25 Stories | Emma Roth

What ministry (or ministries) are you most involved with at Central?

Kid Central, Welcome Team, Baker for Central Perk

How did God show up in your life in the last 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, God has shown up in my life in ways that were both unexpected and deeply needed. After graduating, I entered a season of major change—moving away from close friends, starting a full-time job, beginning my master’s program, and learning to live on my own. While I was blessed with opportunities I had worked so hard for, I also faced deep struggles with loneliness, insecurities, and mental health challenges. In the midst of it all, God remained constant. He met me in my quietest moments, reminded me of my worth when I doubted it, and gave me strength when anxiety felt overwhelming. His presence was the steady foundation beneath all the change, and His grace carried me through every high and low.

How do you live differently knowing God is alive & active in your life?

Knowing that God is alive and active in my life has transformed the way I live. I wear my heart on my sleeve, choosing to love deeply and care for others—often more than I do for myself—because I believe that kind of love reflects God’s heart. I pray over those around me, and I’ve seen God answer those prayers in ways that remind me He’s always listening. Even when I fear I’m not enough for people to stay, I find peace in knowing I am always enough for God. When I overthink and get lost in my own doubts, He gently reminds me that He has a plan. God shows up in the weirdest, most unexpected ways, and I’m learning to surrender more each day, trusting that He will take care of me. And through it all, I hold onto the promise that the love I pour out will return to me—because God is faithful, and He honors a heart that loves like His.

How did you share the love of Jesus this year with someone who doesn't know Christ?

This year, I’ve had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with people who don’t know Him by simply being present, compassionate, and intentional. I’ve explained that even when life feels uncertain, there is a greater plan at work—and that God is there, even when it doesn’t feel like it. I’ve told them I will pray for them no matter the circumstance, and I’ve seen how that simple act can open hearts. I try to reflect the love Jesus shows me by loving others with grace, patience, and kindness. One verse I often share is Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” It’s a reminder that salvation is a gift, not something we earn—and that God’s love is freely given. Through these moments, I’ve seen how planting seeds of faith can make a lasting impact.

Anything else you'd like to share about your story or testimony?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that God sees the parts of me that no one else does—and He loves me through them. I often keep my struggles hidden behind closed doors because I don’t want them to become someone else’s burden. I’d rather help others first, pour into them, and be a source of strength, even when I feel weak myself. But even in having such a helpful and selfless heart, God shows up for me. He comforts me in silence, strengthens me in solitude, and reminds me that I don’t have to carry everything alone. I’ve seen Him answer prayers, guide me through uncertainty, and love me in ways that feel both gentle and powerful. My story is one of quiet battles and loud faith, and through it all, I’ve learned that the love I give will return to me because God is faithful, and His grace never runs out.