by Grace Wu

This Beacon interview, we get to know a staff member — Kaitlyn Tou. She describes herself as “a lover of Christ, a wife, a nurse, and a definite sinner.” She is married to Chris, who also serves on youth staff.

How long have you been serving on youth staff?

I’ve been serving on youth staff for about 2 years.

What made you want to join youth group?

When I was a youthie, I was very encouraged by older believers at Church who spent time to teach me, hang out with me, and love me in Christ. So I wanted to be that kind of encouragement and light in the lives of our youthies, so that they too may come know to the saving knowledge of Christ and how awesome He truly is.

How do you see your gifts being used in youth group?

God has allowed me to teach, admonish, encourage, and love the youth. I am always humbled by how He continues to use a sinner like me to build His kingdom. Only by God’s loving grace and perfect will do I serve in youth, which also means if anything goes wrong, it was His will…  =)

What has been one blessing in the past month that you’ve experienced in youth group?

Being able to spend time with my small group girls outside of church has allowed me to get to know them more. Not only are they so very interesting and funny, but their convictions and struggles have encouraged me as a fellow believer in Christ.

What’s it like to serve with your husband?

Being able to serve with Chris is great! It’s like having your cake, eating it, then serving on staff with it…haha, sorry. But seriously, it is wonderful to serve on youth together. I love to see him get excited when interacting with them and teaching them, it spurs me on to be excited as well.

What is the most important lesson you wish you knew when you were a youth?

I wish I knew back then that God is the Savior, I wish I believed sooner that He died for me by paying the penalty on the cross, and that through His death and resurrection, I have eternal life with Him!