Called to Chosen: Ghenere's Role in God's End Game (Part 2 of 2)

Foreign. S to Stories of Freedom, a podcast about discovering and embracing who you are in Christ. On each episode, we'll visit with people who have overcome obstacles, gained freedom, and found abundant life in Christ. These conversations will highlight the goodness of God woven throughout the lives of his people and teach us as his children to appreciate that very same goodness in our own lives. We will journey together, growing to better understand how to live this life free and fruitful in Christ. You are listening to part two of a two part episode. In fact, before we get off into other parts of the conversation, Janaire, you and I met and talked because of some different international work stuff. But when we met, I told you in that meeting that I had reached out to your parents because I wanted to have them. You've also mentioned Claudette and D. Keith Bennett who are coming on. They're also going to be guests on this show. They're yeses and, and we have them confirmed. But I had reached out unsuccessfully to, I guess an old email and I had sent a couple of emails to your folks being like, hey, I'm Amanda, I'd love to meet you and hear your stories. And I can tell you, Janera, I was sitting with you in our zoom meeting, meeting you for the first time and with the Lord. Oh, I see what you're doing here, Lord. I was like, in that moment, I knew I was going to get a tradesies like with you and your parents. I mean, I still want to have your parents on and hear all their stories. I can't wait to be more informed in, in order to ask better questions, having heard your story ahead. And so I want to point to that because I think the Lord's in that business right there. But it was so funny because I knew in our time, she's got cool stories, Lord, if we could have her on, I'd love to hear her stories. And so I, I love that and I love that you're here. And I just, I really thank the Lord that He gives us vision for really cool things that are possible with Him. Right. And that we get to potentially see that and then watch him bring them about. Right.

Well, that reminds me of one of the things that was just on my mind about your story. I mean, I was just looking at my notes too, is you mentioned earlier your life lived in seasons, but you also mentioned some painful, lonely seasons.

Yeah.

One of the things that you flew past was that you went from Trinidad and Tobago, like this little island just north of Venezuela, you know, in the Caribbean, to New York City. Like, so one question is how did you. How did you get from Trinidad and Tobago to New York City? Tell us about some of those seasons of what that brought about. But then also, I think one of the fun things about Eugeneaire is that between your parents, your ethnicity is so awesome. Like, may I just say that? I mean, you're. You're Indian from the subcontinent of India, Hispanic and black. Like, what a cool mix.

Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, the. I think the Hispanic probably like a small percentage because it's in their bloodline. It's in my dad's bloodline. It's in. You know, but, like, in Trinidad, they call us doglers. Right, okay.

Say that again.

Douglas.

Douglas, yeah.

Douglas. So they say, like, you're mixed. So you're mixed with, like, Indian and African, you know, because, like, in long. Like, long ago, you know, that whole mix of the two races was not always that popular, you know, so my mom being an African, my dad being an Indian, and then mixing for their. For their kids being mixed doglers. Because every Trinidadian is type of. Is probably mixed. Like, the more. When you meet more of us, it's like, okay, what do you mix it? Oh, wow, you have that in you. So I really mixed up. But do is like, Ojane is a real definition of a dogler. She's African Indian mix, you know, so. So. Yes, that's one part for real. That was just the second question. It was shorter, so.

Good, good.

Yeah,

go ahead.

Yeah. Just that first question of tell us about your move to New York City.

Yeah.

How did that go? What were some of those lonely seasons in there? Because I would imagine some of that came from moving away from home, but share that part of your life with us.

