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Mackenzie Werner has been attending FBC for several years and comes to us from Olathe, KS. She was raised by her mom who raised her and 11 adopted children all by herself! Mackenzie was homeschooled when younger, then began attending MidAmerica Nazarene University after she graduated early from high school. She also studied for two years towards a degree in Christian Ministry & Digital Communications but is presently taking a break from her schooling. Mackenzie has lived in Lansing since 2023 and originally moved here to work at Village Creek Bible Camp (VCBC) for one summer. One summer turned into a few years! 

Mackenzie was blessed to be adopted into a Christian home where, growing up, she heard all the Bible stories and knew all the “right” answers. She was baptized at age 15 with an older sister. However, at age 19, she was involved in several unhealthy and ungodly relationships, which led to a season of depression in her life. God met her in her brokenness, however. “One specifically hard night, Jesus reminded me the Truth I had always known – ‘I was never created to do this all alone, I was created to do this life with and through Him.’ Since that moment, the Lord has been redefining me, molding me, and teaching me to be His servant and worshiper.”

“He (God) is the only place we find our Hope, Joy, and Life – apart from Jesus, nothing makes sense, and I am so thankful the Lord was kind enough to me in my mess and began His transformation process in my life.”

Mackenzie is employed at VCBC as year-round staff, and more recently, at a residential home for children with special needs and trauma in La Crosse, WI. She is a Direct Support Professional at the home and loves her job! “I love children and pouring into the next generation, especially those that may experience life a bit differently.” Mackenzie loves God’s creation, to sing and lead worship, and getting creative in the kitchen by experimenting with recipes! This fits in well with her creative and artsy side!   

  
Mackenzie is employed at VCBC as year-round staff, and more recently, at a residential home for children with special needs and trauma in La Crosse, WI. She is a Direct Support Professional at the home and loves her job! “I love children and pouring into the next generation, especially those that may experience life a bit differently.” Mackenzie loves God’s creation, to sing and lead worship, and getting creative in the kitchen by experimenting with recipes! This fits in well with her creative and artsy side! “I love anything musical and Broadway; I grew up doing musical theater, so it holds a special place in my heart!”

Mackenzie also has a love for people! Her outgoing and warm personality endears her to everyone she meets. Mackenzie exclaims that she is so grateful that God brought her to First Baptist! “I remember when I was searching for a home church in this area and there were several that I loved – but what stuck out to me about our church, is that when I walked through the doors the second time, people remembered my name! They not only said ‘hi,’ they hugged me, and made me feel like family! That is what the church in Acts looks like, and what I was searching so deeply for! FBC is family, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it!”

“If I have not had the chance to meet you yet, let’s change that!” She encourages each church attendee to pour into the church family and use the gifts we have. “Let us not grow weary in pursuing the heart of Jesus Christ and sharing Him with the world. He can use even the small town of Waukon to further His Kingdom!”

Isaiah 41:8-9 is one of Mackenzie’s favorite Scripture passages: “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.” Some of her favorite expressions are the following: “People need Jesus.” “We need each other.” “Make Jesus known.”

It is a joy to have Mackenzie in our midst; her enthusiasm and passion for God and others is a testimony to us all! We’re so glad you’re part of our church family, Kenzie!