Harriet Bohanan

Posted Monday, April 12, 2004

I grew up in the local church, believing that everything I had in Christ was up to me to hold on to. I had lots of "backwards" beliefs which only led to defeat in my life. I knew I was going to Heaven when I died -- but til then, it was up to me to figure out. What a burden was lifted when I found out that was a false belief. I have since learned that many Christians have these same false beliefs and they are affected in much the same way. I guess if the enemy can't get at our salvation, he is content to mess up our abudant life and leave us miserable for a short time here on earth. What nonsense! Christ promises abundance and that is just what He meant...no matter life's circumstances. About 8 years ago God called me to minister to Christian women who had many of the same false beliefs that I had. Our local church allowed me to fulfill this ministry through a series of small groups and Bible studies which I taught for women. I came on staff full time about 6 years ago when they asked me to run the Small Group Ministry at New Life. Then I ran into the Abiding Life Ministry message, sought training, and became not only a small group leader/trainer, but also an individual discipler. Whew! God has been good and faithful both in my life an the lives of others around me to continue to show me that He is in charge and we better get used to that idea. Life really is more abundant when we give into that belief!

Life is not meant to be a series of circumstances that rob us of our happiness, but a series of circumstances which reveal the Christ within us.

I continue to grow/rest/forget to rest/grow/rest, etc. in a cycle that draws me ever closer to Christ. I wish this for everyone!! That is my passion.

Tell us about yourself.
I have been married to my wonderful/crazy husband, Darryl for 18 years. We have three children, ages 6-13 who keep us very busy. I work full-time for New Life Bible church as the Small Group Ministry Leader. Our church is a member of the Willow Creek Association and is truly a seeker style church. I love baseball -- which is very important if you get to know me!!

What is your ministry emphasis?
My ministry is primarily with women who are Christians. I feel I've been called to minister to Christian women who are miserable with life and don't understand how they got there. They keep asking themselves where that "abundant life" Christ promises is hiding -- and what they must do to find it.