SOS Family Album: Joy Hook
Gather ‘round, SOS family! We’re pulling out a few pages of the family photo album.
We love good stories. And old pictures. And timeless lessons and encouragements and reasons for hope. Who better to share all of those things than some of the SOS alumni family?
This aptly named alumni has deep roots in the SOS family tree as part of Dexter UMC from Dexter, Michigan. From camper to team leader, we have had the really special opportunity to know her from darling tween that kept us laughing to a working woman we count as friend and peer. The one, the only…
Joy Hook
SOS Camper ‘11 - ‘16 & SOS Summer Staff ‘17
What did you learn through your years and experiences at SOS?
“ SOS taught me so much over the years. I constantly was learning new things the summer I was a TL. The biggest lesson was how to be a servant leader. SOS, through the example set by the full-time staff, is an amazing place to learn this. Through all of the opportunities to learn whether it’s at 6 a.m. learning from a leader in the community, or sitting on a hot roof with high schoolers finally figuring out that the main goal of SOS is not to finish a roof in a week. It taught me how to slow down and helped me to realize that servant leaders do not go and take away opportunities when something goes wrong, but come alongside people and just talk to them and encourage them. ”
Memphis Favorites:
“ -Central BBQ pulled pork nachos
-Muddy’s Bake Shop
-Gibsons Donuts
-Sonic”
How did your time at SOS impact you?
“SOS consistently pointed me to Christ and His plan for my life. My last year as a camper I was set to go to college and play field hockey, but after a few days at SOS and truly diving into the word I realized that wasn’t the path God wanted me on. I ended up calling the coach the next week and telling her I was not going to play. My summer at SOS as a TL changed my life because it opened my eyes to how much joy I got through student ministry. My goal through college was to graduate and get some big business job, but SOS changed my heart. SOS ultimately led me to where I am now, which is an associate youth director! It has also provided me with lifelong friends and mentors who I love. ”
What does your life look like these days?
“I just graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Project Management and Entrepreneurship! I started working as the associate youth director at Dexter United Methodist Church in May, and I’m loving it! I get to do what SOS showed me I love, which is student ministry. ”
What’s your prayer for the SOS family?
“My prayer for the SOS family is that they can continue having an impact on student’s lives while showing them what Christ-like service looks like. I thank God that an organization like SOS exists so that students can come and experience being the hands and feet of Jesus in a way that empowers all parties involved. Recently my prayer has been for the full-time staff. I have been praying that they will see that even though this year is so different than what they are used to that they will not be discouraged but can continue to do the work that Christ has called them to. ”
