Getting to Know Caren
The Bible reading for today is Matt. 23; Lk 20-21.
Our second ‘interview’ with the women of our church is with Caren Van Byssum–enjoy getting to know her a bit better today!
(1) How did you decide to make New Covenant your home?
Don and I had decided, after 16 years of marriage and attendance at the same church in Elmhurst, that we would be better able to serve and be more closely connected to a Christian community of believers in a church in Naperville where we had been living that whole time. We were able to narrow our choices down by going on-line and then started attending those churches whose doctrine and world-view seemed best to match what we were able to discern from Scripture. Upon hearing from Ann Davidson that College Church was doing a plant here, we visited there, found kindred spirits and faithful teaching. We are grateful to God for leading us to our new church home and family of the faithful.
(2) What circumstances brought you to God and when did you give your life to Him?
As a result of a disfunctional marriage which ended in divorce when I was 31 years old, I became involved in AlAnon. This program, along with AA, reminds us that we are powerless and can do nothing without our “Higher Power“. Well, as a result of having been brought up with Lutheran training, I knew Who the Higher Power was. I joined a Bible Study and began to learn anew of Jesus and His tender care for His people. I started trusting in Him and as is always the case, He has never left me nor failed me since.
(3) What are you involved with at New Covenant Church?
Currently, I serve 5 or 6 times a year in the Nursery, at the Welcome table on the fourth Sunday of the month and with the Mission Focus group. Having had training and served in the capacity of a Stephen Minister for about 5 years in my previous church, I am seeking guidance and clarity as New Covenant grows as to what type of caring ministry might be developed. (Ask me about Stephen Ministry some time and I’ll explain it in more depth. Ask my kids, I’m not often at a loss for words.)
(4) What has challenged you the most this past year and how has God used New Covenant Church to mature you as a Christian?
I sometimes find it difficult to purpose myself to get out to Growth Group on Sunday evenings, but I am always rewarded with sweet fellowship and in-depth development of the Word. I am most blessed by the faithful expository preaching of our Pastors at New Covenant. I can never get enough of the Truth and encouragement God’s Word gives us as we open our hearts and minds to it.
(5)How can we pray for you and your family?
Don and I have 9 grown children and also 9 grandchildren. Coming out of the disfunction of our previous lives, there is often tension, dissension, impatience and misunderstanding that have resulted in broken bonds. Pray that as the Lord works His saving grace into this family and as we experience forgiveness and restoration, we would all extend that same forgiveness and restoration to each other.
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By Rachel Fulton, November 5, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
Thanks for this interview!
Thanks Caren, for sharing openly and honestly. I have a lot to learn from you.
By Julie, November 7, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
Love the pics — what a glow!!
Thanks so much for sharing. I’m looking forward to getting to know you guys better