Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Hello! My name is Kim and I love working at Grace Church! Throughout my 14 years, I have had opportunities to intern, serve as administrative assistants and currently work with the Grace Kids team as the Early Childhood Coordinator.

My husband of 12 years, Ryan, attends Grace Church which is where we met. We have 2 wonderful kids, Parker (he’s 9) and Sydney (she’s 6).

I am originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Ohio after graduating from Messiah College. My mom grew up in Ohio and moved back to be close to family after my dad died. He passed away the summer before my senior year of high school.

The verses that you just read provided peace during this hard time and for years to come…

The definition for comfort is “the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress.” In our world, we see people in pain…family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, strangers at the store, people in other countries and individuals at church.

“…God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles…”

God is merciful. God is the source of all comfort. God’s mercy is rooted in His love for us. God is our source of peace.

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.”

We live in a world where we need comfort. We should be receiving comfort and actively sharing it with others.

As the Early Childhood Coordinator for Grace Kids, I see pain in people’s eyes and hear stories of sorrow. It is heartbreaking to see adults and children hurting, but it exists. Part of my job is to love them and comfort them. To take time to care and listen. To pray for them. To point them to God.

I am passionate about my job because I have the opportunity to point children to God. Our Grace Kids vision is to build a foundation for life change in kid’s lives. I want children to know how much God loves them. To know God is always with them. To know God meets their needs. To feel God’s peace and comfort in times of pain by being an example of Christ’s love.

As you endure pain, seek God. Be in the Word. Know that you may feel lonely, but you are never alone.

As you see others in pain, point them to our merciful God who comforts all. Provide a hug or a listening ear. Follow up with the person. Pray for them. In doing so, we glorify Him!

Kim Hochstetler