Deacon Katherine Eisele
What was an important Jesus moment in your life?
My answer to that question is a moment I don’t even remember – my baptism! I was baptized as an infant in a small chapel on an air force base in southern Illinois. What I believe about that moment was that everything in my life since that time has been wrapped in the promises that I am claimed as a daughter of God – loved, forgiven and free to live and serve. Some of my happiest Jesus moments though, would include my birthdays (I do love my birthday!), my wedding day, the births of my children, my commissioning as an Associate in Ministry, and many happy milestones in my sons’ (and now daughter-in-law’s) lives, and yes, even the deaths of loved ones. Most certainly, Jesus has been near to me through it all.
What is the best part about working for Jesus and his people?
I just read today about “digital pluralism” which is a fancy term for saying there are so many stories out there now. We are exposed via internet and TV and social media to cultures, ideas, philosophies, and narratives we maybe didn’t even know existed. The favorite part of my job at Spirit of Joy is sharing OUR story – our God-story. I love seeing children read their brand new Story Bibles – and I love hearing about faith shared in the everyday family lives of our partners. And I love to share God’s story in Sunday Forums and Bible studies, and conversations around a cup of coffee. THIS is the story – the GREATEST story – we have to share. God’s story of love and hope. I’m so privileged to be a part of that!
What is your favorite movie and why?
Two of my favorites: “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and (believe it or not) “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Both are delightful (Christmas) movies about the power of transformation. Ebenezer Scrooge and George Bailey are both given the gift of being able to see their lives through new eyes. Both come out on the other side new persons – able to love the lives they’ve been given, to be grateful for them, and to serve others gladly. As Christians we trust in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away, see, everything has become new?” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Amen!… And hurrah for great movies!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would be able to fly – as in no need for airplane. Superman type of flying. I’d fly over the lakes of northern Minnesota, and into the Rocky Mountains, and into the Northwest Territory of Canada and into Alaska. I’d fly over Greenland and Iceland and hover for a long time over Norway and maybe Sweden. Then I’d come home and tell everyone about my flight. Then I’d write a book about it and donate the proceeds to my favorite environmental organization!