Just as Jesus said, “Let the children come to me,” Deidra Lee has made that her mission: educating the little ones as a catechist at St. John Church in Russellville.
This year she coordinated Vacation Bible School and although she thought many would think she’s “too young” at just 20 years old, the “Surfing with the Holy Spirit” program was a success.
“You have 100 kids singing and dancing about Jesus,” the junior early education major at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville said. “(They’re) so excited to learn about God and the Church. It’s fun to see them so excited.”
Lee also doesn’t forget the “least of these.” For two years, Lee has gone to work at a New Orleans homeless services center with St. Leo the Great University Parish during spring break.
“It’s the most rewarding experience I’ve ever been on,” she said, recalling a man she met on the first trip. “He came up to us to say they have people come in and out of here all day … but you could really feel God’s presence and peace while we were there. He asked if he could pray with us … We were all in tears.”
What is something not everyone knows about you?
“I love to sing … My family has a theme song that we sing, “Sweet Caroline.” Anytime we go on trips, that’s what we sing along to. We’re Neil Diamond people.”
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