Admittedly, Sarah Schwery had thought about serving with Westside Kids ministry over the past few years but conveniently always talked herself out of it.

“I just had selfishly dodged around it under the guise that I wanted to be in the service —which was 100 percent true. I did want to sit in service and be fed—but I selfishly said, ‘There are others more qualified than me, I’m not really needed.’ And that’s why I love that God did what He did to me in this particular situation. He was done allowing me to make those excuses.”

Earlier this year, Sarah’s youngest son was not feeling well, but her daughter, Adalyn, didn’t want to miss going to her 4th/5th-grade class, so Sarah’s husband offered to stay home and participate online while the girls headed to WFC Speedway.

When they arrived, Adalyn was disappointed to learn that because her teacher was also sick, her class was canceled. Disappointed, Sarah looked at her watch and realized they had just enough time to get back home and watch WFC Online with the rest of the family. Just as they reached the door, Westsider Don Hoyle, stopped them to ask if everything was all right. When they explained the situation, Don offered what Sarah only can describe as a God-sized solution.

“Why don’t you stay and teach the class?” Don asked. “Certainly, Adalyn won’t be the only student disappointed by the cancellation.”

Dumbstruck by the idea, Sarah looked at Adalyn and then back to Don and heard the words come from her mouth, “Sure, I guess I could do that.”

Don connected Sarah with someone in kids ministry who quickly prepped her and showed her where all the materials were located. Everything was set up, ready, and waiting for her.

That was the first morning Sarah took over the 4th-5th grade class. Now, in addition to serving with KidsGiG, she fills in and subs whenever there’s a void, and can’t believe she never thought about serving like this before!

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah had this to say: “I'm so glad the Holy Spirit gave me those prompts for so long. It has served me just as much as it has served the church. I get to see what my kids are learning, we get to have a dynamic conversation about the lesson after church (because I know the lesson vs. just the tiny glimpse my kids give me when I pick them up), and the best part, in my opinion, I'm helping to plant seeds in the lives of these kids.”

She continued, “If I could share just one thing with others, one thing I hope they take away, it is this: As a Christ follower, we should look to His example. Jesus was, and is, the ultimate servant. Our God came to earth not to be served but to serve. His ultimate act of service was to atone for my sins. Who am I to tell Him no?”