Written by Stephanie Ziebarth
Jeanette Biesecker (far right in the photo) laughs when you ask her to share what she’s learned in just over 16 years of ministry at Joy El. “It would be impossible to list it all!” she declares. Yet she quickly begins to list broader categories, such as leadership and personal growth. These are followed by more specific skills, such as video editing, social media, marketing and mentoring. “And I’ve really learned a lot about me,” Biesecker states. “What I’m good at and what I’m not. What my gifts are, and how God has really structured me.”
All those gifts, skills, and the uniquely-designed-by-God Jeanette Biesecker herself will be sorely missed at Joy El when Biesecker concludes her time of ministry there August 21.
“I will miss her joyful smile as she walks by and the way that she cares so much about advancing God’s Kingdom,” said food services coordinator Tori Marshall.
“Jeanette began as a part-time employee and quickly demonstrated her commitment to the mission, gaining responsibilities and serving for greater impact,” executive director Aaron Ziebarth explains. “She was ultimately promoted to the senior leadership team, where she served as the director of ministry advancement. She is leaving behind a strong legacy of hard work and passion for the mission.”
One of Biesecker’s significant memories is the first time she led a Joy El Jubilee, which is when Joy El is open to the public for activities, food and experiencing all the camp has to offer. It is Joy El’s largest single-day event, often hosting 1800 or more guests. “I was serving part-time in public relations and part-time in bookkeeping when Aaron asked me to lead the Jubilee task force. It went so astoundingly well that that was a really big win.”
Biesecker has also cherished the Joy El environment. “Joy El is an amazing, unique environment,” she declares. “I know God has called me to a new season, but I also know I will miss this environment desperately. I will probably not find it anywhere else. It’s an authentic Christian community. We use that phrase in our marketing, but it is truly a genuine thing that we have here that you don’t find hardly anywhere else.”
“I am leaving here a raving fan,” Biesecker says, “but through prayer and Scripture the Lord has clearly told me that my time here is over. I have done everything He has called me to do here. He keeps saying to me, ‘I have something new for you.’”
Biesecker is currently looking for contacts in the publishing industry. She is available for freelance work not only for publishers, but also for local businesses and organizations that might need some help with social media and other marketing. “I’m waiting for the Lord to point the way and open the door,” she says.
Biesecker thanks her husband Kevin and her son Gerry, who have encouraged and supported her ministry all along the way.
