Kristin Watt
Volunteer Program Director
kwatt@joyschool.org

Jesus had a place in Kristin Watt's heart as a little girl. She recalls praying nightly, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep..." and having a love so deep for the Lord. "I always knew He was with me...always."

Born and raised near the small town of Tomball, Texas, Kristin attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. After graduating, she met her husband, Tim Watt, at Nestle Foods USA. They married and shortly after moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1992. It was in Chicago that the Lord grabbed a hold of Kristin's heart in a profound way and made it clear that she was to be involved in women's ministry. She was mentored there by some of the strongest Christian women she has ever known. Tim and Kristin became Sunday school teachers at Grace Church of Dupage for the 3 year old program. It was during this 2 year period in Chicago where Kristin’s faith exploded and she understood that God desired a personal relationship. "I could not believe that the God of the universe desired closeness with me."

In 1994, Tim and Kristin were transferred to Houston, TX. Ecstatic to be near family and many dear friends again, they settled in quickly and became members of Cypress Bible Church. They joined the Young Marrieds class and became Sunday school teachers for the 5 year old program. In 1995 they were asked to lead the Young Marrieds Class and accepted the amazing opportunity. "God stretched me in ways I could have never fathomed. I felt like Moses...why would God ask me to lead?"

In 2002, Tim and Kristin were asked to help launch a new adult class, called "Relationships in Focus (RIF)." After careful prayer and consideration, they accepted and began an adventurous journey, once again, being stretched and challenged along the way. "It was incredible experiencing the lessons God was teaching. I love being His student." Kristin was asked to be the Prayer Leader for RIF and again could not believe God would ask her to lead. "God enjoys making me uncomfortable (grins)."

In 2003, at a leadership retreat for RIF, Kristin had a spiritual experience that made her think God had a new plan on the horizon. Two weeks later, the Watt family was asked to transfer to Phoenix, AZ with Tim's job. They accepted, knowing unequivocally this was the Lord’s desire.

In February of 2004, Nate Kretzmann, Executive Director of JCS, asked Kristin to consider launching a Volunteer Program for K-8. "I prayed for 2 weeks, soaked in God's word, and wondered if God wanted me to be 'uncomfortable' again. He did." (smiles)

It is now 2007, three years later, that Kristin has lead the JCS Volunteer Program. "Leading the Volunteer Program of JCS has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. When God calls you out of your comfort zone and you respond with a yes, He blesses you with joys unfathomable." Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord, are lyrics to a song near and dear to Kristin's heart.

Kristin & Tim have 2 daughters, Ashlee (14) and Alexis (10). Kristin cannot put into words, the depth of Love & Joy she feels for her family. She knows God's Love for His children surpasses all understanding.

"Thank you God for continuing to bless me with beautiful relationships and for allowing me to grow in new ways every day. I am astounded by your relentless LOVE. Thank you for never giving up on me and for blessing me beyond measure."