Mandy Specht
How did you meet your husband?
I am single, but I am praying that someday my prince will come (soon) and I can change the answer to this question.
Brag on your children for a moment.
Well, I do not have children of my own unless, of course, you count Molly (my dog), my 39 students at school, or the kids I work with here at church.
Where did you got to school?
I went to Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL (where I am originally from) for two years where I received my AA. Then I transferred to Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL where I earned my bachelor's in Elementary Education.
Tell a little about your ministry experience.
My parents raised my sisters and I to be involved in the church and serving the Lord with the gifts He blessed us with. While a teenager, I was part of the youth group's outreach ministry called Crossfire. Crossfire was comprised of many teams - taekwondo, gymnastics, ensembles, drama, puppets - and would go to churches, schools, and various public places and share the gospel using these teams and our testimonies. I also spent three summers at Lifeway's Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina; I worked in the Children's Day Camp as a camp counselor the first summer and then as the assistant director the following two years. Before becoming a member here and serving in the children's ministry, I served in the middle school department at Aloma Baptist Church in Orlando, FL for five years.
What is your favorite memory from your ministry?
While I was a teenager and a member of Crossfire (our youth outreach group), we had a 5th quarter in the gym after a high school football game. When the youth minister gave the invitation, about 40 high schoolers gave their lives to Christ.
What book have you read recently that was an encouragement to you?
"Voices of the Faithful" by Beth Moore. It is a devotional book compiled of inspiring stories from missionaries around the world. The missionaries describe some of the dangers they face while preaching the gospel and how God continues to work in all parts of the world. It is amazing to read about the different ways people have come to have a personal relationship with the Lord.
Who are your heroes of the faith?
Besides the heroes in the Bible, the first two people that automatically come to mind are my mom and grandmother. No matter how bad a situation may seem in life that we have gone through, my mom always looks to the Lord to see how He will use it for His glory. She has taught my sisters and I to always find things to be thankful for despite the difficult circumstance. When I think of my grandmother, a true prayer warrior comes to mind. If you asked her to pray for something, she would write it in her prayer journal and would continue to pray until God answered. There was even one particular instance where she prayed for 35 years for my grandfather to get his relationship right with the Lord until finally God answered her request and how my family rejoiced when He did.
Do you have any hobbies?
There are many things I like to do when I have the chance. Some of my hobbies include scrap-booking, quilting, reading (especially anything by Lori Wick, Susan May Warren and Ted Dekker), hanging out with my three sisters, keeping up with my friends on Facebook, cooking, exploring new places, exercising, and of course, taking the occasional nap.
Share one unusual fact about you?
Two things come to mind: First, I've converted to be a pet lover. I know that sounds silly, but I was TERRIFIED of any and all animals growing up (and that is an understatement, if you don't believe me, just ask my family). The only animals I liked were the ones in a cage or roasting pan. Then a couple of years ago, God sent Molly (my dog) into my life and I did a complete 180 degree turn. My family was shocked speechless to see me fall in love with a dog! This proves that miracles still do happen. Second, I am a first degree black belt in taekwondo. And yes, I can break boards with my feet and hands, but I don't plan on trying to break a board with my head!