October is Pastor Appreciation month, a time for us to recognize and thank those that serve in all areas of ministry. As this month comes to a close, we would like to share the story of one of our own employees, Sabine Khouri. Sabine is our press release writer, who embodies leadership, faith and humility. She shares her ministry experience, highlighting a life-altering stint in Latin America.
Evoke Ministries, the evangelistic ministry that I serve, hosted a city-wide festival in Colombia during the summer of 2014. Photo credit: Michael Harrison
Krystina: Please introduce yourself for the audience today.
Sabine: My name is Sabine Khouri, but I most commonly go by “Amera.” I’m twenty-seven years old, and I most often operate as an evangelist in ministry. Within my home church, I also serve on a team of youth leaders.
Krystina: At what age did you become inspired to minister to the youth?
Sabine: I had dedicated my life to serving God by age twenty-three, but before then I had always hoped to work with the youth in some capacity. I was given the opportunity to go to church summer camp at the age of sixteen. I would say that summer was when I realized my calling in ministry, and specifically to the youth.
Krystina: What are traits you emphasize in your ministry?
Sabine: Native Society, the youth group that I currently serve at Body of One Ministries, emphasizes to our kids that they can become world-changers. I truly believe that. As leaders to a younger generation, we should always be mindful to “train a child in the way that he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6). I am careful to model the traits of Jesus Christ, in hopes that they can take hold of those characteristics for themselves.
Surrounded by some of the middle and high schoolers of my church’s youth group (pictured bottom row, far right). Photo credit: Michael Harrison.
Krystina: You briefly visited Colombia to minister to the local population. What was your most unforgettable prayer-related experience and why?
Sabine: Wow. So many to choose from… One of the most unforgettable prayer-related experiences was when one of the Colombians, a translator and a friend of mine from a previous trip, had asked me to pray for her. She hadn’t felt connected to God in a while. When I prayed a simple prayer, I felt a tangible presence with us. Afterward, she thanked me for my words. A bit choked up and a little teary-eyed, she told me that she felt God’s presence with us in those moments.
Serving as an evangelist-photographer in Colombia this past July. I made a new friend, who was drawn to the area where we were preparing for Festival Vida. Photo credit: Michael Harrison.
Krystina: Who are your role models, and leaders and why?
Sabine: My ultimate role model is Jesus Christ. But you would’ve guessed that, right? I look up to my parents, too. I would not be the person that I am if not for them. God has blessed me with an amazing pastor, and many great spiritual mentors that I have met along the journey.
Krystina: Briefly describe how walking in Christ works to inspire those you minister to.
Sabine: Most strangers that I have encountered (in ministry) tell me that they immediately noticed “something different about me.” I hope that they can sense and see Jesus in me. Many people will not have the opportunity to open a Bible and study it, so I hope to be a walking representation of my God.
Krystina: What is the lasting impression you want to have within your community?
Sabine: I want to leave people curious about Jesus Christ. I have this personal relationship with Him, and I want everyone to experience the unending joy of a lifetime of fellowship with God. Much like the apostles in the book of Acts, I want to turn the world upside down for Jesus.
In her spare time, she runs several small businesses, which consist of photography, wardrobe styling, and personal shopping services. Khouri concludes, “I’m always up for doing anything creative. I live to uplift the people around me with words of encouragement, and I am constantly seeking out opportunities to travel for the Gospel.”
It’s great to see mighty women of God, in the world today after Christ’s heart . Amera, is a demonstration of those who are willing to share the love of Jesus. Her desire to build others in the word of God is exactly what we as believers are called to do. Her passion goes beyond the four walls and the norms of society. Her passion is exactly one word ….Jesus !!!
A wonderful and refreshing article. Sabine is what we should all be at all times, if we really are followers of Christ. Many of us claim to know Him as Lord and Savior, but how is our personal relationship with Christ? Many of us may need to work on this; I know I need to. Blessings, Chris C.
Definitely a refreshing piece! Sabine is one of a kind 🙂