Yeah, it kind of really started because I could just see exactly how it happened with the whole New York thing. But it really started, like, wow. Because we're in 2026 now. It's like kind of six years ago when I was in a corporate city, corporate setting, and God would have told me it's time to leave my job, and I would have left my job in the middle of. The job was permanent. I love what I did. I was a marketing coordinator for a mall and kids powder milk. It was owned by the same person. So I love Christmas. I love all this stuff dealing with the kids. But he was like, all right, Janae, that season has come to an end. And it was in the middle of the pandemic, so who leaves your job in the middle of the pandemic? But during that time, he shifted my whole focus on servant leadership. I went through a whole understanding of agriculture, the series of germination, and saw my life as a seed going through germination, you know, and. And I remember that year I was going to launch my brand because I was working with a brand strategist for two years before that. So I was turning 27 on the 27th of June. So it was perfect to launch my brand. I mean, wow, it's a golden birthday. Perfect for marketing and pr. And God was like, Kirks Halt, you know, And I remember talking to him and he was like, not yet, Janae. And I was like, God, we're working on this for two years. Like, what do you mean, not yet? And he introduced me, as I was telling Ambanda, even earlier, like, he re reintroduced me. Because sometimes I say, introduce me to a Genet I never knew existed. And mommy, my mom, was like, no, no, no, he reintroduced you to Genet. That was always there. You just know method, you know. And when I was being branded to be like a presenter and motivational speaker, somebody in front got totally took me behind the scenes. And my job after that that he brought was a producer, and we all know producers that he wants behind the scenes, you are not seen at all. Right? You are the one that creates a story. It's not about you at all. But even though you're the engine room. And that's why I learned with working with others, because the team also was a difficult team. They weren't valid. So I was coming into me bubbly, oh, my God, it's happy to like knowing and doing that. And it's like, oh, let me just love them, you know, so that. And then during that time, I was able to do my master's for one year because that job is very flexible, you know, so God made me do that. So that was really good. And I was ready for a career leap. I was like, okay, God, let's talk. Where is this? Where is this career? And he's like, shanae, remember we spoke missions, which we did. And that's when I joined the Logos Hope ship for three months. And that was the first time I was away from my family. And it was very hard. I hate ship life. I do not paint my testimony to let anybody know. Like, oh, my God, it was so good. Like, no, I hated ship life, but the purpose behind it was so powerful.

Okay, and stop. Okay, stop. Or stop right now and say it again. Because you. You're speaking so quickly because you're into your story, right?

Yeah.

Tell people, because I want you to get into it. I'm super excited to hear about this. What is, what is the name of it? What does it do? And then tell us, tell us the things. Yeah, right.

So when God reminded me, no genea, no career leap missions. So I was like, all right, we spoke missions. So I knew about the Logos Hope, which is the largest floating library in the world, Christian literature. And I knew people from Trinidad personally who went on it. So I was like, okay, let's go in a familiar territory. So I did, and I took the step program, which was three months and was ship life. And I hated ship life so much. And I do not pretend to anybody in my testimony that, oh my God, it was such an adventure. We're sailing through the Middle East. I mean, wow. Through the Middle East. A region that I know I'm called to, but not like, you know, it wasn't a cruise line, but it was, it was, it was, it was lonely because it was the first time away from my family and a very family oriented. I was living with 325 people, 75 different nationalities. You're eating with them, sleeping with them, bathing with them, going to church with them, socializing with them all the time. And as much as I'm an extrovert and I love people, I still extroverts, recharge, right? So I had to balance myself. But in that ship, besides a whole lot of podcasts, we could talk about that. Like, besides the Middle east and the strategic geographical location of all those countries that I really take a deep dive on, that's a whole other thing. God really took me there because my step team, I was the eldest, right? So I saw that God, this is how I. This is how I explain it. Okay? I have some young people coming from all over the world to the Logos Hope I need somebody to help them. Oh, yes, Janae, she's available. Let me take her. That's the best way I could explain it because I was 29, so it's my last year for my 20s. So my whole nine years in my 20s, I was able to take all the lessons during that, all the lessons during that time to help them with where they were. People from Hong Kong, from Switzerland, from Sweden that I still talk to today. And they're leading their spheres of Christian influence. You see how that was that. So he really prepared me. But I always knew, like, when I came back home, I continued with mission and all these different things and whatever he assigned to me. But I knew, like my mind had opened up. I mean, you just learned about so many cultures and cultural intelligence, which is so, so, so important in the missions field and the Great Commission. And I was away. I went to London for a little while, and then I was a bit uncomfortable then. Not uncomfortable like uncomfortable physically. I've just, like, my spirit wasn't settled or. One of my friends was in New York. We always travel as a family to the US all the time since I was a little girl. So I was like, okay, I'll go to New York before I go home. When I was there, one of her friends was like, oh, Janae is in the country. I know she loves young people. We're having this basketball event. Tell her to come and volunteer. So I went, and I was just giving out chicken and helping everyone, and it was just nonprofits. And I was trying to kill time while I was in New York for Jariel to come over because she was finishing exams. So I was just trying to use my time wisely. Anytime I feel like I'm not doing anything, I'm like, no, I'm too. I have too much fill up, too much gifts to just be dormant. Like, who needs help right now?

