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ABOUT HOPE

Wood

  • Karen Wood

  • Director of Children's Ministries
  • 804.708.5330 ext. 113
Primary Responsibilities
Direction and Vision for "The Big Adventure," Developing Volunteer Leaders
Fun Facts...
Bio

Having grown up in the great state of Northern Virginia, I have lived in Richmond for the past 11 years with my wonderful husband, Hank, and our three children.

Growing up, my family attended church and I participated in Sunday School on a regular basis. At a young age I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ through my father, who became a believer during the charismatic movement in the late 60s. I have very vivid memories of attending Friday evening worship services with “hippies” and absolutely loving the music and the message. While I believe God began a work in me at this time, my faith did not become living and active until I was an adult.

I received a degree in teaching from William and Mary in 1983 and taught elementary school after college. As a college student, I dabbled in Bible studies and had some Christian friends but this is not where I spent a majority of time or energy.

After teaching I returned to graduate school and received a Masters degree in Health/ Fitness Management from American University in 1987. This prepared me to manage and develop corporate health and fitness programs.

Nine years ago a friend invited me to attend Community Bible Study. The word of God became alive to me and Jesus has since changed my life. Over the eight years that I participated in CBS I was given the opportunity to be a core group leader and children’s teacher.

During the first couple of years that I was involved with CBS another friend invited us to attend Hope Church. The children’s ministry played a significant role in our subsequent decision to join Hope. We have been a part of Hope since 2000.

Fast forward a few years to the time when we first had a middle schooler. After our son had a great summer camp experience at Camp Willow Run with many boys from our neighborhood, I began to wonder about how kids this age would continue to develop their faith. God lead us to begin a breakfast for middle schoolers. It is through this ministry that God discipled me and my family in ways that changed our eternities. God showed us clearly that by loving neighborhood children we were loving our neighbors. The conversations and relationships as a result of hosting middle schoolers in our home each week were clear instances of God’s hand at work. God has since continued to grow my desire to reach children and their families with the love of Jesus Christ.

In 2006, I was asked to join the staff at Hope to lead children’s ministry. God has clearly led me here for this reason and I have been blessed to be a part of Hope.