By Jodi Krause

Photo provided by Lacey Jager

Four years ago Lacey Jaeger never would have pictured herself in the position of Early Childhood Pastor. However, now with a children’s ministry degree and title of North Central’s Class of 2007 Valedictorian, she has found herself in that exact situation.

Before graduation, Jaeger posted her resume on North Central’s Center for Youth and Leadership website. Soon after, she received a voicemail from a Children’s Pastor in Lawton, OK regarding the opening of an Early Childhood Pastor position. “I called him back, originally intending to tell him that I was not in any way interested in the position in Oklahoma,” Jaeger admits. Whatever her intention, there were many telephone conversations that eventually led to an interview in January 2007.

“I really felt like Lawton was where the Lord wanted me to be,” Jaeger said. “Honestly, it felt like home.” Even though she has no family in the area, the church staff and members of Lawton First Assembly of God have welcomed her with many close friendships.

Jaeger’s key responsibilities at Lawton First revolve mainly around working with children from birth to pre-kindergarten as well as working with volunteers who help to care for those children. However, she is also involved in planning events for the children and their families. On July 4^th, Lawton First teamed up with another local church to put together the first “I Love America” celebration. This event, with inflatable games, bands and fireworks, drew in an estimated 22,000 people from the community.

The cultural differences between Lawton and Minnesota are not entirely due to geography. Lawton is also located near the military base Fort Sill. “Because [Lawton First is] in a military community, we get people from so many different backgrounds,” Jaeger notes. “[We are] a very multicultural church.”

Although the military brings great diversity to the community, it also brings much change. “It is hard to say goodbye to the many families who are sent other places,” Jaeger said.

Although this position is not what Jaeger had in mind while training at North Central, she feels that God was preparing her to go to Lawton. “The one major theme I learned throughout college was ‘trust God’,” Jaeger remembers. “It was a recurring theme in my life to just trust my Maker, and in every class and activity at North Central, I felt like that was the main thing God taught me.”

When it comes to fulfilling ‘biblical models of leadership and ministry’, the evidence is resounding in Jaeger’s life, even just a few months removed from her graduation.

“It has been a great ride, full of challenges and rewards,” Jaeger expresses. “And I am so glad God has orchestrated it all for me to be here!”

Contact Lacey by email at ljeager@lawtonfirst.org.

Check out the Center for Youth and Leadership’s website www.youthandleadership.com.

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