Marissa Gonzalez knows first hand what it feels like to have a husband deployed. Steven is in the Navy and has served for nine years. He's currently deployed and attached to the USS Boxer and like many other military couples, the two will be apart this holiday season.
When the Rock relaunched the military ministry, it was such a blessing when people like Marissa stepped up. She has a real heart to serve families who are experiencing deployments and the everyday stress of a military lifestyle. "There are many people that are stationed far from their families and do not have social support in the local area. I know it can get overwhelming. Being a military spouse myself, I encounter these challenges everyday but I believe that the power of God's love can get us through anything," said Marissa.
This holiday season, Marissa's schedule is non-stop. Not only is she juggling a busy school and work schedule, she's also chairing our December 7th Holidays Open House, with the help of leadership team members Patty Kalaye and Melissa Hudson. The holiday event will feature food, entertainment and plenty of fun prizes! It'll be a wonderful way to kick off the holidays and connect with other military families.
Planning the event has been a huge undertaking but in Marissa's eyes, one that's very much worth it. She says God has done so much for her and now, she's in a place where she can and wants to help others. "I had always battled with shame, guilt and abandonment and felt that I brought these things upon myself. God has shown me that I am not defined by my past nor by things that I have experienced. His grace certainly is enough for me, and because of it, I am now able to bless others and show them too that they do not have to suffer with negative self-concept. God is our creator and he makes beautiful things," said Marissa. Amen to that!
You can meet Marissa and the rest of our leadership team at our Holidays Open House on December 7, 2013 from 3pm to 6pm at the Rock Church, Point Loma - High School Room. We look forward to blessing you. THANK YOU for all that you do!
