Debbie Cornejo has been attending Lake Avenue Church for several years. This past month she was baptized here in LAC’s Worship Center. She shared with our church family about her journey of faith - a story of both joy and hardship. In the joys and the sorrows of her life, her friend Diane Howard, was a constant source of encouragement and a conduit of Christ’s love for her.
“I met Diane when I began volunteering in a school for children & adults with special needs. My son, Dion, born with Down’s Syndrome, was attending the preschool program where Diane was the Director of the Children’s Program. Because of my administrative background, she asked if I would consider being part of the school staff. “I joined in 1987,” said Cornejo.
Debbie always knew about God growing up in a Catholic family. Her parents raised her in Catholic traditions without exemplifying the heart of Catholicism in their own lives. With an alcoholic father and a dysfunctional childhood, Debbie chose to marry at a young age simply to get out of her home setting. After seventeen years of marriage to her husband, they divorced and Debbie was left alone, scared, confused and broken. Debbie’s friendship with Diane was key in strengthening her faith during this difficult time in her life.
“Diane began working with me, providing food and shelter for my children and me, words of encouragement and care. I never had this in my life, someone to guide me in the right direction. I always remember the posters in her office that provided positive insights through the beauty of pictures with inspiring words,” said Cornejo.
Diane was a true representation of Christ’s love to Debbie. The selflessness with which she sought out the best interest of Debbie and her children taught her to put her trust and confidence in the Lord and not to be anxious. As the two continue on in their friendship, they offer each other accountability in their personal walks with the Lord.
“Diane & I continue serving the Lord each day in all that we do, whether in our workplace or outside of work with our families. When we come together each week or at the end of the business day, we share whatever challenges or blessings have been received. My life is now very meaningful and complete. I can’t imagine living without faith. Praise God,” said Cornejo.
We thank Debbie for sharing her story with all of us at Lake Avenue Church.
To find out ways to get connected visit the Pathways Center on Sunday mornings, talk to a pastor or volunteer leader at the Saturday night service or visit our website at http://www.lakeave.org/pathways