Heather Castle
I grew up on a very small farm in the town of Bronson, MI (by small I mean 5 cows, 4 horses, a few pigs, chickens and an occasional goose). I am the youngest of four girls and a pastor’s kid. Thus our house was full of God’s love, lipstick, hairspray, and lots of joyful craziness. I came to SAU in 2001 and met my husband on the very first day- Thank you Lord for Core groups! However at the time he was only my friend. Stephen and I got married on July 23rd, 2005 and 6 months later boarded a plane for Zambia, Africa with the U.S. Peace Corps. We spent 2 years living in a mud hut in the little village of Kang’ombe. Ask me about it sometime and I’ll talk as long as you want. Some of my favorite things are laughing with my husband, playing with my nephews and nieces, hanging out with 7th and 8th graders, and playing MadGab.
My Story
I grew up in a Christian home and have loved being a part of the Church my whole life. Honestly there was not a definitive moment when I felt Christ “come into my life” but my life has been a journey of knowing Him more and growing deeper in my relationship with Him. I feel as if God has always been with me, and the sweetness of that thought moves me to tears.
He has provided for me numerous times throughout my college career when I thought I wouldn’t be able to make the next payment. He has walked with me through the death of my beloved Mother, and the death my best friend for 15 years. He has changed my life through a community of poor Zambians. And He is continually shaping me into the woman He wants me to be.
My Ministry Journey to SAFMC
I was always heavily involved in church youth programs and enjoyed interacting with others. I am a people person and so when I went to SAU I knew I wanted to work in a field that involved working with people. I thought about doing youth ministry but felt that, in order to be more practical, I should make it a “plan B”. However God didn’t like my idea of “being practical” and He helped me to realize that I was designed for ministry and would never be happy anywhere else. So I switched my major and in 2005 I graduated with a Youth Ministries major and Psychology minor.
After our two year commitment with the Peace Corps, Stephen and I moved to Sandusky, MI where I ministered at Countryside FMC as the director of worship. After a year there, Stephen saw a job opportunity open up as a Resident Director at SAU and jumped at the chance. I was equally excited to see a position was also open at SAFMC. We applied, had interviews, and here we are today.
What I do at SAFMC
I am the Director of Young Teen Ministries which means my ministry is to 7th and 8th grade students. I organize group gatherings and create safe environments with the purpose of loving on and discipling young teens. I also build, equip and support leadership teams so that they can effectively minister to young teens as well. What this comes down to is me relationally investing in adults and students and pointing them to Jesus Christ.
