What is People of Purpose?

This blog was created for the sole purpose to encourage and motivate people to know that God has a plan and purpose for every individual on this earth, as they seek God's will through Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the Plans I have for you says the Lord".

Our hope is all who read this blog would be inspired and empowered to know that God has made you uniquely you for a reason and purpose and as you read these interviews you will be motivated to make an impact on others lives also.

We will have interviews from people who are using their gifts, talents and abilities along with life experiences to make an impact in their own community and abroad. Some will be using their voices, athletic abilities, writing, community work, evangelism and service for God's glory to minister and make an impact one person at a time. Check back every month and sign up for our monthly newsletter to read the new monthly interviews posted here.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Interview with Suzanne Eller Author and Founder of "Real Teen Faith"


Filoiann: Welcome Suzanne! I’m so glad you were able to do this interview with me. First, please tell us a little about your self?

Suzanne: I’m an author, a speaker, and youth culture and parenting columnist. But first of all, I’m someone who loves Christ with a passion. My desire is to communicate that God is relevant in today’s world. I’m also a mom to three, totally in love with the guy I married a long time ago, and a cancer survivor. I love the outdoors: hiking, canoeing. And I believe cheesecake should be a food group.

Filoiann: I love your desire to communicate that God is relevant in today’s world and I also love cheesecake yum. I believe it’s so important for both youth and adults to see God as He really is. Please tell us, how did you become involved in this ministry and why?

Suzanne: I started Real Teen Faith (http://realteenfaith.com/) for two reasons: 1) to create an interactive site where teens could find helpful information about dating, abuse or challenges, family, faith, making a difference, music, and so much more; 2) to mentor talented teen writers who love God.

It’s growing so much right now. I have future plans for RTF that seem so huge, and yet I know that it’s possible. I’m integrating the theme “what can one teen do?” this summer, and writing a series of fiction books for teens based on that concept. I’m interviewing teens from all over the nation who are making a difference through picking up a hammer for a building project, digging wells in Africa, ministering to the homeless, and so much more. I eventually want to host a once-a-year RTF project where teens from all over the nation go into a community or join with an organization to leave a legacy.

I get really frustrated with people who stereotype teens. Are there teens who smoke weed, have sex, make huge mistakes, or who aren’t living to their potential? Yes, just as there are adults who are doing the same thing. But this ignores the vast number of teens who are selfless, who are intelligent, globally connected and want to climb out of the pew to change their corner of the world.

In fact, I love to highlight these teens on Real Teen Faith. E-mail me if you know a teen who has overcome difficult challenges, or who is making a difference in their community, or who has a story they want to share. http://us.mc455.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tseller@daretobelieve.org or Facebook me (Suzanne Eller).

Filoiann: Suzanne, I am personally inspired by your heart for the youth today and I love your vision for RTF. Can you share one particular example; where your ministry made a significant impact on an individual or group and how?

The most exciting thing that has happened is that two of our former RTF staff writers are now connected with reputable agents in the industry. One day I will pick up a book with their byline on the cover.

I am a huge believer in mentoring. I am a community mentor, going into four area high schools with other women to mentor 450+ freshman girls. In fact, just this last week we had an all-day trolley tour of our city, ending with a concert with Colton Swon (was one of the top 50 in this season’s American Idol) and his brother, Zach. There were 27 girls and by the end of the day they realized that there were so many opportunities in our community to make a difference. It was a fun, awesome day.

This concept is the foundation of Real Teen Faith. Perhaps that is my greatest hope: to come along side teens who don’t want to be “fixed”, but encouraged, motivated, and to have an example as they find their own way and God’s plan for their life.

Filoiann: I’m a firm believer in mentorship and applaud you for allowing God to use you in this way. Sometimes the best gift we can give to someone else is our time. What words of wisdom or advice would you like to impart to those who are reading this interview in regards to being a person of purpose?

Suzanne: Do something. One thing. It may seem small, but it’s amazing how big one small thing can be. When I was a teen my home life was very difficult. There were people in my little church who had no clue, but they were faithful. They encouraged me. They were patient with me. I wasn’t “churched”. I didn’t know the right things to say or do, but they showed me Christ in the small stuff. Every person I impact is due to their influence. It’s amazing how one small act can grow, and I believe that one day people will be surprised at what they have accomplished in their lives simply by doing one thing.

Filoiann: I like how you say, “Do Something…One thing”. It reminds me of Jesus and how He discipled twelve men and those few men went on to change the world. What a different world this would be if more believers carried on that same vision. To be willing to spend time with at least one person and that person went on to spend time with one person and so on and so forth. This is what we call, The Master Plan of Evangelism according to Robert E. Coleman. As you said, one person can make a difference just doing one thing.

I also know how important it is to have support in our ministry. Tell us what type of support does your ministry rely on and how can people reach you if they would like more information?

Suzanne: It is solely supported by me financially through my books, speaking, and freelance writing. Any time someone buys a book of mine through amazon.com, or asks their bookstore to order in a book, or they leave a review online, or they share the word with others about the books or website or ministry, it is such a great partnership, and I’m grateful. If anyone is interested in donating, it would go directly back into the ministry 100%. We also are grateful for prayer. Right now RTF is growing so much that we are asking for direction. J

BIO: Suzanne Eller is the author of Making It Real: Whose Faith Is It Anyway? Along with five other books, 600+ articles, blogs, and columns. She has been featured on hundreds of radio and TV programs such as Focus on the Family, Aspiring Women, PrimeTime America , Roc House Café, and others. She can be reached at http://www.realteenfaith.com/ or http://us.mc455.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tseller@daretobelieve.org.

Filoiann: Suzanne, It was a pleasure doing this interview with you. I love your ministry and your heart to reach out to the youth today and be a living example that God does work through people. Thank you for allowing me this interview and sharing your time with us. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry.

Interview by Filoiann Wiedenhoff. She is a pastor's wife, woman's biblical counselor, writer and columnist. You can view her website on http://www.filoiannwiedenhoff.com/.