How has God called you to your work?

The Reverend Marnie Fisher-Ingram is a Camp Program Coordinator for Passport, Inc. She is a graduate of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and Georgetown College. Marnie has more than two decades of experience in youth ministry. Marnie is married to Daniel, a fellow minister and they have one spunky 9-year- old, Mollie. Marnie loves reading, being outside, coloring, and spending time with her family. 

I was 8 when I first felt the call to ministry.

I was 12 when I fell in love with summer church camping.

I was 17 when I planned and produced my church’s youth retreat.

I was 18 when I got the opportunity to be a summer camp counselor.

I was 19 when I was offered my first opportunity to preach and lead.

I was 20 when I felt the surest of my calling, to be involved in Youth Ministry.

God called me to my work because of a number of opportunities that were granted to me while I was a teenager. Ministers in my life offered me the chance to grow and expand my wings, and try new things throughout each stage of my development.

During my sophomore year in college I stumbled into my campus minister’s office and sat down for an interview with Passport Camps; it was life-changing moment. I spent the following summers in college and seminary teaching youth about the love of Jesus, that they could change the world and how deeply loved and valuable they are to this world. I spent my summer sweating in the sun alongside youth as we painted houses for folks who were unable and learning the goodness of working hard and helping others out. My world changed. I walked away knowing I was called, gifted and capable. The call I felt to Youth Ministry was clear and I knew God had a plan for my life. I spent another 4 summers serving with Passport during my college and seminary years. Following seminary I was called to a church as a Youth Minister and it was wonderful opportunity to build relationships year round with a group of teenagers I relished being around. We enjoyed retreats, outings, Bible Studies, and summer trips to PASSPORT.

Just 4 years later, I was given the opportunity to join the PASSPORT camps full-time staff. I jumped at the chance. 10 years later, I am still here. I am continually reminded of the calling I felt as a teenager, and how God calls our youth today. I am continually reminded that one encounter with God can mark and change us for the remainder of our years. I am continually reminded that God nudges each of us differently, but God can work through and speak through teenagers. As an adult, it is my job to help them find their voice, to give them opportunities for leadership and to encourage the gifts and calling I see in teenagers. This is how God calls me to my work; to help young people find their voice and their calling. My work is shaped by the hope that I am helping teenagers to know the deep love of Jesus, and for these youth to know they are deeply loved, and how valued and gifted they are.