The Blackford family is a large family that has attended Northwest Community Church for years. Most everyone knows at least one Blackford, and usually more. But we knew none.
Nearly a couple of years ago, my daughter made friends with a young lady named Rebekah. She was sweet. (She still is!) We got to know her by having her over to hang out with Celia. They got pretty close because they shared classes on Wed nights and service on Sundays.
Little did we know, that Rebekah had an older brother that was OUR age! His name was Chris and he was married to Nicole. They were the proud parents of 2 kids. And we found ourselves invited to a growth group that was at their home. We enjoyed their company and one thing led to another. One Thursday night, they joined us on a kid free evening to Applebee's. We discovered a common love for the movies, God, our kids, our church... AND REBEKAH! A place was carved in our hearts for Chris and Nicole ever after.
Time is scarce, though it shouldn't be. And time with Chris and Nicole is hard to come by... but we treasure them and enjoy them. I have had great conversations with Nicole and when asked by Jason whom I felt God put on my heart to invite to be a board member, Nicole immediately came to mind. Nicole is so encouraging, full of scripture and truth, and truly lives a life aimed at glorifying our Lord.
So without further adu, please meet Nicole. Below is her bio in her words. She has an amazing testimony and truth and it is conveyed so well. Thank you for your openness and candor. We are so excited that you have agreed to join in leading Carpenter's Kingdom!!!
Nicole Blackford has been married to Chris Blackford for six years and they have a two year old daughter named Jasmin and a five year old son named Elijah. They are both natives to Arizona in the USA. Nicole works as an American Sign Language Interpreter for the nearby public schools. This profession suits her as she is a soft spoken person with the gift of mercy and enjoys helping other people overcome their struggles. Through Christ, she has overcome struggles of her own including abuse, abandonment, and poverty. These trials have paved the way for her to help others with similar struggles.
Please join me in welcoming Nicole! Nicole, feel free to say hello as well!
Thank you for that lovely introduction Brooke. Our family has enjoyed getting to know yours over the years and you have a special place in our hearts. You are an inspiration to me and I am honored to join you in this eternal cause. My prayer is that God will work in mighty ways in the lives and hearts of these Ethiopians. It is such a blessing and privilege to see His hand in this and to be able to do the good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do.
ReplyDelete