Janna Roberts, recently named Volunteer Coordinator at Rancho Capistrano, has come home to Saddleback. She returns after a difficult, traumatic journey through multiple family illnesses, in which she has learned to trust God. Janna is back, her faith stronger, and her smile bright, knowing she is where she belongs.
“I feel so blessed. In all the suffering, pain and joy, I know that God had a perfect plan for my life, and still does. I have felt his strength and love,” said Janna who speaks with the confidence born of depending on the Lord through storms she could not have foreseen.
When Janna married her “sweetheart,” Larry, 15 years ago, she left a significant, fruitful staff position with a church in Irvine, and moved with her children to Big Bear. Having been a Christian for many years, she felt called to use her gifts and talents in some way, and was immediately placed on staff with Campus Crusade, based in Big Bear.
Janna loved her job, loved her community on the mountain and volunteered for the local television station, hosting the Community Calendar and Good Day Big Bear. It was then, in the midst of her fulfilling work and joyful community service that her daughter, Lauren, a junior in high school, was diagnosed with cancer. Janna said, as she tearfully remembered the ordeal, “We had to leave the mountain to get her through cancer treatment. We rented a house in Irvine and it was then that we began to attend Saddleback.” This was a time of desperate grief, but, Janna continues, “I felt so much of God’s love and presence there, at Saddleback, during those painful days.” In time, Lauren recovered, and “I praise the Lord—she is still alive today.” Janna said smiling.
Janna and Larry moved back up to Big Bear when Lauren regained her health, but within a year Janna was caring for both of her parents who had terminal illnesses. Janna’s mother and father both passed away, just nine months apart, and during those months Larry had developed a serious, life-threatening heart condition. “I praise God that it was not his plan that Larry should die. With all the grief and health issues, I just wanted to come ‘home’ to Irvine, to be close to our six children and 13 grandchildren, and home to Saddleback.”
In March of 2010, they moved to Lake Mission Viejo, and returned to Saddleback where Janna volunteered to serve in the Office of the Pastor. When Rancho Capistrano was placed into the hands of Saddleback in May, just two months later, Janna was asked if she would be willing to help coordinate volunteers there. “I knew right away that this was where I needed to serve God. It’s been a perfect fit for my gifts, for what God has ’shaped’ me for.” Janna explained, “My heart is for stewardship. It always has been.”
“I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I’ve learned that my family is ‘on loan’ to me,” Janna said. “I am so grateful to have them with me every day. It was through all the pain, you see, that God led me to Saddleback, and to serve at Rancho Capistrano. It’s been a miracle.”
If you want to find out your SHAPE for ministry, our next Class 301 is coming up Sunday, August 8. Click here to register. If you're looking to start serving at Saddleback, click here to learn more.