Mirand Moland – Youth, Young Adult and Special Blessings Coordinator
I grew up in Bowie, Maryland with my dad, mom and brother. I went to school at Annapolis Area Christian School in Annapolis, Maryland where my favorite activities were painting in Art class, and playing volleyball and softball.

Growing up I was always involved in my Church’s Youth Group and loved the time I spent there with my friends and leaders. I enjoyed going to different retreats and camps that were centered around Jesus, so much so, that when I graduated high school I decided to become a Residential Camp Counselor over the summer at a camp that I had grown up going to called New Life Bible Camp. This Camp became a home away from home to me and was the first step in sharing the Gospel with others.
I began my college career at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland but ended up transferring a year and a half later to York College of Pennsylvania to play softball. At York, I majored in Therapeutic Recreation which is using recreational activities as therapy. I sought out Christian ministries on campus and met many wonderful people through them, one being my husband, Tyler. Together, we volunteer our time serving Dallastown Middle School Students through an organization called Young Life; as sharing the love of Jesus with youth is a passion we both share.

After college, I obtained a full-time position as an Employment Specialist for Adults who have Autism. The organization I worked for focused on seeking employment opportunities for our clients and offering them assistance to help them grow their skill set and become a contributing member within the community. I loved serving in this area and seeing the accomplishments of the individuals I was working with, but eventually I began to feel like I needed to search for something else; yet having no idea where or what.

About that time Lisa Murr had asked Tyler and I if we could come help at a J-Walkers Bonfire as we had been attending Aldersgate for a few years now. We went not expecting to do much, but it was that night where we both connected with our youth and I got this idea in my head of “What if?” So, since they still did not have a replacement for the previous Youth Coordinator, I applied for this position.

The desire to fill this role continued to grow inside of me each step of the way. I pursued this position praying to God for His will be done in me and in the Youth Group no matter what that meant. Long story short, God ended up answering desires I did not even know I had at the time. After accepting this position, I believe 100% this is the plan and purpose God has set out for me at this time. Tyler and I are excited to see what God does in our lives and in the lives of our J-Walkers and fellow members of Aldersgate! Lastly, it gives me great joy to share that since my initial hire, I am now also overseeing the Special Blessings Class. What a beautiful demonstration of how God works and prepares us for the future of things only He would know what He has in store for us.

Be sure to check out this article in our full November/December 2019 newsletter - Click Here!