God has used the gospel to form so many joyful and humble Christ-treasuring servants at Kaleo Church. Oftentimes we don't see a majority of the service people do to glorify Christ and serve His body. This week we want to introduce you to Kathryn Carr. We asked Kat some questions and hope it will encourage you as well as help you better know her. Enjoy!
1. How and when did Jesus draw you to himself?
I'm thankful that I grew up going to church and have never known life outside of it. I began asking my parents what it meant to be saved around the age of 7. I don't remember a lot of the details, but I do remember my parents saying that there were some truths about Jesus that I needed to believe. Later when I asked my mom why she just didn't come out and tell me, she said it was because she didn't want me to just "do it or say it to please them" without really believing it. But, Jesus wouldn't leave it alone. I remember sitting in my room and thinking about what I had learned about Jesus, that he was God and came and died for my sins, and praying to Jesus. I don't remember what I prayed, but I do believe that is the beginning of me realizing my need for him as Savior and trusting in him. As a 7 year old, my life didn't change much, but as I grew up, my relationship with God began to dictate more and more the direction of my life. God began to show me that he is not only the Savior of my life, but also my Lord, and only he has the rights to my life.
2. How long have you been a part of Kaleo Church?
I came to Kaleo in August of 2013, a month after moving from Oklahoma to San Diego. (It's a great story of God using 2 different people to get me to Kaleo. Ask me about it sometime!)
3. What is your favorite thing about Kaleo?
I love that Kaleo is a family formed by the gospel. All of my family lives in Oklahoma, but whenever I've needed something, from moving to helping decorate and clean up at my wedding, to a listening and encouraging ear, someone from Kaleo has always been there to help in both the practical and spiritual.
4. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?
I grew up in Oklahoma and moved to the San Diego area when I was 31. To make a long story short, God began to grow a discontentment in my life in Oklahoma. I had my family there, a good job, and a good church family, but I began to realize I had no need of a dependence on God. Through a series of events, God led me to San Diego the summer of 2013. I met my now husband, Ryan Carr, at Kaleo and we have been married for almost 6 years now. We have a 2 year old son, Nathan, whom I get the joy of staying home with now. I love getting to be home with him and seeing him learn and grow. We enjoy having friends over or getting to meet up with friends for park dates and adventures. Before having him, I worked as a high school math teacher for about 15 years. Next to Jesus and family, teaching math is my other passion, but it has now become more of a hobby I get to do by helping out friends and family occasionally.
5. How did you start leading a DNA Group? What has been most encouraging? Most challenging?
Oh gosh, I'm not even sure if I remember how I got started leading a DNA group. I think my then DNA leader asked if I'd be interested in leading one as they had a need for more groups and she thought I'd do a good job as I have a heart for teaching and discipleship. The most encouraging part of leading a DNA group is getting to see other women encourage others and be encouraged by the gospel. The most challenging part of leading a DNA is being open and transparent and not acting like I have it all together.
6. What words of wisdom would you give to someone wrestling with whether or not to join a DNA?
Give in and join! I can always tell the difference when I've missed a week or 2 during the holidays or when we go on vacation. I find myself more easily frustrated and complaining more. Hebrews 3:12-13 says "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Whether we realize it or not, day to day our hearts are hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. The solution we see here is to exhort one another every day. That's the purpose of DNA. Yes we can do that in our other friendships and relationships, but honestly we are not always purposeful to do that. DNA gives us the avenue and reminder to be confessing sins and exhorting one another to love Jesus more.
7. How else do you serve at Kaleo?
I serve in Kaleo Kids, at Serve the City, and help out with various administrative needs as needed.
8. What are some of your favorite things to do when you get some free time?
I enjoy being outside with my family and especially getting to wander around the zoo with them. My husband and son love hitting golf balls, and I enjoy trying my hand at that and am slowly trying to learn the game of golf. And when I can, I love being able to meet up with a friend or two for a cup of coffee and quality time and conversation.
9. What are you currently reading?
I'm currently reading "Loving the little years; Motherhood in the trenches" by Rachel Jankovic and "Praying through the Bible for your kids" by Nancy Guthrie. My DNA is also going through the book "Untangling Emotions" by J. Alasdair Groves and Winston T. Smith, so I'm also in the process of reading through it. I highly recommend all 3! The first 2 books are written to where you can just read a little bit at a time without getting bogged down, which is super helpful when you have a little one running around the house demanding your attention!
10. What is something that most people do not know about you?
I'm conversationally fluent in American Sign Language. My degree is actually in Deaf Education (with an emphasis in secondary mathematics). Although it's been a while since I've gotten to hang out and talk with Deaf people, so I'm definitely rusty!
