By Emily Widner
Hey! My name is Emily Widner, and I have had the wonderful pleasure of working as a communications intern at Grace Klein Community during my final semester of college. Grace Klein Community has allowed me the opportunities to grow professionally, but more importantly, to be propelled spiritually. I can confidently say that God led me to GKC for a reason and that reason was to bear witness of the faith that radiates from the staff, volunteers, and partners of GCK. From the moment I began working alongside the team, I quickly realized that this was a place where compassion, service, and love were not just ideals, but lived out daily and it has been the most beautiful display of the teachings of Jesus Christ that I have witnessed in my lifetime.
Emily Widner and fellow intern Lynzie Liddell at Giving Tuesday
The core of Grace Klein is about reaching out to those in need—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and in doing so, they’ve helped me see the world through a different lens. Through hands-on experience in serving others, I’ve come to understand the true meaning of Christ’s call to love our neighbors, and I’ve been encouraged to live out that love in my own life. My life has been dramatically altered by the power of God and the power of love that exists within people like those at GKC.
If you would have met me only a year ago, you wouldn’t believe that I would ever be a part of something like this. I spent my whole life running from religion. I formed negative connotations with Christians and wanted nothing to do with them. Boy was I wrong.
I found God in the most unlikely of places at the most unlikely moment. At the age of 22, I was spiritually lost, mentally exhausted, and ready to give up hope on life. One day while left alone in my day job, I stumbled across a Bible that had been left behind by a customer. In that divine timing, something inside beckoned me to open it. Little did I know, I was about to meet my savior. It seemed that everything I read, directly applied to the circumstances I faced at the time. There was a little seed of curiosity and hunger for God’s love planted inside of me that day, and with it, grew a whole new Emily. A born-again Emily.
Emily Widner at the FEEDBHM Hub
The wonderful people of Grace Klein Community have been such a blessing to me as I begin this walk of faith. They offer a sort of spiritual mentorship that I will appreciate forever. The faith, humility, and grace of the people at Grace Klein Community have etched an indelible mark on my soul and has shaped me in ways I never imagined. Through their selflessness, love, and service, I have been transformed. I am eternally grateful for the profound ways they have nurtured my growth both professionally and spiritually.
Emily Widner alongside Grace Klein Community Staff Members
Thank you all,
-Emily