KCB Board Member Spotlight: Kimberly Garcia
We're honored to have someone like Kimberly on our board! She's invested in Bellflower and spends a chunk of her time serving the community in a variety of ways. Learn more about her heart for the community and her experience as a KCB board member below.
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How did you first hear about KCB?
My pastor, Tom Hocking, has always given opportunities to stretch and grow us beyond our own comfort zones, challenging us to think outside of the box. He would share of opportunities to get involved and serve with KCB and the many different ways we can all be a part, applying what we learn in God's word and putting feet to it. I knew that God was truly at work at KCB, doing wonderful things, and I wanted to know more and see how I could be a part, even if only in small ways.
What sparked your interest in joining the KCB board?
I love seeing this living organism flourish. The body of Christ, from many different churches, coming together, with so many people with diverse gifts, talents, skills, experiences and abilities to make a difference in the world around us. I believe in what KCB does and what is stands for; helping others by being "Jesus with skin on." I want to learn more from the amazing people on the whole team, including volunteers, to see what God can do through His people.
What is your favorite part about being on the KCB board?
I get to be a part of something much bigger than myself. I get to learn from others much more experienced and smarter than me. I get to learn how to be the hands and feet of Christ in service, how to equip, empower, and encourage those that are on the frontlines, serving our community.
What is one positive thing you’ve learned about the community while on the KCB board?
Bellflower is a great place to live. We have many here that really care and want to make a difference. I love to see how people from different aspects of the community can come together and accomplish more than what one person can alone.
Does a story come to mind when you think about your time spent at KCB?
One thing that stands out to me is our fundraising dinners. I have been able to invite people from Public Safety, Celebrate Recovery, my work, some friends, some other connections. When I looked around at those tables and each person got to see what KCB was doing in the community, they were excited and that excited me. Just getting people from different areas doing good things connecting with others that have a skill, ability, or experience with something that could be used elsewhere, such as KCB is amazing.
Another time that really stood out to me was when we got to go to the Nest and hear from some special women about their time being homeless on the streets. Their stories were so raw and honest. The circumstances that brought them to the brink could happen to anyone. I was challenged to think what I would have done if those difficult things had happened to me. I most likely, would have reacted the same. These brave women, made in the image of God, put a real face on homelessness; everyone has a story.
What are your hopes for KCB and the community?
I would love to see all of the churches in our city connect and serve together. We can accomplish so much more together. In some instances, we are already doing this, but how much greater it would be on a much larger scale. Whether we live, work, and/or worship in Bellflower, we have great potential being the salt and light that God has called us to be, right here, in this circle of influence. Not trying to start something new, rather, jumping in where God is already at work. Just like in a church body, there are many members with different gifts, so to imagine the Church of Bellflower, with an abundance of all of the gifts, utilized to bring people to God by loving them, just as Jesus would.