Intentional Faith
Aaron and Kaela Schilke both grew up watching and learning about leaving legacies of honoring God, giving and serving faithfully, and loving others. They are teaching their two boys, Josiah and Nathan, that same sentiment. They chose to attend the Pathway Goddard as their home for overall encouragement and an uplifting environment. They have also made great friendships in their Home Team and benefitted from the children programs.
Aaron and Kaela have always given faithfully to the church even when struggling and always putting God first in their marriage. They chose to be intentional in honoring Him and believe that God would supply all their needs. When the Unfinished commitment challenge was launched, they made a decision as a family and committed to that initiative. When the Restored initiative was launched the next year, God called them to increase their giving to a much larger amount. Kaela wasn’t so sure because she did the budget and the numbers weren’t adding up in their favor. Aaron and Kaela have learned over the years that God often calls us out of our comfort zones to trust Him to do great things through us. They put their trust in God, made the larger commitment and have been blessed to have God work out their finances each month. They also have been able to go beyond that commitment and even give to others when they need support.
Giving to Pathway allows Aaron and Kaela the opportunity to model to their kids what it looks like to trust God. Thay have also reached other people in a way that they might not have been able to do personally through the work of Christ in the community and around the world. God uses their monthly gift for His glory and to bring people to Him.
Aaron and Kaela are striving to be more intentional in every aspect of their lives including finances, time, and friendships. They are becoming more involved by serving in Neighbors United and greeting on Sunday mornings. They also serve in the children’s ministry that allows them to invite children to learn God’s biblical truths and make an eternal impact in their lives.
As Aaron and Kaela are still learning to be intentional with all aspects of their lives, they are reminded that it’s all about the attitude of the heart. They choose to give not because it’s the “right thing” to do, but because they have seen God work and are excited for what He has in store. They want to step in and be part of something bigger than themselves through Pathway.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
—2 Corinthians 9:6-8