ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Lesie Crisp sit down with Kristine Busse, staff member at Stonegate Fellowship, to talk about her journey from growing up in Alaska to making Midland, Texas her home. Kristine shares how her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in church service inspired her lifelong passion for mobilizing others.She reflects on the importance of inspiring rather than instructing, and how that philosophy has guided her work in mobilizing volunteers both inside and outside the church. From leading children’s ministry to launching ESL programs and supporting initiatives like Winter Wishes, Kristine emphasizes the power of relationships, servant leadership, and creating opportunities for families to serve together.This conversation is a reminder that small acts of kindness—like a smile at the grocery store—can create ripples of change across a community.Chapters00:00 – West Texas spirit: independent thinkers and entrepreneurs01:00 – Kristine’s background: growing up in Alaska and serving in church04:15 – From Missouri to Texas: how God led Kristine to Odessa and Stonegate07:30 – Early volunteer experiences and discovering joy in serving10:00 – Transitioning from children’s ministry to mobilizing people for missions12:30 – Learning from refugees: serving at For the Nations in Dallas16:00 – Building relationships with nonprofits in Midland20:00 – Challenges of mobilizing people to serve outside church walls25:00 – The power of one good serving experience28:00 – Launching ESL at Stonegate and its lasting impact31:00 – Winter Wishes and community collaboration to bless teachers36:00 – Needs of local nonprofits: volunteers, bilingual help, advocacy40:00 – Serving as a family and raising the next generation of volunteers43:00 – Everyday service: eye contact, smiles, and seeing people
