One Turned Back-Cindy

He pulled out a little container filled with green putty off of a shelf with Bibles, colored pencils, and markers, “Miss Cindy got this for me to use during the lesson. She knows me.” It was a simple statement that was an answer to prayer. I wanted their home church to be one where they would learn about Jesus and the fullness of the gospel, but also didn’t expect them to be small-statured adults. I wanted a church where the foundations of faith were explained, discipleship was intentional, and my children felt loved. While there are many churches that might fit these descriptors, we have found that place at Northbrook.

Cindy is a precious gift to so many of us at Northbrook. She has served our family with her faithful, creative, and organized spirit. Somehow she is able to tame even the messiest of activities into organized and safe events (need I say Messy Wednesday). She adds just enough pizzazz to pull kids into activities without making her volunteers insane. She values relationships over programs, discipleship over flashy events, and learning over performance.

Her vision has shaped Northbrook’s children ministry into the special place it is.

I look up to Cindy and see her as a mentor. She has shown me what it looks like to be faithful in all circumstances. I’ve seen her wipe off tears and then go teach and encourage her class. I’ve seen her be a little irritable about an interruption and then ask for forgiveness in front of everyone. These small moments have revealed to me a person who really seeks after the Lord and a rare humbleness.

Cindy is a person who puts her love and concern into action. When I revealed that I struggled with postpartum depression, she prayed for me and brought me food. She followed up with questions and brought food again. When I told her I was struggling with fostering, she prayed for me and watched my kids (6 boys). When I told her I hated baking with my kids, she laughed and invited my kids over to bake cookies. When I told her I was lonely, she encouraged me and she brought by smoothies for my entire family. Do you see a theme? She in genuine in her offers of care and help.

Here are some things my boys had to say about Miss Cindy:

Isaiah-She let me and Eli bake cookies at the church even though we were too old. She gave us a huge bag of chocolate chips to bake with. Some of them melted and turned into a chocolate bar. It was delicious! Thank you Miss Cindy!

Eli-She is very energetic because she’s always ready to organize the kids at church. She’s like the second boss.

Asher-She’s nice. She always makes me say hello.

Gideon-She’s a teacher. (What does she teach you about?) Jesus. I like her hair.

The Carlson family feels very blessed to have Cindy in our lives. We are thankful for this gift!