Oh, girl.

What?

Shouldn't all. Shouldn't all children of God say the very. Say and believe the very same thing? How differently we would live.

Correct. Yeah.

How differently our lives would look if we said, I have been chocked too full of gifts by the Lord to do nothing with them. You're a delight. Just timeout, Janaire. I just want two seconds to just be delighted in the Lord for your company today. So keep going. Keep going. Come on, girl.

And I mean, there are times where we have to be still, because trust me, I had to slow down so many times like that. But you know, you know, when it's like, okay, God wants me. Let me help out somewhere. So it was a STEM nonprofit, not a Christian organization. They did STEM after school programs. Very, very nice school nonprofit called Morrison Mentors. And I just helped out. But the leader, he didn't want me to kind of just go to day to day. He just wanted me to help with strategy. So he said he had pain points. So every time he gave a pain point, I asked you, Lord, I was like, help me, Lord. Like, strategy, Amen. What to do?

Amen.

But it was simple. It was just love, languages and value and his team and reminding the team of their why. It was a simple answer to it. But I came back to Trinidad, had the Freedom in Christ conference to do, and I had a huge mega project to do for a corporate company. So I Was like, balancing that conference and that it was a lot. And the nonprofit called me back to do some consultancy for them just for three months, and they extended it. And then I realized, whoa, this is actually happening, you know? And while I was there, God provided a space for me, and I was living on my own differently from the ship. But it was still. I think the ship was still preparation to be away from my family. I had to learn responsibilities. Go to the grocery on your own. Be responsible. Take your garbage out. Hate that. I hate garbage. Please. Like, oh, my goodness. Like, I. Let me call. I still call my dad. And every time he comes, he like, jana, don't forget, you have to take the garbage out. Let me tell you, garbage.

I love that you're such a real person.

I really feel that times with my garbage days and problems with the bathroom. I'll call panicky. Oh, my gosh. How did the bathroom. I think the landlord had a little plumbing issue. So I'm like, oh, my gosh, water's coming back up. What to do, what to do, you know? But those are the moments you have to stretch. Amen. I will say something. And it said in Proverbs, lack of Christian community is the debt to the Christian faith.

Say it again.

Yeah. The lack of Christian community is a debt to the Christian faith. And that was the struggle for that time in New York, because everything I did was. Was, you know, you socialize with work, you go out with work, you do everything to the point that you be. You began compromising. And then you begin to see, like, all. All habits or old thoughts that you thought you put dormant started to just, like, resurface, you know, like the familiar spirits. But everybody have their own way. So I don't want to say anything that's not theological.

You're good. You're. You're good. You're good.

You know, so, like, those things. And that's when he struggles came and then, like, the lack of account. It was hard. It was really hard. But you had to stay with it. But my teams were 26 years and younger, so I saw that even though I was in a secular company, I saw it as ministry every day.

Amen. Amen.

But it really stretched me in a different way. But God did tell me 2024 would have been challenging. He did say that. And every time I came home for a weekend, I did not want to go back. I'm like, okay. I think because I was so accustomed with short term, short term, short term, short term. So I know, like, God had me here three months yeah, six months. Yeah, three months. Six months. So I saw that New York. He would have just wrapped it up in three months, but he had more to do for me. And then, like, I already found a church even before that job even came, because I was comfortable at a church before, but I wasn't consistent because work became the priority. But when God really wanted that season to end, he halted it, and he was like, all right, Janaire, that has to end. And that week right after was the marriage filming in Tennessee. And honestly, as much as I supported my parents during that week, that was honestly a personal retreat for me. I tell all my friends that, because that was a time where I really dive in to hear from God. And after that, my whole life was just ministry, you know, stop and tell

us the time this. This mayor, you've come. Your parents are recording in the U.S. we're recording our marriage course stuff. They're. They're presenters in our marriage course curriculum that we're producing. And right now. And so you're here. What year is this?

So this is 2025, right?

This is last year. I just want to make sure that as people are listening to your timeline, they're caught up. Like, this is real time. This is just last year you're talking about, right? Okay, take us from there.

