Magen zawko
Called to Create: How God Led Me to Serve
As a news reporter for The Sentinel-Echo in London, KY, I was assigned to cover a feature on the grand opening of Hawk Creek Baptist Church’s new campus, The Creek. At the time, I thought I was just writing another feature story. But God was authoring something far more eternal.
In the days leading up to the opening, I interviewed church staff member Leslie Ryser and I recall her saying, “If you ever wanted to go somewhere, you’re always welcome here.” That’s when I discovered the power of a simple invite.
I grew up Catholic in Michigan, sprinkled as a baby and continued on to make my Confirmation in Somerset, KY. I knew Christianity as a tradition and its rituals. As a young adult, I became a believer without direction and went through emotionally painful seasons of disobedience and self-reliance. As a new resident of London, KY, Leslie’s invite was one of many.
The moment I stepped into the sanctuary with my camera in-hand and reporter’s notebook, something stirred within my spirit. I wrote the story, it was published and I figured that it was nothing more than just a unique memory and a moving assignment.
Months later, I yearned for the joy I witnessed at The Creek, the overwhelming grace the music spoke of, the peace in the room, and the loving presence of God. In contrast, my everyday life felt hollow. I was going through the motions, disconnected and unsettled.
Then one quiet afternoon, alone in my apartment, everything shifted.
I heard God speak.
He spoke in a voice like a whisper and a roar. It was all I could hear and see, he said, “Come back to me.” I was being called home.
I collapsed. I dropped to my knees, overcome, sobbing on the carpet as I prayed—truly prayed—for the first time in years.
On February 20, 2012, I was Biblically baptized. My priorities, my relationships, my work, and how I spent my time all began to shift. It wasn’t just a moment of public declaration; it was the start of a new way of living, one rooted in obedience, purpose, and a growing hunger to know God more deeply.
Life didn’t get easier, but became more peaceful. In the years that followed, I met and married my husband, welcomed our first child, deeply grieved the unexpected loss of my mother, gave birth to our second child, and stepped away from my full-time career to launch my own solo-marketing business. Through every high and low, God continued to lead, refine, and reveal Himself, faithfully building a life far greater than I had ever imagined.
For over 14 years, I prayed for an opportunity to serve the church beyond an occasional Sunday, but it was never clear what that opportunity was. Today, the Lord has answered this prayer unexpectedly and called me to serve him through my gifts as Marketing Director at my home church, The Creek. I could not be more excited for the journey ahead, to use my gifts to serve a loving and patient father.
At the heart of my work is a deep belief that creativity is a God-given calling, a reflection of the Creator’s own design, meant to awaken wonder, stir the spirit, and draw others into a greater story of hope and purpose.
So, if you’ve ever felt lost about the direction of your life or unworthy, I’m living proof that what begins as a simple invitation can become a divine appointment. And I pray my journey encourages someone else to take that first step. I’ll sit with you and grow in faith with you.
“Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” - Corrie ten Boom
Faith In Focus
Looking through my lens over the years at The Creek
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2