesus. It was important to them that we attend church and learn about God and the Bible. On Saturdays, we attended children\u2019s mass and then church on Sunday with the adults.\u201d The truth she learned and the faith she saw lived out gave her the support she would need in the years to come.
\nBut before Renee\u2019s thirteenth birthday, she would see her mother, her father and grandmother pass away. Her siblings moved in with an aunt and uncle, but during her senior year in high school, her aunt also died. The continued loss could have easily shaken her, but Renee\u2019s faith sustained her through all of the difficulties.
\n\u201cThe church was so important to me,” Renee says. “It gave me the hope that I needed for my life. I cannot remember a time that I didn\u2019t believe that God was real, that God loved me and that He had a plan for my life. It was this belief that kept me feeling that I was safe, and life would somehow be ok.\u201d
\nToday, Renee makes it a priority to teach others the truth she has relied on her entire life. This commitment started with her own twin daughters. \u201cI wanted to pass the faith that was given to me on to them. I wanted their faith to be as strong as my own and now, at 18, both of my girls are developing in their own relationship with Christ. I\u2019ve seen them lead others and even challenge and encourage me. Now there are three of us handing down our faith.”
\nGrace Winter Garden has been an important part of this story. The family moved to Orlando for a job at Disney. Shortly after the Winter Garden campus launched, her director told her about Grace and invited her to attend.
\n\u201cThe church was refreshing. My teenage daughters were excited to attend and I saw them grow,\u201d she remembers.
\n\u201cAt Grace, every sermon touches me and means something to me personally. Relationships are in important part of the church \u2014 both my relationship with Christ and with others. I\u2019ve gotten to know the pastors and the campus has become like family.\u201d
\nIn addition to her own daughters, Renee feels called to serve the kids and families of Grace Winter Garden. \u201cI\u2019ve always believed children live what they learn \u2014 this is why it is so important for us to teach them truth when they are young.\u201d
\nIt is this passion that drives Renee to serve. \u201cYou know, I honestly don\u2019t see serving as a sacrifice. It is just me obeying God and being where He wants me to be for this season. I know that He will sustain me to do what He\u2019s called me to do,\u201d she reflects. \u201cWhen a child reacts to what we are teaching and shows that he is learning about God \u2014 that is priceless.\u201d
\nRenee also utilizes the free Grace app to listen to sermons throughout the week when she is serving in graceKIDS! and misses the message, and is constantly encouraged by the staff and people of Grace. \u201cI always feel supported and appreciated by the church, and that makes all the difference.\u201d
\nWhat God was building in Renee, even as a young child, has established her life as a follower of Christ, and is helping her lead others. She has whole heartedly embraced God’s plan, and is not only taking her own next steps toward Christ, but is committed to seeing others do the same.
\n“I’m excited to see what God has for Grace Winter Garden,” Renee says. “Being part of God’s work here is a privilege. I couldn’t be more\u00a0grateful that He would take my own experiences and use them to help others know Him.”<\/p>\n