Hello Everyone!
First of all, THANK YOU for reading my blog! My name is Bethaney Sjoquist or Beth for short, I am 24 years old but will be turning 25 in December and I am so excited to share my journey with my Lord with you all!
I live in Apple Valley, Minnesota (where I have always lived except for my time away at college) with my mother and father, I am so thankful for everything they have taught me throughout the years. I have one older sister, Brooke, and like most sisters, we had our disagreement and struggles at times, but she was also one of my best friends growing up and still is! The Summer of 2015 my sister married my now brother in law Mason and it has been great to have him in the family and to have a brother now too! Unfortunately, they are living in another state right now, but when I get to see them, skype or in person, it is great to catch up!
They also have an addition to their family a sweet baby girl born this past summer, because of the world race and Covid-19 I have not been able to get a picture with all of us, we took a picture the Christmas before I left so thankful we have that. Her name is Rosie and she is the sweetest little one, so thankful I have the honor of being her aunt <3
I went to college not too far from home, Minneapolis MN and went to study biblical studies and American Sign Language (ASL). I went to school originally for Youth Ministry but God had other plans. I fell in love with the language of ASL and even more the culture and the people who I met in the Deaf community.
I graduated in May 2018 so have been out of school and back at home for since then. It’s nice to have finished school and see what God has helped me do after graduation.
I am very passionate about connecting with people and seeing the connections that people make with one another. This is one reason I love going to coffee with people and simply talking about life!
My time on the world race (2020):
- January – Mid March: on the international route
- March – May: brought back home because of COVID-19 ministering to people at home
- July – November: launch into the united states for the domestic route of World Race America with my whole squad from the international route
Why the World Race?
I have always had a passion for helping people as well as learning about different cultures and people groups. The World Race is a great opportunity to do both of those passions and show Christ’s love all around the world. If God uses me to reach even one person throughout this whole journey it is worth it.
For the world race specifically, the organization does a really good job partnering and building relationships with the ministries already set up in these different countries. Being able to come alongside and build those relationships provides great opportunities to really go deep in the community even in a short time.
What am I doing now?
Back at home for the time being but hoping to move possibly with my sister and find a place around them, or wherever else the Lord highlights to me! 🙂 I’m enjoying being around family for the holidays and taking the time to look back at this past year
Some other interests of mine are…
Youth Ministry/Kids – I have always loved kids! They have such imagination and excitement that is so important and it’s fun to be part of their journey with God and through life’s ups and downs
Games/Card Games – My family has always been a games family, whenever everyone is in town we almost always play games! It’s a good way to connect and simply enjoy time with one another.
Baking – I having always loved baking different sweets, even though I don’t have a huge sweet tooth myself.
Swing Dancing – I’m a little less into it nowadays, but it’s lots of fun and when I do find the times it’s great!
Well, that’s just a little bit of who I am, thank you for reading! I’m excited to share more about my journey with you all!
Please be praying for preparation spiritually, physically for what God has next in my life.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and please continue to pray for my next steps in where God wants to take me and the people I will have community with.
Thank you and God bless!
