Bella Kauffman began formally investing in others at the young age of 13, which is when she began publishing a Christian magazine online. Being the prolific person she is, she published her first devotional for teens and young women at age 18. By 2019, she had published six books.
At age 20, she began her speaking ministry. After her first time speaking at a women’s event, the word got out and she stepped into other speaking opportunities. “That has been such a gift and blessing!” Bella enthuses. “I love to teach God’s Word and speak, so I’m thankful the Lord has given me these opportunities.” Last year was the busiest for her speaking calendar, beginning with Joy El’s homeschool retreat which led to additional opportunities.
At the time Bella spoke at the homeschool retreat, she was already serving as a Barnabas mentor for two students in the 4.12 Leadership Training Program, so she was familiar with both Joy El’s camping programs and the 4.12 Program. However, she was impressed to learn of the scope of Joy El’s Bible Adventure and CIA programs when missionary Susie Barkdoll made a presentation to homeschool retreat campers. “The fact that God has opened doors for Joy El to share God with students during the school day is so exciting!” Bella states.
While Bella was speaking to groups and writing devotional books, she also served as a youth pastor. This was a great fit for her passions, calling and gifting, but this treasured season ended after five years, at which time Bella was unsure of where God was next leading her. As Bella walked out of her youth ministry office to her car, her phone rang. It was someone from Joy El, wondering if she would like to prayerfully consider a position with the ministry. Through a series of providential and affirming events, Bella found herself in a final interview for a CIA position, which she had concluded was not the fit for her. To her chagrin, she learned that the people interviewing her felt the same. However, they had surprising news for her.
“Bella has brought a new freshness and experience to the Christians In Action portion of the Released Time program here at Joy El. Having mentored teens in the Barnabas program and also spent 5+ years ministering to youth in a church setting, God has given her a keen insight into what works with youth. As a writer, she connects these so well, creating curriculum and tools that our volunteers can use as they teach and mentor our students each week in CIA. It is amazing to see how God drew her just for this important time of ministry at Joy El. It is exciting!”- Jan Diaz
There was a future position for CIA that the team knew would soon be needed. What they had not anticipated at the time was that God would bring them Bella, who was the perfect fit for the role. “God had laid on my heart two things,” Bella explained, “Writing and expansion.” The CIA team was looking to expand the ministry by adding a training and development coordinator. This role would involve teaching and equipping volunteers, as well as writing curriculums. With the result of teaching God’s Word and sharing God’s love with teens, all of these factors resulted in a perfect match.
Regardless, Bella had an obstacle to overcome: the role would require raising missionary support, which was outside of her comfort zone. She learned that Joy El provides ongoing training and guidance for its missionaries, so Bella and her husband prayed about it, and Bella accepted the role.
One of the things Bella noticed almost immediately was that she was invested in as a Joy El missionary. “I’m so encouraged by how God has worked and how much I have grown,” Bella says. “In the past, I haven’t received training in my ministry roles. I’ve had to figure out on my own and learn from experience. Being here has been such a gift to me personally. So much has been poured into me, growing me as a person, as well as developing my skills and equipping me to minister to these kids. The things I thought I was losing… God was putting me in a position in which I can have a much bigger impact than I ever expected!”
Bella has been able to pass on the spiritual investment she is receiving in some very direct ways.
“One of our book studies was The Disciple-Making Leader,” Bella explains. “I have used the pathway to becoming a multiplying disciple that is laid out in that book as the foundation for our CIA curriculum. It’s been so encouraging to see the excitement of our CIA volunteers as they learn about the curriculum at our volunteer leadership training. It’s thrilling to be part of that.”
Thanks in part to Kimberly’s investment in her, Bella is not only investing in Emily, Trinity, and India, but she is also investing in CIA volunteers and participants. These women, along with Lauren, are inspiring examples of spiritual multiplication.
To support Bella or one of our other Joy El missionaries, visit https://joyelgeneration.org/donate/missionary-giving/.
The Faces of Spiritual Multiplication is a 7 part series to encourage mentorship.
