This week we introduce Amanda Bickert to you. Amanda is the Childcare Coordinator at the Huntington Beach Club and she has such a HUGE heart not only for the babies and toddlers but for the volunteers and pretty much all people. Here in her own words, is Amanda’s YoungLives story:
If you were to ask me seven months ago if I trusted completely in the Lord, I would have quickly responded with a shaky, unconfident “yes.” Last year I experienced God closer than I ever had before- He pulled me from darkness and showed me His love in miraculous ways. I was transformed, yet I still had trouble fully trusting Him. He had already done so much to prove His sovereignty and undying love for me, yet I felt I didn’t know what it was like to solely rely on Him. My friends would tell me about experiences on mission trips where they had no choice but to trust in God, to which I felt I could not relate. I was beginning to think I would never experience that level of trust, that level of intimacy with God. Then…YoungLives happened.
Last fall, I was approached with the opportunity to be the Childcare Coordinator for North OC YoungLives club nights. I had volunteered in childcare several years prior, so stepping into more of a leadership role felt like a natural step. God called me to take a step of faith, but I had no idea the lesson He was going to teach me along the way.
Fast-forward to my first club night as Childcare Coordinator- there were so many unknowns. I thought to myself, “What if no volunteers show up? Will the parents trust me with their children? What happens if a kid throws up (still my worst fear)? Will I fail at this task God has given me?” I was becoming overwhelmed in a situation I had voluntarily walked into.
But then I flashed back to a conversation with the previous Childcare Coordinator, Cristen. She told me that God always makes club nights happen. He knows every detail of the night and exactly what is needed to make it happen. He always shows up and is always faithful. At that point, I had two choices. I could continue to fear the night ahead of me, or I could turn to the feet of Jesus with arms open, hands empty, TRUSTING that He was going to provide.
Feeling like I was out of options, I turned to worship and prayer. God met me and reminded me how big He is and how small I am. In my weakness, He is my strength. God took my fear and replaced it with glory. He lovingly nudged me into the unknown, where I would have no choice but to trust in Him completely.
If you’ve served in childcare to any degree, you know it is madness. It’s messy, loud, frustrating, and of course exhausting. I can honestly say that if I didn’t have Jesus, I would leave every club night in a heap of tears. BUT, Jesus is there. He shows up. He provides for His children. He makes every night worth it because I know He is doing great things in the hearts of the teen mom’s and dad’s in the room next door. He transforms the lives of the teens, volunteers, and YoungLives staff by us simply choosing to show up. He provides the perfect number of volunteers every week for the number of children we have. It’s stories like these that I couldn’t make up if I tried. God is literally in every aspect of club night. He knows and takes care of every detail.
I am eternally grateful that I get to witness the glory that this ministry radiates, and to learn first-hand what it means to rely on God fully. He desires for us to know and trust Him, but we must show up and be willing to stand empty-handed, prepared to let Him move.
Amanda Bickert :: Childcare Coordinator
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6
northocyounglives.com 