Taylor’s Story

“Volunteering has always been a huge part of my life all the way back to the Key Club days in High School. I’ve volunteered at camps for children and adults with disabilities, helped build a school in Cambodia, took care of rescued elephants in a jungle sanctuary, and taught English in Thailand. Radically loving others (even animals) has always been so important to me. ⁣⁣⁣
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It wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I started attending Journey with my now husband David. I would drive up every weekend from Kent to go to the Fairview Park Campus and a year later made the move to Cleveland. I loved serving in First Impressions and meeting new people each week! Last year, though, was a pivotal time in my life. Myself and 12 others went on a mission trip to South Africa and Megan Gallagher was one of the 12 who went. We connected so much on that trip and my heart had exploded for ministry. When we returned home from our trip, Megan asked David and I to join the Cleveland Hope Exchange! ⁣⁣⁣
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If you heard my entire story, you wouldn’t understand how I made it out of the darkest time in my life. I’ve endured so much pain, hardships, and made mistakes I never thought I could be forgiven for. All the credit goes to Jesus who undeniably set me free. ⁣⁣⁣
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For this reason, I’m passionate about sharing with others these truths: you are immeasurably loved, seen, heard, worthy, forgiven, redeemed, and set free. ⁣⁣⁣
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In South Africa, I was able to share my story and bring hope to those who couldn’t see a way out. I used to think I had to travel across the world to reach people, but God has revealed to me that I can reach people in my own neighborhood. The Cleveland Hope Exchange allows me to do just that and at the end of the day, I receive just as much hope as I give out——which is the best part”!!⁣⁣
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~Hope Leader Taylor Venezuela~