Magen zawko
From the Newsroom to the Sanctuary
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 at Saint Mildred’s in Somerset, KY. I knew Christianity as a tradition and 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. In a voice like a whisper and a roar he spoke. 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, 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 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.
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