ABOUT LARISSA
I have been blessed to have Jan as a part of my life for several years now and one of the coolest things I have watched first hand is watching her dream become a reality in Be-In-Couraged. Her joy and excitement for this ministry is infectious and when you talk with her you can feel her passion. Through her journey of bringing this amazing ministry to you, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of it with her. I have been the one behind the screen bringing her visions to you on the technical side. Be-In-Couraged speaks to me on a very personal level for more reasons than I can list and I have seen the peace that it has brought to others. And who doesn't want to be apart of something so fulfilling? I have gotten more and more involved and have loved every minute of it.
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One of the biggest roles I play in Be-In-Couraged...outside of the techy stuff...is the Outreach Ministry. I have always held a special place in my heart for the countries of Africa and through the years I have "helped" from afar through my church families. I personally sponsor one beautiful little girl named Naomi and two babies through the amazing organization Watoto Ministries. I also sponsor a rescued elephant named Malkia through The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
In 2017 I was presented with the opportunity to spend a month traveling through Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. As the planning for this trip got underway it hit me that Be-In-Couraged had to be a part of this. At the time I didn't know how but I knew God would show me, when I presented the idea to Jan she immediately said yes. So in 2018 I took the trip of a lifetime with the mission to find a mission for us. I encourage you to learn more about it HERE.
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In addition to our Africa Outreach, I am also an active part of our outreach to the women of the Changing Lives Center. Bringing them God's love and reminding them they are not alone at the point in there lives when that seems to not be true.
A little bit about me outside of the ministry. I'm the proud mamma of the one and only perfect Marley. My world is her; I love being her mommy and we are always out exploring. I have faced struggles in my life that I have not let define me but they have made me the strong independent women I am today. Because of my past I strive to live in such a way that empowers everyone around me. Disneyland is my home away from home and I am there as often as I can be. I study the art of Krav Maga and love the way I feel after every class, not just physically, but mentally too. My daughter and I rock climb, run and stay active outdoors. I enjoy college football, specifically my Ohio State Buckeyes! If it has to do with Star Wars, Pirates, Marvel or Disney it is a safe bet with me. Horses and barrel racing hold a special place in my heart.
My family and my faith are everything to me and with both I am able to find my strength to be Brave Enough.
"You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:9-10
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"Dance as if no one were watching
Sing as if no one were listening
Live each day as if it were the last"
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