5 minutes with Janelle ...

- Tell us a little about you

I am a netball playing Pastor’s kid who married my country boy fourteen years ago this year. I transitioned from stilettos to Blundstones with ease and love living in rural Victoria. Our two incredible children keep me busy as does working in the family business and attending Bible College part-time. I love God and I love His church. I’m determined to live as a reformed procrastinator.

- What's your favourite bible passage & why?

This is a hard one. The fact that the Word of God is alive and active means it is constantly speaking to me and revealing so much of God to me as I read it. In saying that I guess I can’t go past John 1: 1 – 5,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

I am so grateful for Jesus.

- How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

This has looked different over the seasons of life for me. Some times it’s easier to be more intentional than others. Overall, I have tried to bookend the day with gratitude for who Jesus is, all I have in Jesus and all I am in Him. Having a “word” for the year has recently been something that I have found helpful in keeping me connected to Him.

- What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

I would love for them to know that they are enough. God didn’t make a mistake in creating them. They have a purpose and a destiny in Christ and He has equipped them and empowered them to fulfill it. They are not alone.

- What's one thing that you love about your local church?

I love that our church constantly provides people with the opportunity to encounter God, through the praise and worship, the teaching, the prayer and conversations with others. Every week people are invited to meet Jesus, be it for the first time or the hundredth time. There is an authenticity and realness in our church that makes it a very special place.

- What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard?

Seven years ago our son was diagnosed with severe Autism. He is non-verbal and is profoundly delayed in many areas. To say those early years were hard is an understatement. On the day of diagnosis, I felt relief and terror. Relieved because now I knew the reason behind so many inconsistencies in his life. Terror because no one could tell me anything about the future for my boy. I was suddenly adrift. I remember sitting with my husband and through the tears thinking, “God doesn’t make mistakes, Harrison (our son) is not a mistake.” The presence of God was almost tangible to me and I knew that I wasn’t adrift. I wasn’t alone. I felt the love of God and that all those things I had read about Him in the Bible, that He is a shelter, a shield, my strength; in that moment I knew in my heart that it was the truth. God was with me and would carry us through this journey. I knew then as I still do now that He is faithful and true to His word.

- What are you passionate about?

I am really passionate about people! People being treated with honour and respect no matter their background, gender, ability or age. I think this comes from a desire to see everyone be given opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Loving God and loving people is my passion.

- What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

I love spending time at home with my family. To switch off completely I enjoy a good book and love going to the movies.