Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Santos.
Stephanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a tiny town 10 hours West of Houston. I never grew up in church, and had very little interest in faith, or Christianity. When I moved to Houston in 2009, I was in a dark pit that lingered with depression and anxiety. I was consistently invited to attend a youth service by my twin sister, who went with her friends. In 2010, I accepted that invitation, and that’s when everything changed. I was saved that night. God’s redemptive love met me in that dark pit and pulled me right out. Right after I graduated in 2011, I was offered an internship position on staff at my church, in the same youth ministry where I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. After interning for eight months, I was offered a full-time position as one of the pastors on staff. Shortly after that, I began traveling to speak at other schools, churches, and conferences.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been many uphill climbs to this journey, but every climb has a silver-lining mountaintop, and a view that is only appreciated because of the climb it took to get there. My advice to young women would be to know your worth and stay rooted in that truth. The moment you seek validation and approval from others is the moment you lose sight of the beauty that already resides within you. Always let the voice that created you, speak louder than any voice that criticizes you. Nobody can do what you do, the way that you do it. You were created to please an audience of One, and the One is Jesus. I would encourage you to surround yourself with a community of people who believe in your calling and point you back to truth.
Please tell us about Fellowship of The Nations.
This has been home. It’s a place that extends past the “fill out this card and become a number counted member”, to “You’re family, loved, and we welcome you here to be a part of what it is God is doing.” I am a youth/young adult pastor here, which oversees the ministry of 6th – 12th graders, and 18-30-year-olds. I also travel to speak and am a blogger. I am most proud of simply having the honor to be in the full-time ministry itself. It’s an honor to have front row seats to watch God change the lives of lost, and broken people. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing, and I am eternally grateful to live a life that strives to make His name known.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
The Bible. It’s shaped my leadership, led me through the difficult moments in this journey, and continues to edify me as I fulfill my calling. I also enjoy reading books and listening to podcasts by Christine Caine, David Platt, Francis Chan, Bill Johnson, Lisa Bevere, and Alistair Begg.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephaniesantos.org
- Email: stephanie.santos@fotn.org
- Instagram: @stephanie.r.santos
- Facebook: Stephanie Santos
Image Credit:
Jorge Cisneros
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
