25 Stories | Sarah Ebert

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

College Central and CPK

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

Growing up, I thought I knew Christ. I had some understanding of who He was, but it wasn’t really personal. A year ago, when I came to USF and started going to Central, everything started to shift. That’s where my relationship with Him really began to deepen. I started seeing Jesus not just as someone I believed in, but as someone I could truly know and walk with. God showed up by placing the right people in my life at the right time. Through being involved at Central Church and CPK, He surrounded me with a community that constantly points me back to Him. These people have encouraged me, challenged me, and walked with me through my growth. I’ve experienced so much joy and transformation through those relationships, and I know that the Lord is at work. One of the biggest turning points for me was going on Central's Kids Ministry trip to Ethiopia. I went into it wanting to serve and love others, but I didn’t expect how much it would change my own heart. I saw the Lord's love in action in small moments, in simple conversations, in the way He cares for His people. That trip opened my eyes to how present and active God really is. It stirred something in me, a desire to live more fully for Him, wherever He leads next.

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

I've struggled with anxiety ever since I was young, but knowing that God is alive and truly with me has changed how I walk through each day. Life can still feel overwhelming at times, but I no longer feel like I’m carrying the weight of it all by myself. Instead of being controlled by fear or constantly trying to manage everything on my own, I’m learning to surrender more and trust that He’s working, even when I can’t see it. His presence gives me stability when my emotions feel overwhelming. I also live more open-heartedly now. I’m not as quick to shut down or hide what I’m going through, because I know God can use even my struggles to help someone else.

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

One of the most personal ways I’ve tried to share the love of Jesus this year has been with my grandparents, who don’t know Him yet. It’s definitely been slow and intentional. I’ve realized I can’t change their hearts; that’s God’s job, but I can love them well, show up, and let my life reflect who Jesus is. For a long time, I wasn’t sure how to approach it. I didn’t want to come off as pushy or make them uncomfortable. But over time, the Lord began to put it on my heart to be more intentional, not with grand gestures, but with small seeds of love, patience, and consistency. I’ve started praying for them regularly, asking God to soften their hearts and open doors. When we talk, I try to naturally mention things about my faith. How God’s working in my life, what I’m learning, or how He’s answered a prayer. It’s hard sometimes, but I know how deeply the Lord loves them, and I want them to know it too.