Yeah, just last year. And God really just wanted to just close up some things. Now, if I be very honest, God told me to end that season

June,

and I disobeyed, right? Ooh, ooh, ooh.

Don't. Don't miss this. I want to dive into this so big. Okay, so. So finish what you were going to say, but I want to come back to this.

No, I was told you June, and I disobeyed because I felt like. Like I knew what he told. I knew when God speaks to me. And we spent a long time. And I wrote it down, and I was like. And you said, wrap up by June, but the dates just come. And I was like, no, it's. You know, because now I have an apartment that I go back and forth. I have rent to pay. So before, Janae could have freely be like, yeah, but now, Janae, I have responsibility, so you can't trust me in that moment. So I did. I had delayed obedience, but it was still disobedience, because who knows what would probably happen for the rest of the year, right? We don't know. We'll never know, because I disobey. But he redeems.

And amen.

Romans 8.

28. Amen.

And. Yeah, but that was a Wait and period. And I'm still in a waiting period. But today, that changed earlier today. But God is. Yeah.

Amen. Amen. Well, I love it. Anytime we have been waiting for the Lord, there's a particular way that traction feels right. When you feel like you've been, like, in the same place, like, your. Your engines are still running, you know, you're not moving because you're stalling it necessarily. Right. Like, but when the Lord moves things that have not been moving previously feels some type of way. Right? It's just like, ah, something's different here, something's different there. I didn't make that happen. Only the Lord could have moved us in some areas. And so then it's like, oh, something's going on, something's happening. It's like being queued up for a ride or something, right? And. And then you're, like, waiting, and then all of a sudden it starts going and. Yay, Team Dan. What you got? You got anything good over there?

Well, yeah, well, hopefully, but that's what I was.

I mean, just honestly, I'm hoping so.

Yeah. Well, yeah, we hope so. But, yeah. Gennara, I was just thinking, what would you. I mean, because you talked about how you missed the connection with the body of Christ, right? You used the word accountability. You talked about the lack of fellowship, some loneliness there. What would you say to other young men and women about the importance or the need to find a good, healthy local church and get connected?

Yeah, I think it's number one priority. And I was privileged that God gave me a church before the opportunity, because he did, you know, and it's more than just online service. I'm getting a message like, okay, I want to Church on YouTube. And I wrote my notes down and I'm ready for the week. Like, God does something in community. Community gets you accountability. Community makes you have fun. Community reveals things to you. Like, I have such a very good friend based through community, and her name is Kyra. Right? And Kyra is that same level of strength and. And being grounded because it. It helps you see your blind spots. And what happened is that my foundation of my parents and then family was always my fallback, so I was okay. But now, Janae, you're on your own. Like, you don't have any parents or, like, family of your foundation here. So now I had to understand the role of the church. And a lot of people may be kind of surprised when I'm being very honest. Like, I always knew the role of the church, but I knew the role of the church A little bit more being on my own with the last season. Now I understood when my parents would drop and pick up people from church. Now I under. Because I was now that person being dropped and picked up. Or when somebody just say, oh, I cooked dinner, Janae, I'm sending you over bowl. I'm like, oh, usually my parents do that. Now I am the receiving m. To the point that my parents say that they feel as though their blessings is written also through their children being blessed at spaces where they can be, you know, and it was kind of like, I'm like, oh, now I'm in that space. Now I understand what it means to do life. Like, that's what the church is there for, you know? And it was so, like, marvelous to me because no matter how grounded you are, no matter how much you know Christ, it's so beautiful when you continue to learn more attributes in him. No choice to do life with him, you know, and that was so important. Like, one of the things, what my pastors asked me to lead, like a one group, like a small group, and it was just girls, and they came over to the apartment and they will come at 8 and leave at 1 in the morning or 12. And you all know I'm not a night person, but they hung out all night and. But that was community, right? Because they're in a safe space. We talk about God, we do Bible study, but then we talk about all the things, you know, just life, right? It helps you. So I would say definitely get plug in because it's the most important thing. You can't. It's. No, it is a debt. I'm so sorry if people think like I'm, like, being strong. It is the. It's a slow debt. Yes, it's a slow debt because you don't die immediately. It's a slow debt. I died. I came back alive. God restored me.

