Heart Warming True Story from the Church Tech Booth - Jojo

Jojo was a bright and creative young teenager. She has a quick smile that lights up her face and the rest of the room. She was and is one of my favorites at church.

When Jojo was 12 she declared to her parents she was no longer going to church (sound familiar?). That didn't work for her parents. They wanted Jojo to be involved with church and youth group. Plus they did not feel comfortable leaving her at home alone as both parents were very involved in the traditional worship service.

Jojo's father asked if Jojo could become a church techie during the traditional service. I was thrilled! I had been having a hard time recruiting a techie for the traditional service. Most of my techies were teens and everyone was willing to do the contemporary service with their cool band - but a choir, hymns and mostly seniors in the sanctuary was a hard sell. Often, I ended up doing the tech during the traditional service.

Jojo was smart and quickly learned everything she needed to know. When I came in the next week, I found the church bulletin covered with doodles - some were quite good. Jojo was there physically but bored. So I went to the craft store and purchased colored pencils and art paper. I told her as long as she listened enough to get the hymns up there on time she was free to draw.

Each week I discovered a new piece of art on the desk. I really enjoy this. Three years past, until one Sunday Jojo told me she could no longer volunteer in the tech booth. My heart sank - why I asked? Jojo said I can't be a techie and lead worship. Jojo was going to start singing in the church band.

I was stunned - this child who had not even wanted to come to church would now be leading us in worship. How did that happen? Well for years Jojo had been in the room - drawing - yet a part of her was listening. That's all it took for the Holy Spirit. 

This is a true story although I changed her name to protect her privacy. Jojo is all grown up now. She is a dynamic and positive woman who often volunteers with the youth in our church. And she is one of my favorite people there.

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to use something as simple as the tech booth to transform a life. God bless, Lisa