We are thrilled to have Christine's help in our children's ministry this fall as we continue to reach the city. Please be in prayer for her and our children especially in the coming weeks as the summer comes to a close and school kicks off again.
Here is a letter from Christine:
Hi, my name is Christine Altavilla and I am so excited to be the new Children’s Director for Desert City Church! On the first Sunday that our family attended Desert City, I knew the children’s program was special because our boys came out of class asking when they could go back. With 13 years of experience teaching at an elementary school, I knew that there is no curriculum that can send kids home with that kind of attitude. Desert City has the most powerful tool for kids- an incredible community who has stepped up to love our kids. A community of volunteers who are choosing to live out what Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 22:36-40 is the greatest commandment- to love God, and love others. I am so grateful for each of you who are choosing to invest in the children at our church. There is no greater honor than to be serving along side you.
As we begin to walk together on this journey, I would like to introduce myself. My husband, Robert, and I met while attending NAU in Flagstaff. We have three great kids (Luke, Drew, and Jane). We both have degrees in Elementary Education. Robert went on to get a master’s and moved into administration and I stepped out of the classroom and into ministry when God broke my heart for vulnerable children in Africa. I work part time for World Vision, inviting churches around the valley to run for kids in Africa by raising funds for clean water. I believe there is truly no such thing as ‘other people’s kids’ and God invites us to be part of His Kingdom here on earth whether we step into a Sunday School classroom, or run a marathon on behalf of others. My prayer is that we, as a church community, show our kids a reflection of Christ’s love, teaching them compassion, grace, kindness, truth, and strength.