Amen.

It's a slow debt. And in Proverbs it talks about that. Because I had a dream just the other day and God was telling me. I read Proverbs. So in Proverbs 12:26 is what basically explains that Christian community is a slow debt to the Christian, right? To the Christian. Yes. And my translation says, the righteous should choose his friends carefully for the way it leads them astray.

Beautiful. Beautiful. All good. Good word, sister. Good word.

One of the things that. That talks. Our responsibility to choose so good. The friends that we allow to speak into our life at what level. Right. We have a responsibility to. I mean, guard our heart. Right? To be aware of what we're listening to and who we're listening to and what they're saying, so just wanted to pull that out. There's another scripture I want to get back to at some point, but. Amanda, let me have you. I'll save that for the kind of wrap up because it does talk about the, the main point of what Janae wanted to get through.

There's something I do want to talk about that I don't want to miss in our time together, Janaire, and, and, and this can fill out any number of ways. There's not a right way to, that I know of to this.

Okay.

But I don't want to miss pointing out for people that you are unmarried. That's correct, yes. I mean, like, if, if, if people aren't listening. The Lord made just a fine and beautiful woman in you. I mean, just, just stunningly beautiful. And this is. No, I, I didn't plan this, but I don't want to mistake this because I don't want to miss off on this. You're very smart, you're very talented, you're very well trained. We can tell you're chock full of giftings from the Lord. You're. You're beautiful under the hand of the Creator. Thank you, Jesus. But also, you are single and serving the Lord, and you are in your, in your early 30s. Right. You're right there. I don't think that that's by chance, and I don't want to miss that. And so I'd like to invite some making room in some of these conversations because I think there are many unseen, beautiful women and, and very handsome and talented men.

Right.

Following the lord in their 20s and 30s, and who knows beyond. Right. Who are making decisions to present themselves to the Lord and to his work. And so what does that make you think? I mean, take from there, Geniere, because, oh, my goodness, you're single in your early 30s, and you're doing the work of the Lord. You could be married, correct?

Correct. I could have been. I could have been probably like two or three times.

I can only imagine. I mean, like, I'm not single.

Just being honest, you know, But God utilizes me so much in my singleness. I think half of the things that I could do, I don't think I would have been able to do. I was not saying. I mean, you all are married, so you all understand what I mean. He just like, you like that back fourth season seasons go here. Like, you can't do that, you know, especially when that time, that season comes in terms of Sharing. So I think he utilizes me during this season.

Amen. Amen.

Until that changes into that stability, which I really look forward for, you know, that stability.

Amen.

Raising, you know, your kids, especially of boys, because I believe that boys have such a huge role in God's.

Amen.

I mean, girls, too, but I really love that. Just. That's just a little gen being all girly right now.

But

I think, like, I must say, my parents has been very transparent, you know, with their marriage. And I really have a very good. Not expectation, very good example in my eyes. And sometimes, you know, people even wonder. Janae knows too much, you know, to the point that if that she's probably very specific. You know, we have, like, a lot of information, but that's not it. I thank God any right time, he will be ready. And there are moments where I would have met, like, really nice, very strong Christian guys, but I knew in my heart this was not the space to be. Some people probably would have disagreed with me, but I always say it very simple. If the Lord speaks to me directly about other areas in my life, why would this area be more tricky and more difficult? So I learned, definitely, that I also learned, you know, during this time of contentment, and I think singleness have so many layers, you know, and, like, I was watching this podcast at the time, and she's like, singleness is a piece of cake. But she didn't mean piece of cake as simple. It's really layered, you know, And I remember seasons where it's like, okay, if you're fighting, you don't want to be like this. You're being very, like, all the attention I might get with guys, if you like, oh, you like the attention, then, like, you go into a place of, like, when God really strips you, prunes you, heals you from different things you would have exposed your life to, then you would have gone into different stages of contentment, you know, where it's, like, not even on your mind. And then you go into stages, like where I am, where it's like, oh, I'm actually ready. Like, you know, you think about it in a different place. And now you're seeing, like, what is your role of a wife very differently, you know, the role of. Of your husband and his calling, you know, and all these different things and the importance of, like, things that God would have called you to. Because a lot of people will see my personality, strengths and be like, oh, wow, that guy have to come real good. Boy, that guy had to come real good. But I say, you know, you all ever thought about I have to come real good because this guy is being cultivated, you know, with his strengths and what God has prepared for him. Like too many times we just see like, oh, she has such a strong personality. He has no, because you don't know who I am being transformed and prepared for that person, for them to see sides that the world don't see, you know, just the size that we're called to be, you know. And yeah, I think that's a little bit in terms of where I'm at. I think if I miss anything or you want to ask me anything about it, you can. But I'm very transparent with it and I'm thankful for where he have placed me and I look forward to his promises being fulfilled and I'm okay with however that he wants to do. I mean, there are times, I mean it's not, you know, it'll be like, okay, God, you know, you're not talking to anybody. You forget your phone. It's not, it's not vibrating, it's no messages. But as okay. Because all his promises are being fulfilled and he knows the right time and it will. It has to make sense too with seasons. Right.

