We truly couldn’t do what we do each week without our HDC volunteers. Collectively, they represent the face of our church family; they are the heartbeat and lifeblood of our church, faithfully serving in a variety of ways to help set the tone and atmosphere, as well as uphold our purpose and values every time we come together. Their dedication provides spaces for worship, opportunities for connection, and helps support the work that God is doing at High Desert Church to make much of Jesus in the lives of people. This place would not be what it is without each of them playing their respective roles. They are “like living stones being built into a spiritual house” (1 Pet. 3:5). One body consisting of many parts, with Christ as the head (1 Cor. 12:12-14; Col. 1:18).
Today, we wanted to highlight a couple more of the people who make up the awesome community known as High Desert Church. So, meet Tom and Debbie Harrie!
How long have you been a part of HDC?
I (Tom) walked into HDC Victorville on April 6, 2013 where I heard the ABC’s for the first time and felt God calling me to Himself. The next morning, I surrendered my life to Christ. We started attending HDC regularly, and I took the Anger Management class with Pastor Tim Wheeler. That summer, I attended a Men’s BBQ where I signed up for the Authentic Man men’s group in AV. There I met Ken Cooper. Ken became a mentor to me, and we started a men’s small group in Apple Valley. Debbie and I joined a couple’s small group. In 2014, we were baptized and officially became members of the church. During a sermon, Pastor Tom shared the benefits of attending the campus closest to our home, so we moved to the AV campus. Debbie began to volunteering as a greeter and I joined her.
What are some words or phrases you would use to describe what your life looked like before you came to Christ?
At that time, we were very worldly, and focusing on trying to be “successful.” My theme song was Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With The Devil.” There was something missing, and we were constantly chasing after what we thought would fill the void.
How has God worked to bring you to new places of humility and dependency on the Lord? How has HDC played a role in your spiritual growth?
We had a religious life but not a relationship with Jesus. That’s what we found at High Desert Church – guidance in building a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Through small groups, men’s, women’s and marriage retreats, apologetics classes and HDC-U, we have grown tremendously. One of our favorite experiences has been the study trips to Israel, Greece, & Egypt with Pastor Kurt. All of these have contributed to deepening not only our relationships with the Holy Trinity, but also godly people who have poured into our lives and inspired us to do the same. We now have the confidence to boldly share the gospel and serve others.
What volunteer team(s) do you currently serve on, and how have you personally been invested at our AV Campus over the years?
I (Debbie) currently serve on the leadership team for Campus Experience. Tom can be seen most Sundays greeting and also serves on the Security Team. On Tuesday nights we host men’s and women’s growth groups at our home – “men in the garage, women in the house”. Tom is part of “Men of the Word” on Monday nights in VV. We always look forward to serving at the church BBQ. Six years ago, when AV purchased land in hopes to build a campus, Tom’s men’s group built and erected a cross on that initial property, where we would meet and pray on Tuesday mornings, with great anticipation of what God was doing and was going to do – not only for our church, but our community as well. We feel blessed to be part of our HDC Apple Valley church family and are always willing to help where ever is needed, including Tom assisting with the renovations on the new church building.
Tom, as someone who has been involved with some of our recent AV Campus renovations, how have you seen these projects build community and generate excitement for what is to come?
Working with different volunteers of different ages and skill sets, all of whom are excited to be a part of the legacy, and to do whatever is needed, has been incredible. Everyone has a chance to contribute with their time, talents and treasures. Most importantly, are the people’s prayers covering the project. I often think of Nehemiah when I am there – so many different people working toward the same goal. When obstacles arise or progress slows, I say to myself: “We are doing a great work and cannot go down.” Everything in God’s timing; we just have to be faithful. It feels like we are going from renters to homeownership – a place to truly call our own instead of living in someone else’s house. We are developing friendships with people we previously have only seen during church services. It feels like a family project. There is something special about working on something that will make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others for years to come
What are you most looking forward to as we arrive at our new AV campus?
Practically speaking, it will be wonderful to not set up and tear down each week, and to know exactly where everything is. We are so excited to welcome new people into our church alongside our current church family. We look forward to having activities throughout the week, and so many opportunities to grow in our faith and relationships for all ages. We will have extra rooms and a kitchen to gather and make memories. Debbie especially looks forward to the day when the room is filled with people, joining Matt and the band in worshipping and glorifying God.
How can you see this new campus providing new opportunities to engage HDC’s purpose of preparing generations of world-changers?
It will be a place for families to gather and youth to learn about Jesus, have fun, and bring their friends. There is a sense of legacy – not only what the church will leave in our community but what it will leave in our lives as well. For the Oikos God has placed in each of our lives, this campus will be a place to share our church, the ABC’s, and the blessings we can offer our community. We are excited about what God has planned for our church, our town and our future!
As of the writing of this post we have raised $573,472.66 towards the Home to Call our Own Campaign.
If you would like to join the project you can give at the link below:
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