Meet Jema

“Walking into a church again was uncomfortable.”

Meet Jema from Renaissance Church in NYC.

Jema appeared to have it all: great friends and family, a good job in a world-class city. She did everything she could to feel complete and happy, yet something was missing. Jema admits that she had destructive behaviors that were keeping her from addressing her hurts and wounds. The pursuit of success was a distraction keeping her from finding her true purpose in life.

Aware of some deep needs that needed addressing, Jema went to Renaissance Church. But attending church felt awkward at first. Jema decided to push through that feeling of uncomfortableness and was rewarded. She began volunteering, which felt strange. She was rewarded with a greater love and peace than she had known. She credits her Renaissance Church family with this newfound perspective on life.

“Before I always thought I wasn’t good enough or smart enough. But God has provided good work and I’ve seen that my skills can be used for Him!”

Jema now lives with a different purpose. She made changes in her life that have led her to deeper faith. “I may not have that cushy job, fancy dinners out, those new shoes or phone, but what I do have is a focus and purpose, to do GOOD work. I wake up every morning and know that the work I do is for the Lord or an opportunity to be a steward for the Lord.”

People in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Cape Town, and Osaka are finding and growing closer to God through churches started by Orchard Group. As city populations surge, let’s make sure that churches are growing where people are going! #PeopleMatterToGod