So I guess my only follow up question is, are you taking applications from eligible young men between 30 and 35 who love the Lord and have a high view of marriage?

One thing I learned about community, they said, and when you're in community and you're single, people let you meet different. For young people, that's the next thing a community also makes. Helps you when making decision making. So you're not alone in a corner, like in somebody. What is somebody else opinion? Oh, this person. You know, I think this, you know, there are certain areas I need to grow in. Oh yes. This is areas that they need to grow in.

You know, that's so cool. I think, I think I'm asking the question that may already present itself as evident. Right. I'm going to ask a question that may seem it's asked and answered. But how does your freedom in Christ impact your view of these years and your singleness and what may come after? Like what? How does your freedom in Christ impact how you look at your singleness and then walk from it?

I. That's a very good question. I've never been asked that question. So let me think of it. I think take your time. Yeah, I think it goes into like identity and contentment. A little bit identity because like it helps with the no comparison. It helps with not being envy of where people are because you Know, at moments like when you would see and it'd be like, oh, wow, look, that happened. So you'll see, like girls around my age, automatic, you know. But then I kind of remember who I am, and then I remember what I'm being used for in this season. And then I have to also remember his track record and reputation. So what helps me is when I look back on the grace that he has given me, how much he has freed me and restored me. And then it's like, you know, it's like even the Book of Hosea, right? I was looking at a movie with my parents on that. And it's like such an intimate place with God. Like, I'm even in a. So how I spoke about seasons before and when PD had asked and I said, you know, every season I learn a different characteristic of God. So I went to like, shepherd and king and father. And now I'm in a romance one when I understand, like, he's a lover, my beloved, you know, it's very, very intimate, you know, and the way how God, like, you know, when Jose had said, like, I lure her into the garden that I and remind her of the God of her youth, you know, And I was just like, sorry, man, very emotional because, like, God did that to me, you know, at times when it felt like you were so away from the truth, but he did that. So those are things that to me grounds your singleness, you know, when he replaces the lie or where you were or things that you would have done or sin or even like, with your purity. And all these different things that you thought would have been like, oh, my gosh, that's the end of it all. But God restores that to the point that he gives you a whole different identity to. I'm being very honest. All of the things that you would have encountered, you felt like you've never encountered it before. Because God restores and he redeems. I'm being very transparent here, you know, and it's like God does that. And then in the other part in Hosea, when he said, you no longer call me master, you call me husband, you know, so you get to know God differently. And I feel as though before I could even share my life with somebody, I have to know who God says I am and who he is to me. And that grace, and that grace and that grace. Because there are times where I struggle with not giving people grace. I'm not seeing. I'm not, you know, just be like. Be like. Like, I wouldn't have patience. Like, oh, my Gosh, you're supposed to know better. Like, why is this person doing that? You know, especially in Christian faith, Like, I'd be like, whoa, whoa. They didn't go through that season. Like, God took me through that season. Why are you trying to fight to be seen? Like, God didn't take you to a buried season. He took me through a buried season. But I had to go through that grace because I have to extend grace to my husband, you understand? So there are things that I have to learn during this time that we feel we already. But it's not just about cooking and cleaning and washing your feet.

Right.

So it's a little bit more than that. So, yeah. I hope I answered a question.

