Serving Side by Side

Transitioning from one church to another can feel like an emotional minefield, can’t it? In some cases, people we loved and thought would be in our lives forever seem to vanish. Suddenly, we’re unfriended on social media, ignored in messages, and spoken about in ways we’d never expected. It’s painful—almost like we’re strangers or, worse, like we’ve become enemies. But I believe God allows these transitions to draw us closer to Him, especially when we feel the hurt of separation. People’s reactions may reflect their own pain, confusion, or misunderstanding of our journey. And while it’s tempting to feel resentment or to try to explain ourselves to everyone, the truth is, God knows our hearts and our motives. He knows when we have done everything we could to leave graciously, to preserve peace, and to remain humble. Romans 12:18 reminds us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” When people unfollow or disconnect, it may reveal that the relationship was mor...

  Hi there, I’m Andrea. If you’ve taken a moment to read my bio, you’ll see that I wear many hats—just like any other mom, wife, entrepreneur, and ministry wife. For the past 24 years, I’ve been living abroad, and for nearly 20 of those years, I’ve served alongside my husband in ministry. As I get older, I’ve noticed how life shapes us. The highs, the lows, the joys, the heartbreaks—they all mold our character and build resilience. Looking back, I see how much God has changed me. If you met me 20 years ago, or even 2 years ago, you’d be meeting a different version of myself. While I certainly don’t love every challenge life throws my way—suffering, illness, even betrayal—I can’t help but see how God has used those moments to transform me. I’m still learning, still growing. One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is how to set boundaries in love. The “old me” would stretch and bend to please everyone, but I’ve realized the importance of drawing lines—saying “no” when necessary ...

Talking with a dear friend who has been a ministry wife for decades and excels in hospitality, she shared with me some drama unfolding in her church. It's the kind of drama that involves pouting and ultimatums, "my way or the highway" attitudes, that can be deeply hurtful, making her question everything she's done over the years. Ministry life is filled with joy, but it also bears a heavy weight. One mistake in a church member's eyes can overshadow all the good you've accomplished, challenging your character and integrity. People might say to separate church work from home life, but that's practically impossible, as ministry intertwines with your very being.      This situation reminds me of Rebekah, a model of hospitality and service. When Abraham's servant was seeking a wife for Isaac, Rebekah's kindness shone through as she offered water to him and his camels. In Genesis 24:19, "When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, 'I wil...