Faith is not only something we talk about on Sundays. It is something we live in the quiet moments, in the unexpected interruptions, in service to others, and in the daily choice to trust God’s presence.
On Living My Faith with James Fenimore, Carolyn O’Connor, Missions Pastor at Heritage Church in Rock Island, Illinois, brings a deeply personal perspective on what it means to walk with God in everyday life. Heritage Church exists to be a place where all people can belong to God’s family, encounter the presence of the Holy Spirit, and become transformed by Jesus Christ.
Carolyn’s reflections point to a simple but powerful truth: living faithfully is not about rushing to prove ourselves. It is about being present with God, loving people well, and trusting that His plans are bigger than what we can see.
Living My Faith Through Presence with God
For Carolyn, one of the most meaningful scriptures in this season is Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.”
That verse speaks directly to the pace and pressure many people feel today. It is easy to believe strength comes from constant movement, productivity, or control. But Carolyn’s reflection reminds us that spiritual strength is cultivated in relationship with God.
She shares that she will not find her strength or ability in the rushing of life. Instead, she finds it in cultivating her relationship and time with God.
A Different Question for Spiritual Growth
Many people who want to grow spiritually ask, “What is God teaching me?” That is a good question. But Carolyn offers an even deeper starting point: “How can I be present with God today?”
This shift matters. Sometimes spiritual growth does not come from discovering something brand new. Sometimes it comes from quietly remaining with Him.
For anyone struggling to live out their faith, this is practical and encouraging. You do not have to manufacture a spiritual breakthrough. You can begin by returning to God, resting in His presence, and trusting Him one day at a time.
Faith That Moves Beyond the Church Walls
As Missions Pastor at Heritage Church, Carolyn’s role naturally involves ministry and outreach. Yet she is honest that living out faith does not always come easily, even for a pastor.
She often tells volunteers that she will not ask them to do what she does not do herself. For her, living faith has meant being actively involved in the community outside of what the church does, being present with people in challenging moments, and being available for difficult questions.
That kind of faith is deeply practical. It shows up in compassion, availability, humility, and courage.
Love God, See People, Be Love
Carolyn describes a clear reminder from God: her job is to love and hear Him, see and love humans, and be that love.
This is a powerful framework for anyone who wants to live their faith more fully:
- Love and hear God by making room for prayer, Scripture, rest, and attentiveness.
- See and love people by noticing needs, listening well, and caring beyond convenience.
- Be that love by serving with humility in everyday situations.
Faith becomes visible when it becomes embodied. It is not only what we believe; it is how we respond to the people God places in front of us.
A Mission Trip That Deepened Her Faith
One of the most formative moments in Carolyn’s faith journey came through her first international mission trip to Egypt. She joined the team only three months before departure, making it a major step of faith.
The trip challenged her in multiple ways, including trusting God for the finances needed to go and facing fears about what might happen. During the trip, she also became very ill within the first 24 to 30 hours, an experience she describes as including a miracle.
But the deeper transformation came through the people she encountered.
When God’s Plans Are Bigger Than Our Own
Carolyn expected to help distribute food to orphans and widows in an organized and efficient way. With her administrative strengths, she was determined to help things run smoothly.
Instead, God redirected the moment.
She found herself surrounded by women and children asking her to pray for healing, blessings, and more. Later, she learned that she was the only team member they came to for prayer.
That moment profoundly impacted her. It reminded her that God’s plans and ways were much bigger than her limited sight. The experience helped shape the ministry God was calling her to for nearly the next 20 years.
What Heritage Church Represents
Heritage Church describes its mission as being a place where all people can belong to God’s family, encounter the presence of the Holy Spirit, and become transformed by Jesus Christ.
That mission aligns closely with Carolyn’s reflections on faith. Belonging, encounter, and transformation are not abstract ideas. They are lived through community, worship, prayer, mission, and everyday obedience.
For people exploring faith, returning to church, or looking for a community where they can grow, this kind of vision offers an invitation: come as you are, encounter God’s presence, and continue becoming who Christ is transforming you to be.
Practical Ways to Live Your Faith Today
Carolyn’s story offers several practical takeaways for anyone who wants to grow spiritually and live their faith with greater intention.
1. Slow Down Enough to Be Present
Faith can become difficult to hear when life is constantly noisy. Set aside time to be still with God, even if it begins with a few quiet minutes. Strength is often found in returning, resting, quietness, and trust.
2. Serve Outside Your Comfort Zone
Carolyn’s mission trip to Egypt stretched her faith in ways she did not expect. Serving others often reveals both our fears and God’s faithfulness. Growth can happen when we say yes before we have every detail figured out.
3. Notice the People Around You
Living faith is not only about organized ministry. It is also about being present with people in challenging moments. Look for opportunities to listen, encourage, pray, and love well.
4. Trust God with Interruptions
Carolyn expected to focus on efficiency during food distribution, but God brought people to her for prayer. Sometimes interruptions are invitations. What feels like a disruption may be part of God’s larger plan.
5. Remain with God
Spiritual growth is not always about doing more. Sometimes it is about remaining. Before asking what God is teaching you, consider asking how you can be present with Him today.
Living My Faith with James Fenimore
Living My Faith with James Fenimore creates space for meaningful conversations about how faith is lived in real life. Through stories like Carolyn O’Connor’s, listeners are invited to reflect on their own relationship with God, their calling to serve, and the ways faith can shape daily decisions.
Carolyn’s journey reminds us that faith is both deeply personal and outwardly active. It is formed in quiet trust and expressed through love for others.
Conclusion: Faith Grows in Presence, Trust, and Love
Carolyn O’Connor’s story is a reminder that living faith is not about having every answer or controlling every outcome. It is about being present with God, trusting His strength, and responding with love to the people He places before us.
Whether through a mission trip across the world or a conversation in the local community, God often works through availability. When we slow down, listen, and remain with Him, we begin to see that His plans are far greater than our own.
To learn more about Heritage Church, visit heritageqc.com. To explore more conversations from Living My Faith, visit livingmyfaith.com.
