Get to Know our New Youth Interns
We’re thrilled to welcome Chris and Emmy Moffatt into their new role as Sequoia's Youth Ministry interns! We thank God for raising up such an incredible couple to help our Youth Leadership Team make young disciples for Christ. To help you get to know Chris and Emmy, we asked a few questions about their journey, passion, and heart for ministry.
1. Tell us a little about yourselves! Where are you from, and what is your connection to Sequoia?
Emmy: Originally, I grew up in a small town in the GTA called Port Hope until my family moved to Smiths Falls when I was 13 years old. I got connected to Sequoia through Chris when we started dating!
Chris: I grew up in the West end of Ottawa going to Sequoia and attending the youth group! I’ve been in Kingston the past few years attending Queen’s university but am back in Ottawa for the year.
2. What are you learning these days in your walk with God?
Emmy: Recently, I have been learning about God as a gracious Father. He wants us to rest in His grace and use the gifts and skills He has given us to glorify Him (even when it can be a bit scary).
Chris: God’s been teaching me the true reality of the spiritual war we are in. He has given us the opportunity and responsibility to be active contributors in establishing His kingdom and helping others to grow in their faith.
3. What excites you most about working with youth at Sequoia Church this year?
Emmy: I’m super excited to have lots of good chats and to watch friendships grow as the year goes on. I think God’s got some great things in the works for this group, and I can’t wait to see what those are.
Chris: Looking forward to getting to know the youth! Highschool is an awesome age group that is a lot of fun and it’s an important season of faith development. I’m excited to be able to have some really good conversations, build relationships, and have a whole lot of fun! I’m super blessed to get to be a part of their spiritual journey.
4. How do you hope to encourage students to grow in their faith this year?
Emmy: I would encourage students to grow in their faith this year by using their individual skills and gifts to be a blessing to others and bring glory to God. Like the body is made up of multiple different parts, the church is also made up of each and every believer, and everyone has a role to play!
Chris: By having lots of real conversations, asking the youth to think deeper about some of the more challenging aspects of life, and by sharing openly about how I’ve seen God work in those areas of my life. I also really hope that we’re able to encourage the youth to see themselves as active contributors of the church through service. God wants to and can use them for big things for His kingdom.
5. What exciting plans do you and the Youth Leadership team have in mind this year to help the Youth grow as disciples of Jesus?
We are super excited to start a video series that prompts great questions about the Christian faith and what it means to follow Christ. We also have plans for special variety nights where we will do workshops, listen to testimonies, attend conferences, and other helpful sessions. And don’t worry, we have lots of fun nights, truly epic games, and special activities planned to spice things up too! It’s gonna be epic.
6. Who has been a spiritual mentor or influence in your life, and how has that shaped your approach in ministry?
Emmy: One spiritual mentor/influence in my life is my mom. She is a great example of someone who uses their gifts, skills, and talents to be a blessing to others and grow the kingdom! Her example taught me to go all in, in ministry and trust that God will fill the gaps of my ability.
Chris: A spiritual mentor and influence is my good friend Steven, who I’ve spent a lot of time with these past couple of years in Kingston and he’s really challenged me to truly make my whole life an offering to Christ. How that has influenced my ministry is that he’s encouraged me to rely on who Christ says I am and what He has called me to do so that I may be uncomfortably vulnerable, bold, and not afraid of trying new things.
7. What’s one fun fact about you that people might not know?
Emmy: Arts and crafts are my jam. As long as I’m making something, I’m happy!
Chris: My second favourite beverage is apple juice. It’s just so good. First being a cold glass of good ‘ol fashioned H2O of course.
8. If you could give one piece of advice to a young person just starting their faith journey, what would it be?
Emmy: It can be so easy to see other Christians and wonder why their faith journey looks different from yours. Try not to compare. God has a specific plan and vision for you and spiritual growth takes time and dedication. But know this, He has so many good plans for you if you are willing to trust in Him.
Chris: Be ready to make hard changes. Sometimes God has to tear down what we’ve built our lives to be so that he can build us up into the man or woman of God He has made us to be. There is such an adventure ahead when we lean on him and step into those changes he calls us to make.
9. What are you most looking forward to learning or experiencing during your time as Youth Interns at Sequoia Church?
Emmy: I’m super excited to see how God moves in this group through the leaders, friendships, activities, and discussions. I feel very blessed and honoured to be a part of this community.
