OUR STORY
Welcome!
We are the Leeds Family, and we are so glad you are visiting our page. Whether you're here to support us in our journey, or you're just curious about who we are, we hope you enjoy your visit and feel free to connect with us if you want to know more!
Who we are:
Ryan and I (Lauren) grew up in NJ, and after dating throughout high school and college, we were married in 2012. After living in VA for almost ten years, we recently moved to Colorado. We have two beautiful daughters named Bella and Ava, and a mini Australian shepherd named Melchizedek ("Kizzy").
Ryan grew up skiing and snowboarding every winter in the Poconos. His parents were ski instructors and he developed a love for that industry from a young age. Ryan later became the General Manager of a ski mountain in VA and, with a Bachelors in Biblical Studies, went on to pursue a seminary degree. While Ryan's family spent the winter season skiing, my family was focused on the basketball season. I spent the majority of my time playing piano, acting, singing, and managing my sisters' basketball teams. I became an Elementary Music Teacher in VA and held that position for six years. Although Ryan and I have different interests, one thing we have in common is our love for Jesus. We both grew up with parents who taught us to trust Jesus, and who exemplified what it meant to seek and follow God's guidance. Ryan and I want Bella and Ava to see that same example. We desire to be obedient in whatever God is calling us to do. And in this season - we strongly believe He has called us to live and serve in Colorado.
Why we moved to Colorado:
In 2016, the directors of a ministry that we love and support, Snowboarders and Skiers for Christ (SFC), contacted us and invited us to join their team. They asked if we could help create, develop, and run a leadership training program for SFC (more info below). Ryan and I had been praying about going into full-time ministry, and this particular role seemed to be a great opportunity. This job offer, however, came with a few stipulations - "commit to live in Colorado for three years" and "raise your own salary." While we knew that God would provide, it was difficult to envision a reality where we would leave our jobs, move across the country, and live off of support. So, we began to pray. After six long months of prayer and seeking counsel, we each individually felt undeniable confirmation that God was calling us to step out in faith and to move to Colorado! We moved to Colorado in August 2018, and are continually building our support team.
How to support us:
The definition of "support" is not just "to pay the costs of." Some other definitions are: "to keep something going," "to keep from fainting, yielding, or losing courage," "to hold up or serve as a foundation," and "to endure bravely."
Our family recognizes that we need "support" in every aspect. While we are extending an invitation for you to give financially to our family, we are also inviting you to follow our story, to commit to praying for our family, and to come alongside us in support as we live and serve in Colorado. Communities function best when people come alongside and "support" one another when there is a need. We're inviting you to be a part of our community.
Check out the links below for ways to support us -or- keep reading for more information about SFC and our specific ministry in CO!
We are the Leeds Family, and we are so glad you are visiting our page. Whether you're here to support us in our journey, or you're just curious about who we are, we hope you enjoy your visit and feel free to connect with us if you want to know more!
Who we are:
Ryan and I (Lauren) grew up in NJ, and after dating throughout high school and college, we were married in 2012. After living in VA for almost ten years, we recently moved to Colorado. We have two beautiful daughters named Bella and Ava, and a mini Australian shepherd named Melchizedek ("Kizzy").
Ryan grew up skiing and snowboarding every winter in the Poconos. His parents were ski instructors and he developed a love for that industry from a young age. Ryan later became the General Manager of a ski mountain in VA and, with a Bachelors in Biblical Studies, went on to pursue a seminary degree. While Ryan's family spent the winter season skiing, my family was focused on the basketball season. I spent the majority of my time playing piano, acting, singing, and managing my sisters' basketball teams. I became an Elementary Music Teacher in VA and held that position for six years. Although Ryan and I have different interests, one thing we have in common is our love for Jesus. We both grew up with parents who taught us to trust Jesus, and who exemplified what it meant to seek and follow God's guidance. Ryan and I want Bella and Ava to see that same example. We desire to be obedient in whatever God is calling us to do. And in this season - we strongly believe He has called us to live and serve in Colorado.
Why we moved to Colorado:
In 2016, the directors of a ministry that we love and support, Snowboarders and Skiers for Christ (SFC), contacted us and invited us to join their team. They asked if we could help create, develop, and run a leadership training program for SFC (more info below). Ryan and I had been praying about going into full-time ministry, and this particular role seemed to be a great opportunity. This job offer, however, came with a few stipulations - "commit to live in Colorado for three years" and "raise your own salary." While we knew that God would provide, it was difficult to envision a reality where we would leave our jobs, move across the country, and live off of support. So, we began to pray. After six long months of prayer and seeking counsel, we each individually felt undeniable confirmation that God was calling us to step out in faith and to move to Colorado! We moved to Colorado in August 2018, and are continually building our support team.
How to support us:
The definition of "support" is not just "to pay the costs of." Some other definitions are: "to keep something going," "to keep from fainting, yielding, or losing courage," "to hold up or serve as a foundation," and "to endure bravely."
Our family recognizes that we need "support" in every aspect. While we are extending an invitation for you to give financially to our family, we are also inviting you to follow our story, to commit to praying for our family, and to come alongside us in support as we live and serve in Colorado. Communities function best when people come alongside and "support" one another when there is a need. We're inviting you to be a part of our community.
Check out the links below for ways to support us -or- keep reading for more information about SFC and our specific ministry in CO!
SNOWBOARDERS AND SKIERS FOR CHRIST
Snowboarders & Skiers for Christ USA (SFC USA) is a grassroots organization that exists to bridge the ski/snowboard culture to Jesus, partnering with the local Church. SFC’s vision is to be the light of Jesus in the ski/snowboard culture. SFC USA leaders believe God’s Word calls them to find their identity in Jesus, to engage those within their culture through genuine, loving relationships and to do selfless acts for others as they share the Gospel message. This is on an international level as well. SFC USA is part of a growing movement across the globe!
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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In 2018 and 2019, we ran two 6-month residential leadership programs that sought to equip SFC members with the tools needed to carry out their God-given calling in the ski/snowboard culture. The program consisted of two parts: a classroom phase and a hands-on phase. During the classroom phase, we explored the biblical foundations of discipleship and spiritual leadership. In the hands-on phase, we worked on applying what we learned in the classroom through intentional missional living (e.g., ski/snowboard outreach events, bible studies, mentorship, etc.).
In 2020, we are putting the residential program on hold in order to focus on building an online leadership course. Stay tuned for more information. |
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