My name is Chatara Mabry, and I am currently an Assistant Professor at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA in the Sociology department. Additionally, I am a licensed social worker in the state of Iowa, and I have been dedicated to serving vulnerable populations professionally for 11 years. I have a passion for serving youth and families that are experiencing homelessness, and teaching the word of God. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University with a focus on missions, discipleship, and community outreach. Being able to learn, pray, and fellowship with other believers has inspired me to take my commitment to ministry further.
I became a believer back in 2008 and my life has been forever changed. I was completing my undergraduate social work field hours at a 24-hour respite shelter, and I took some of the residents to a Christian play. I believed wholeheartedly that the residents needed Christ, and at the end of the play I soon realized it was me who was desperate for a Savior. Once I accepted God into my life I was all in, not fully knowing what that meant. Immediately I started reading the word, stumbling over the word, misinterpreting the word, and progressing towards understanding the word. As I continue to seek God in the word it has empowered me to apply knowledge and understanding into my daily life.
In my daily life I am a member of Encounter Worship Center, under the leadership of Pastor Jason Albright, and I serve as an advisory board member, lead children ministry teacher, and lead driver for van ministry. I am also the lead organizer for street outreach every Monday that includes believers from different churches getting together to give back to our community through offering free food, prayer, and good old fashion conversation to build community. We serve through scorching hot days, freezing winters, and windy rain. It gives me great joy to honor God through serving my community.