Chris: I’m super excited to seeing how God works this year and learning more about how to encourage high school students in their faith. I’m also really looking forward to learning more about how to lead a team where everyone’s spiritual gifts can be utilized to the fullest.
1. Tell us a little about yourselves! Where are you from, and what is your connection to Sequoia?
Emmy: Originally, I grew up in a small town in the GTA called Port Hope until my family moved to Smiths Falls when I was 13 years old. I got connected to Sequoia through Chris when we started dating!
Chris: I grew up in the West end of Ottawa going to Sequoia and attending the youth group! I’ve been in Kingston the past few years attending Queen’s university but am back in Ottawa for the year.
2. What are you learning these days in your walk with God?
Emmy: Recently, I have been learning about God as a gracious Father. He wants us to rest in His grace and use the gifts and skills He has given us to glorify Him (even when it can be a bit scary).
Chris: God’s been teaching me the true reality of the spiritual war we are in. He has given us the opportunity and responsibility to be active contributors in establishing His kingdom and helping others to grow in their faith.
3. What excites you most about working with youth at Sequoia Church this year?
Emmy: I’m super excited to have lots of good chats and to watch friendships grow as the year goes on. I think God’s got some great things in the works for this group, and I can’t wait to see what those are.
Chris: Looking forward to getting to know the youth! Highschool is an awesome age group that is a lot of fun and it’s an important season of faith development. I’m excited to be able to have some really good conversations, build relationships, and have a whole lot of fun! I’m super blessed to get to be a part of their spiritual journey.
4. How do you hope to encourage students to grow in their faith this year?
Emmy: I would encourage students to grow in their faith this year by using their individual skills and gifts to be a blessing to others and bring glory to God. Like the body is made up of multiple different parts, the church is also made up of each and every believer, and everyone has a role to play!
Chris: By having lots of real conversations, asking the youth to think deeper about some of the more challenging aspects of life, and by sharing openly about how I’ve seen God work in those areas of my life. I also really hope that we’re able to encourage the youth to see themselves as active contributors of the church through service. God wants to and can use them for big things for His kingdom.
5. What exciting plans do you and the Youth Leadership team have in mind this year to help the Youth grow as disciples of Jesus?
We are super excited to start a video series that prompts great questions about the Christian faith and what it means to follow Christ. We also have plans for special variety nights where we will do workshops, listen to testimonies, attend conferences, and other helpful sessions. And don’t worry, we have lots of fun nights, truly epic games, and special activities planned to spice things up too! It’s gonna be epic.
6. Who has been a spiritual mentor or influence in your life, and how has that shaped your approach in ministry?
Emmy: One spiritual mentor/influence in my life is my mom. She is a great example of someone who uses their gifts, skills, and talents to be a blessing to others and grow the kingdom! Her example taught me to go all in, in ministry and trust that God will fill the gaps of my ability.
Chris: A spiritual mentor and influence is my good friend Steven, who I’ve spent a lot of time with these past couple of years in Kingston and he’s really challenged me to truly make my whole life an offering to Christ. How that has influenced my ministry is that he’s encouraged me to rely on who Christ says I am and what He has called me to do so that I may be uncomfortably vulnerable, bold, and not afraid of trying new things.
7. What’s one fun fact about you that people might not know?
Emmy: Arts and crafts are my jam. As long as I’m making something, I’m happy!
Chris: My second favourite beverage is apple juice. It’s just so good. First being a cold glass of good ‘ol fashioned H2O of course.
8. If you could give one piece of advice to a young person just starting their faith journey, what would it be?
Emmy: It can be so easy to see other Christians and wonder why their faith journey looks different from yours. Try not to compare. God has a specific plan and vision for you and spiritual growth takes time and dedication. But know this, He has so many good plans for you if you are willing to trust in Him.
Chris: Be ready to make hard changes. Sometimes God has to tear down what we’ve built our lives to be so that he can build us up into the man or woman of God He has made us to be. There is such an adventure ahead when we lean on him and step into those changes he calls us to make.
9. What are you most looking forward to learning or experiencing during your time as Youth Interns at Sequoia Church?
Emmy: I’m super excited to see how God moves in this group through the leaders, friendships, activities, and discussions. I feel very blessed and honoured to be a part of this community.
Chris: I’m super excited to seeing how God works this year and learning more about how to encourage high school students in their faith. I’m also really looking forward to learning more about how to lead a team where everyone’s spiritual gifts can be utilized to the fullest.