One of our goals at Life Teen is to stay in contact with all of our parishes to make sure you each are supported in this ministry. One of the ways we seek to do this is through our Area Contacts. These are veteran Youth Ministers across the United States who desire to support parishes and specifically, Youth Ministers. Periodically, we will be updating this Blog so you can get to know our Area Contacts. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Area Contact in your area.
Today, we highlight Angela Hamrick, our Area Contact for Virginia.
Angela Hamrick (Profile)
- Born? Richmond, VA
- Favorite thing about the city you live in? The beach and being near family and friends
- Favorite Sport? College Football
- Favorite Team? Virginia Tech Hokies
- Favorite thing about being a Youth Minister? Talking with the teens, praying with the teens, and helping them see how the Lord is working in their lives.
- Favorite thing about Life Teen? I love how the Edge reaches the “tweens”, and I love how Life Teen addresses the hot topics with the teens.
Q and A with Angela
Eric Porteous (EP): Angela, it’s so great to talk with you today. So, tell me a little about yourself and your family.
Angela Hamrick (AH): Well, I was born in Richmond, Virginia, and I’ve lived in the state my whole life. I have three sweet brothers, one sister-in-law, and one more sister-in law to be. We all have a lot of fun together.
EP: I’m sure you do! So, you’ve lived in Virginia your whole life? What do you like the most?
AH: There’s no question about it. I absolutely love the beach. Oddly enough, I like the flat land, and there are no hills around here. So, it’s just perfect for me.
EP: It’s got to be nice to live so close to the beach. We have a lot of dirt and sand in Arizona but not a lot of beaches. Now, I see you’re a big football fan? So, if you have the first pick in a fantasy football draft, who are you taking?
AH: Well, I’m more of a college football fan, so I’m not really sure. Let’s switch fantasy sports…How about fantasy surfing? I’ll take Parko.
EP: Ok, I have no idea who that is, so I assume he’s a really good surfer. So, tell me, how did you become a Youth Minister?
AH: I was pretty active in my youth group in high school and wanted to continue to help, but when I got to college, I felt like the Lord told me to just do college age ministry things. Then, by my junior year, the parish in town had some changes and they were starting Life Teen, which I’d heard great things about. I felt like the Lord said ok, so I joined the Core Team. I got hired about half way through the year. I’ve been doing ministry ever since, but it’s definitely a calling. The Lord has reaffirmed that many times over.
EP: It’s so amazing how the Lord works. What is one of your greatest victories in ministry?
AH: Waking up early for 6:30 a.m. Breakfast and Bible Study. I love sleep, so getting up early is a victory. But seriously, any victories are the Lord’s victories. All glory be to Him.
EP: Amen! Now, you’ve been an Area Contact for several years. Why did you say, “yes” to this ministry?
AH: Honestly, I was tentative at first because I didn’t think I had the time, but I really enjoy it.
EP: What’s been your greatest joy as an Area Contact?
AH: I love gathering with other youth ministers to catch up, talk, and pray. It’s been great to have a network of people all around our state.
EP: That’s so great. So do you have anything coming up for Youth Ministers in your area?
AH: Well, there’s a 2:42 Gathering on November 5th, which is a great time for Youth Ministers to pray and connect. I’d love to see all the Youth Ministers in Virginia join us.
EP: Amen! It’s so important to build community with other Youth Ministers in your area. The 2:42 Gatherings were something that really helped me during my time as a parish Youth Minister. Well, Angela, thank you so much for taking some time to talk today. Please know that you and all the Youth Ministers in Virginia are in my prayers.
AH: You’re welcome and may God bless you always.