Oh, girl, you're doing a great job. I don't even remember what the question was. Your stories are so engaging. The questions don't matter. What the Lord brings up, right? What the Lord brings up in the midst of that, that's what's really sweet. So you're doing an awesome job.

And one of the things that you said there from Hosea, that really touched you was that he would remind you of the God of your youth. And what it brought back to mind is you tried to break up with him when you were 17.

Yeah. Correct.

Correct.

And he's like, honey, this is what we have is too important for you to break up with me. And he didn't pressure you, but he actually. He didn't guilt you into anything. He didn't shame you into anything, but he actually acted in such a way that you were drawn in. Lord, you speak to me so often. Why aren't you saying anything right now? Right. You were actually attracted to him, and then you got this message from someone else who was close to the Lord, just saying, hey, I just sense this. Just amazing how he. And I don't even quite know what to do with that connection, but just that he reminded you I'm the God of your youth and he didn't want to break up.

Amen. Amen.

And when God, like, when I think about some of the things that I would have done, and he holds the pits, I think the pits that I would have been in, you know, like, where I'm. I'm like, wow, God, you just, like, rescued. You know, there's so many songs like, God rescues us. God renews us. He restores us, you know? And, you know, there's a song that says the keeper of my heart, you know, and it shows. Like, it's like you chase me every time. You're the keeper of My heart. And there's the next one by the same artist. Sorry, it was just my album for my recent season, and it's all better than I thought. And you always. And part of the song, it speaks about grace. And he said, your tone changed with me, you know, when I thought that you were angry, you extended the grace, you know. And one thing I want to encourage everybody with is, like, when God restores you. And this is the most beautiful thing about Abba, right? When he restores you, he places you right back where you were. And Father, more comprehend that because he doesn't put you back to the beginning of the line like, okay, Sinead, this is where you. This is where we left off. And he's so beautiful with that, you know. But that could only be done because of how genuine our secret place is.

Amen.

Amen. That reminds me of a scripture that struck me years ago, and it's where Jesus, you know, when in Matthew 22, for example, when he was asked by the lawyer, what's the greatest commandment? He goes back to Deuteronomy, chapter 10. Oh, now, now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord with your God, with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today. And these four words stuck out at me. For your own good, for your own good. Like God doesn't want us to. To love him and obey him, just so that he. He's like, yes, I want another one. They're. They're obedient to, you know, subservient slaves to me. No, no, He, He's. He's clearly had your best interest through your parents, strictness with grace, through him not letting you go. Right. He said, I. And, and this goes back to your. What you want people to take away from. I have so much more for you than the world has to offer. I have so much more for you than disobedience could ever provide.

Amen.

Right.

I have so much more for you because of what Jesus has done and who you now are as a new creation in Christ. Which brings me to then Revelation 19, which I was reminded of when you talked about the end game, God coming back. And which reminds me of what in the international Freedom in Christ ministry, we talk about sometimes of, of. We really see it as our role to help the bride prepare herself for the return of the bridegroom.

Right?

And in Revelation 19, it says in verse 7 and 8, Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. And it says the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints. Right. And so there's this. We know in, in, in our ministry, we talk about how God took our sin and gave us his righteousness when he made us a new creation.

Amen.

And we have some responsibility to walk in and walk in and live out that righteousness by his power in the community of the church. And, and the righteous acts of the saints are our wedding garments for the return of Christ. Right. And you're talking about, you want, you want people to understand what is my role in helping the church prepare herself for the return of the bridegroom, Jesus.

Amen.

Right?

Amen.

Genere, you've been, I'm sure, a tremendous inspiration to many. I know you have been to Amanda and I today, and we are so grateful that you've shared your story. Is there any last thing you want to just share with our audience to encourage them to participate in God's end game of returning for his bride?

