Karen Damko
I was raised in a loving home with caring parents who were religious. The church we attended was very ritualistic. I was under the impression from early youth that God was a big, angry God. I lived under fear although that did keep me from getting into a lot of trouble.
As a teen, I had a sense that God was drawing me to Himself but it took until I was 29 to have my eyes opened. I was attending a Christian Women’s Bible Coffee, studying the book of 1 John. It was a real eye opener! I came to the realization that I was a sinner and needed a Savior. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9
It was during a radio program (Insight for Living by Chuck Swindoll) that I knelt down at home and asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and to come into my life. This was the fall of 1977. There was no immediate, drastic change but I then had such a hunger for God’s Word. I read the whole Bible through because I was afraid that Jesus would come back and I wouldn’t have finished His Book.
Shortly after this time, my husband Ken also prayed to receive Christ. (That’s a whole story in itself!) We came to a point of frustration with the ritualistic church we were attending along with both sets of our parents. We loved our parents but knew that it was time we found a good Bible teaching church. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matt 10:37) This verse was shared with us, and we knew we had to obey the Lord and not try to just please our parents.
We looked in the phone book and found the Visalia Evangelical Free Church and we soon became members and were baptized in the fall of ’80. Shortly after, Ken had a job transfer to Southern California and we attended The Fullerton EV Free Church with Chuck Swindoll as our pastor. It was a great time of growth for me as I served in the church as a helper in the Kindergarten class and attended BSF for 3 years. I became a Discussion Leader for BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and also became a Deaconess at EV Free Fullerton.
In spring of 1986 Ken’s job brought us back to Visalia and Visalia EV Free. I was involved with the Ladies Bible Study and also became a Deaconess and served a number of terms. I later attended BSF again and was involved as the Assistant Teaching Leader to women inmates at Avenal State Prison. After 2 years the women were moved up north and that ministry ended.
Mostly I have been involved with women through Bible studies, mentoring and one-on-one discipleship. My heart is for women to grow in their love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and to use their gifts to serve Him. My life verse is Colossians 1:10 “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in your knowledge of God.” That is always my prayer for each one in my family and anyone I minister to.
I am currently the Sunday School Director at Visalia EV Free Church (last 4 years). I use my administrative gifts and the gift of encouragement/admonishment to help the teachers and organize the VBS each summer. I also do whatever projects or activities come up to help out the staff. I love my work with these godly people, and they help me stay fresh with my relationship with the Lord.
