"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do some-thing. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." 
           -Edward Everett Hale

...About Jodie

     Jodie’s greatest passion is to help other’s soar in the things of God. Some of her favorite people are YOUTH.  Jodie believes youth are the heart of a community, when you reach young people, then you change a community forever.  With over 20 years of experience in leading a faith community, Jodie endeavors to use whatever tools necessary to reach this generation.

Authenticity...
     Jodie’s unique ability to reach today’s youth stem from her own difficulties as a young girl.  She faced difficult life challenges from the early age of six when her mother and father divorced. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, alcoholism, poverty, dysfunction, and heartache surrounded Jodie. She is familiar with the pain, setbacks, stigmas, and obstacles young people face today. Her circumstances pushed her to look for help. She found an everlasting strength and hope in a simple decision to follow Christ. Because of this decision, every hurdle she faced allowed her to grow in knowledge and character and propelled her forward into the destiny that she now lives each day. She is a perfect example that your past is not a blueprint for your future. Her philosophy is that no matter the circumstances you were born into or the past choices you’ve made, you were born for greatness and greatness starts today!

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Professionally...

     After high school, Jodie joined the military and loved everything the military had to offer.  She excelled quickly and was stationed all over the United States as she served her country in the medical field. After her discharge, she went to RHEMA Bible College, where she earned a degree in theology and is currently ordained.  For the past 20 years, Jodie, and her former husband pastored a local church, where she thrived in helping others live the life they were born to live.
     Throughout those 20 years, Jodie had the privilege of leading mission teams comprised of youth and adults, it is here where she discovered a deep love to reach the nations. She spoke and led both pastor and youth conferences wherever she took teams. She was also an active liaison between the local church and the community.
     Recently, Jodie finished another year of college course work in the area of mental health and substance abuse counseling. She believes that these two areas are overlooked greatly not only in rural communities, but the church as a whole. Jodie desires to utilize her training to further strengthen her reach so that more can live strong, intentional lives.

Personally...

   Jodie is happily married and grateful for her supportive husband Matt. He brings much strength and joy into her life. They are each others greatest fans! They have seven children, Meckenzie, Joshua, Chandler, Sarah, Maddison, Justin and Collin. They reside in Mid-Michigan on a lake, where she and her family enjoy all water sports and outdoor activities, from windsurfing to scuba diving. Jodie is a devoted runner, she believes she receives some of her greatest insights during a good run. She is an avid reader and considers herself a lifelong learner.  To hear more from Jodie's heart, check out her blog!  http://jodiemariehopes.blogspot.com/