Yeah. Well, first, definitely, you all have been a blessing because it's through obedience and something that, you know, I say only to specific people, especially when I see it happen. It's like, thank you for your obedience, you know, because if you didn't say yes to freedom in Christ, if you didn't say yes to your position as president, or you didn't say yes to this season with the podcast, this wouldn't happen. And that's like how the Ripley domino effect of how Christ yes to him is, you know, and I just want to leave because there's no secret in what I'm passionate about, which is next generation, which is generation now. And I always tell people like my, when they always ask me, okay, Shania, where do I put what? You know, I was just like the next gen gatekeeper. And I encourage everyone to be the gatekeeper for who they're assigned to and remember that everything is seasonal and this is with a season. But we have people and young people coming up under us and this story matters. So there's young girls who need that story of restoration, that struggling with that unequally relationship. And those are some of the things that I work with behind, like strategies for leaders and all these things. It doesn't matter. The one on one coffee shops. I'm like, leave that guy, you know, is what Matters more and just walking through. So I just want to encourage everyone, really ask him, what is your role in the end game? Because the reason why I said that question at the beginning is because all that I would have shared before has led me to, okay, God, I understand my role in this end game. You have preserved me and protected me for this time. You chased after me. We have such a loving relationship because I have a role in that end game, which is to keep your truth and pass it on to the next generation.

Amen. Awesome.

And even in you saying that, you know, part of the implication is you didn't always understand your role. You had to ask the question and you had to trust that the relationship with Jesus was enough for that season until he showed you, here's my purpose. And the relationship with him is always enough. And he's worth it. He's worth waiting. He's worth dedicating yourself to. And then he reveals that role a step at a time.

Amen. Amen. One of the things when y' all were talking in this last little bit and between both of you, it. It brought up for me, it reminded me of the scriptures in Jeremiah 29 and, and. And you'll hear it a lot in most everyone's favorite is Jeremiah 29:11. And, and that one is super beautiful. And, and so we're in some of those scriptures, but in 10, right? It kind of sets. It kind of sets it up and it says in Jeremiah 29:10, this is what the Lord says, you will be in Babylon for 70 years, but then I will come and do for you all the good things. I will bring you home again. And 11, for I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. The plans are for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope in those days when you pray, I will listen. 13. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

14.

I will be found by you, says the Lord. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of all the nations where I sent you, and I will bring you home again to your own land.

Right?

So. So that's what that made me think. And then as you were talking this, this last little bit, Janaire, I was thinking about 2 Corinthians in chapter 5, and it says chapter 5, verse 14. Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we all have died. We all died to our old life. Life. He died for everyone. So that those who receive this new Life will no longer live for themselves. Instead they will live for Christ who was. Who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone and a new life has begun. And all of this is a gift from God who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us you. It's obvious, Jeannaire. To listen to you speak is to know that you recognize that you have been called by God to participate in this thing that is being spoken of in scripture. This and all of this is a gift from God. 18 who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors. God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead come back to God. Right. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ. And then six. And then six. As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. Right? For God says at just the right time. I heard you on the day of salvation. I helped you. Indeed, the right time is now. Today is the day of salvation. And that's what you are reminding people of. The question that you asked in the beginning, the question that you keep talking about. Where do you see yourself like, where are you meeting with the Lord in that? But then so much more. Genara, your testimony is so ripe with you desiring to listen to the Lord. Many people do. Not. Many people will listen to this because all, all types of people will be able to hear your story. And so there are people who, who maybe have lived your life and it looks like yours and they've. They've been attached to people attached to Christ their whole life and then learn to become attached to Christ and live

out of that place.

But there will be people who have been attached to no one and have known no God. They know nothing of this language that you're talking about that you would genuinely believe yourself to be connected with the. The God of the universe and that he would speak to you d about little and big things that would blow their mind. And that that's what we really call Christianity. To be an intimate relationship with Christ and to live out of that place. That's what your testimony is rife with. Right. That's what people are going to see. And I cannot thank him enough. And I cannot thank you enough for your obedience. You mentioned it earlier. For your. Yes. We are so grateful. We believe that the Lord is going to use this, whatever we find in post production. Right. The Lord is going to use this to shine a light that draws men back to him. May the Lord make it so. Right.

Thank you for show. Amen.

Amen. Amen.

Amen. Yeah. Thank you, Jenna, for sharing your story, your story of freedom.

Amen.

With our listeners. Because it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Amen.

God bless you. Thank you for being with us today.

Thank you so much.

Bye bye.

Thanks for listening to this episode of Stories of Freedom. If these conversations have blessed you and you want a partner in the work that we're doing, we would love that. Freedom in Christ is a donor based ministry and so we need people to feel led by the Lord to join us in the work he has us doing. Could that be you? Go to ficm.org give to see and find out.