Judy Quezada quickly searched for her keys as she got ready to leave for work on a sunny Monday morning. This search quickly ended when she discovered them inside her coat pocket. Pausing to thank God for her find, Judy thought about her life and the searches that have left her fulfilled and focused on sharing her faith.
Two Environments
As a young child Judy witnessed two lifestyles that deeply affected her. Her grandparents were Christians and their witness was written on her heart. On the other hand, Judy's mom struggled in her Christian walk and with meeting basic needs. Because of her mom's struggles, Judy grew up in an abusive and dysfunctional home. She was passed from one relative to another because she had no dad and a mom who could not take care of herself.
To say Judy's life was filled with uncertainty and confusion is an understatement. At the age of 11 Judy's life changed dramatically. At the time Judy was living with relatives who took her to church. Even at her young age Judy felt she was being drawn to God. "I was searching for God with an 11-year-old mind and I found him." Judy's perspective on life changed following her baptism. "No matter what happened in my life, I had God."
Many years later Judy found herself working as an analyst for the department of corrections with the health care division for northern California. Working for the state was not something she thought she would be doing with her life; however, the job has been a blessing because it has met her needs and the needs of her family.
Among other responsibilities, Judy is in charge of hiring employees and overseeing fiscal issues. She has worked for the state for more than 20 years-first in a clerical position, then as an associate, and finally as a program analyst.
One Calling
Judy is convinced God is using her in her job to impact people's lives and share her faith. "It takes a step of faith in this day and age and in this environment to share with people." Judy knows that she cannot violate other people's space when sharing her faith. Instead of witnessing during work hours, Judy looks for opportunities to share her faith during a break or at lunchtime.
Sometimes co-workers approach her and ask about her faith. Judy always finds an appropriate response for the situation. "The great thing about knowing the Lord," she says, "is that you have discernment. I try to share my own life experiences." Although Judy had a difficult upbringing, she uses her experiences to share her faith.
Judy has had ample opportunity to share her faith at work. One day a person entered her workplace and immediately Judy knew she would share the Lord with that individual. She took every opportunity to do so and after working with this person for two years, the co-worker gave her life to the Lord. Judy spent time with this individual and helped her find a church in her area. In addition, Judy can sense that her co-worker is at peace with the Lord and is growing in her faith daily.
One challenge Judy faces daily is the temptation to venture into negativity because of her job. Because Judy works for the state of California, her work environment is also a political environment. Although Judy has had some negative experiences, God has brought her favor and has been the last word in many circumstances. In some conflicts Judy has seen God turn the tables in her favor and she thanks him on a daily basis. "He is the one who promotes and takes care of his kids," she says with confidence.
Judy's goal is to be "tuned in" to what is going on with the people she works with. She knows that there are appropriate times to share her faith and she takes full advantage of those opportunities. Other times may not be appropriate for discussing spiritual matters. Judy finds it exciting to sense where anindividual is coming from and decide whether or not she is open to hearing about Judy's faith.
As a young child, Judy's search for fulfillment led her to God. The journey that led her to God continues to lead her to share her faith without hesitation.
Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.
OTHER COLUMNS:
June 15, 2008 - A time saver who knows the soul saver
May 18, 2008 - Working by faith 24/7
April 20, 2008 - Motown, music, and ministry
March 23, 2008 - Be One Sportswear
February 24, 2008 - Fighting for the faith
January 27, 2008 - Healing for the Healer
December 30, 2007 - Parenting faithfully
December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
October 7, 2007 - Changing lives through music
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
May 20, 2007 - Faithful to his calling
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
March 25, 2007 - The perfect plan
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 29, 2006 - Giving God his best October 29, 2006
October 1, 2006 - Work is important, but family comes first October 1, 2006
August 6, 2006 - Nurturing faith at home and school August 6,2006
July 9, 2006 - Adventures in faithJuly 9, 2006
June 11, 2006 - Helping ministries growJune 11, 2006
May 14, 2006 - Taking faith on the roadMay 14, 2006
March 19, 2006 - Serving God and working from home Mar. 19, 2006
February 19, 2006 - Working out her faith
January 22, 2006 - Teaching through faith
December 25, 2005 - Serving Christ in the business world
November 27, 2005 - Taking Christ to Hollywood
October 30, 2005 - Many jobs, one mission
September 22, 2005 - Ministering to mothers
September 4, 2005 - Christ in the courtroom
