When Jena looks back on her journey, she sees a clear pattern—God was at work long before she realized it.

In high school and college, Jena admits that her focus wasn’t on faith. She poured her energy into grades, sports, and achievements—the things right in front of her. Her identity and sense of worth were tied to performance and success. But after graduating college and completing a two-year rotational program through her company, she landed in Hoboken and hit a low point.

“I was feeling very depressed and isolated,” she recalls. “I didn’t know anyone here at the time.”

It was during that season that a friend reached out after seeing her struggle. The friend suggested she check out a local church called Hoboken Grace. Curious, Jena searched online and stumbled upon our story videos.

“I stayed up watching so many of them that night,” she says. “I just remember sobbing in my bed. And I was like, they know something that I don't know or that I'm missing. They just had an overwhelming sense of peace and calmness. They were content in who they were. And in that point of my life, that was so foreign to me.”

That moment sparked something in her. Jena decided to take a step forward and attend Hoboken Grace. She quickly jumped into a Dinner Group—something that felt outside her comfort zone—and began to open herself to community and faith.

It was through that group that one of her friends, Diane, encouraged her to try serving in Grace Kids. Jena wasn’t so sure at first. “I remember thinking, ‘What could I possibly have to offer a bunch of fourth and fifth graders?’” But she trusted Diane and decided to say yes.

That simple yes turned into one of the greatest blessings of her life. Over seven years, Jena served in our kids ministry and had the joy of watching many of those same kids grow from fourth graders into high schoolers. “Every Thursday at VIBE, they would run up and hug me,” she recalls. “It was the most fulfilling thing to know I had made even a small impact.”

For Jena, serving became more than volunteering—it became a way God healed and grew her faith. For a long time, Jena thought she needed to get herself together before she could serve. But she found out it’s actually the opposite. When you step in, God works through you, even in your brokenness.

Recently, one of the girls in her small group sent her a message before her move to Colorado:

“You were always there when I needed you. Your impact will last far longer than you think. Your love and support helped shape me into who I am today.”

That message reminded Jena that the seeds she’s planted in the lives of these kids are part of something much bigger than herself. We may never see the full harvest but what we’re called to do is show up and love—because God does the rest.

Jena’s story is a great reminder to all of us: You don’t need to be perfect and have it all together for God to use you. He meets us where we’re at. We just need to be willing to meet Him.

So if you’re wondering whether you’re ready for God to use you, maybe the better question is: Are you willing to say yes? Because that small yes could change everything.

Even in brokenness, God works through us when we simply show up.

To watch Jena’s story, click here.

To learn more about serving on VIBE, you can email kelsey.thompson@hobokengrace.com.