When I was asked to highlight someone’s Community Group story, Becky Baker was the first person to come to mind. I first met Becky about 6 months ago in my Community Group at the time, and she seemed very quiet and kept to herself. She instantly shared with the group, though, about her desire to make friends and really get plugged into a community. Now the Becky Baker I know is a different person - outgoing, open, and an irreplaceable part of the Liberty Union Square community.
I sat down with Becky to learn more about what community means to her.
How did you find Liberty Church? What were you looking for in a church?
I moved to NYC to pursue acting almost two years ago. I knew that I wanted to find a church of my own. Church hadn’t been a priority in my life for several years, so I was curious to see what NYC had to offer. I came across Liberty on the internet while in my search for a great church. I had several on my list to go to but when I found Liberty I knew instantly. I’m an actor so the fact that the LoMa service was held in a theatre gave it huge bonus points. The music was amazing and the message was so good that I took notes - I had never taken notes in church before, so that was what really sold me.
How long were you going to Liberty before joining a Community Group?
It took me a little over a year to sign up for a Community Group. I think I was scared. I didn’t have many Christian friends, and at the time God wasn’t my number one priority. This past September I decided that I needed to be a part of this church for real, make some friends and just go for it.
What was the first Community Group you joined? How did you feel before going?
I joined Jessi and Gracie’s Single in the city community group. I was so nervous. I had no idea what to expect, I didn’t know anyone and I was so out of my comfort zone.
Tell me about your Community Group experience - how it started, how you began to feel involved, any “big moments” for you?
When our group first started it was huge. There were so many girls there, which was awesome, but I have a tendency to let myself fade into the background. I had to make sure that when questions were asked I didn’t keep quiet. If I had something to say, I said it (that’s kind of a big step for me). I am a fairly social person, kind of shy at first, but making friends with girls is such a daunting task. Well, until I met this group.
I remember specifically one night, Jessi asking if we had any prayer requests and I said yes. I had been struggling with overeating and eating things I shouldn’t and then feeling guilty about it. I would beat myself up almost every day for not making the right choices. So, Jessi prayed and immediately asked me to come over the next day for more prayer. I truly believe that was the start of my journey to having a deeper relationship with God. A lot of great things came out of that prayer session - revelations about myself, about why food had such a hold on me, about my relationship with God among other things. It was amazing. Plus, I left her place that day with two new friends.
By the end of the group, I laughed, cried, got rid of some clothes and got a cute new scarf in clothing exchange (thanks, Casey!) and made so many new friends.
How has being in a Community Group changed you/your life?
I’m totally getting emotional right now. I mean, being in that group, being with those girls showed me what true friendship is. I was so desperate for that kind of relationship. I didn’t even know how desperate until I got there. I have a support group now. I have girls who inspire me to be the best me that I can be. I have people like Gracie or Tia to sit with at Church and, side note, Jessi told me that I’m not allowed to sit alone at church ever again. I have to find a buddy. I used to be terrified to sit in the front - I always sat in the back because I was intimidated to be that close to the action. Not anymore! I’m usually in the second row with my hands lifted high and singing my heart out to God.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I truly believe that God wanted me to move to NY to be closer to Him. He wanted me to find Liberty Church and He knew exactly how to get me there, too. My focus is no longer on myself. My focus is on Him and his plans for me. I’m happier than I have been in years and God changed that in less than four months. If anything, that is the biggest and greatest change of all. I’m so excited about Jesus! I’m so excited to see where my life will go next and I am so blessed to be a part of this community.
by Gracie Gordon
@Alagracie
