Tim and Debbie Leahart

Describe your spiritual journey:

“Although we have always been spiritual, over the past years, our relationship with God has steadily grown stronger. Our membership at WHCC has made us enthusiastic about going to church, and the desire to better know God has driven us to become more active in mid-week bible study. Recently, Tim has also decided that he would like to go to college in order to increase his knowledge of the Bible. As we venture into these new experiences, we have faith that our spiritual journey will continue to progress as we seek new ways to discover Christ.”

What brought you to WHCC?

“While attending another church, we started to experience changes that we knew, in our hearts, did not feel right.  After a time, it seemed obvious that God was leading us elsewhere.  When Pastor Tim invited us to join a small gathering of worshipers, our prayers were answered. Our path was made steady as the congregation grew, and several weeks later, our small group worship became a church service. By the grace of God, our New Braunfels Senior Citizen Center provided venue, and the Word of Hope Christian Church came into being. It is clear to us that we experienced Christ’s gentle guidance when we came to WHCC, where we now feel free to worship and devote ourselves to God.”

How would you describe the sense of community at WHCC?

“WHCC has a unique atmosphere that we have never experienced in another church. There is a peaceful yet exultant devotion to Christ, to prayer, and to companionship. The messages are relatable and uplifting, the music is spiritually inspiring, and the relationships are deep and authentic.

Our pastor has an incredible talent for drawing people under God’s roof.  He speaks the word of God simply, with no condescension, accusation, or agenda. He does all he can to not only know the members of the congregation personally, but to become a true friend.  His great sense of humor and willingness to connect with people make it easy for members to feel that he is a close supporter, rather than a distant leader.  He has a genuine love for people, and the remarkable ability to bring them closer to Christ through his attitudes and teachings.

The followers of WHCC are true believers, who sincerely care about each person who steps into the congregation. To enter the doors of WHCC is to enter the open arms and hearts of many wonderful people. The congregation is diverse, yet unified – a rare and beautiful environment. Despite their differences, the people of WHCC accept each other without judgment. We have never attended a day without experiencing the friendly and welcoming warmth of people joined by a need for God. We have never been a part of such a pure fellowship. WHCC is truly a family.”

In a nutshell, what does WHCC mean to you? 

“This church is a family and a blessing. It is an intimate community where all members can feel united by their love for God. We have a strong and joyous love for our church. WHCC is the rock that we build our lives upon, giving us support and helping us build a closer relationship with the Lord. We truly feel that, with the comfort we have found, the security, closeness, and devotion to Christ and each other, the WHCC congregation is where God has led us.”

Darlene Anderson

Describe your spiritual journey:

“I didn’t come from a church going family. When I married David he never told me about the saving grace of God. We would go to church on Sunday’s with our children but it was usually hit and miss. David always seemed to be in a grumpy mood on Sunday mornings and I guess it was the devil attacking our family. David and I were separated for 18 months and during that time I came to know the Lord and have a personal relationship with Him. Near the end of those 18 months I wrote a letter to David and a few days later I received divorce papers in the mail. I called him the following weekend and said I’d sign the papers if that’s what he truly wanted. He said he didn’t so we got back together and we’ve both grown in our spiritual walk. Like David said there is still room for improvement so we’ll work on it until the Lord calls us home. In 2020 the Lord called my husband home and I’m continuing on my spiritual journey with Jesus.”

What brought you to WHCC?

“I’ve been in New Braunfels for more than 20 years now and like most folks that move to a new area there was a search for a church home. It took a few disappointments and a couple of failed churches to bring us to a church where low and behold it was the very first Sunday that Tim was giving his audition for ministry leadership. We had an immediate connection. This was the start of a long lasting journey (over 20-years) that continues with Tim now through the doors of WHCC.”

How would you describe the sense of community at WHCC?

“A sense of family is sparked by the enthusiasm and display of genuine caring for people brought on by the people themselves as they are led to embrace this way of life. They can bring their concerns and cares before the body knowing that they’re accepted without ridicule or judgment. This brings about folks volunteering to help in all facets without having to pull teeth to get participation. If you want to get plugged in, there’s a place for you.”

In a nutshell, what does WHCC mean to you? 

“WHCC means family to me where we are all growing together in the knowledge of God and His purpose for us. Even Pastor Tim is growing more and God as using him in such a positive way. What a blessing to be a part of this church.”

Anita Bishop

Describe your spiritual journey:

“My spiritual journey is ongoing. I find myself talking to God much more and realizing He is listening and I am more aware of His presence.”

What brought you to WHCC?

“I needed to find a church and just came when I was invited. Everyone there was welcoming and very friendly. I was invited back and when I did come back I was again welcomed.”

How would you describe the sense of community at WHCC?

“The membership is very supportive and will always be there to help.”

In a nutshell, what does WHCC mean to you? 

“I am content and at peace with myself and the Lord. Attending WHCC makes me feel good.”

David Duff

Describe your spiritual journey:

“Hmmm…Where to start…Well, the most recent chapter (and the most impactful to me) in this journey has been over the last year just before this church began.

First a brief background on me.  I was quite the particular individual, very driven by procedural correctness and prideful workmanship…but not a control freak right? I was very unhappy in most areas of life—at work, at home, socially, financially, etc.  I found myself often ‘wearing my heart on my sleeve’ or ‘living and dying’ about many different things while still telling myself and everyone else I was staying objective and not subjective in my attitude. Anyone relate?

Anyone ever talk back and show disrespect just because you could?

This was me…condescending, overbearing, bossy, rude, and just generally a know-it-all.

I was very unpleasant to be around when I wasn’t in good spirits, which was way more often than I’d like to admit.

Now for the meat. So one day at work, I am basically reaming my Assistant Manager for something that was truly small potatoes. He asks me to go talk outside, and I follow. He asks what’s going on? Am I on drugs? Is home life ok? And finally, are you ok with God? That last question broke me inside…so much in fact, I needed to leave work for the day. How could this possibly be the case? Am I right with God?  There are so many facets to that question that I was starting to crumble inside. This drove me to my most humble moment, when I fell to my knees and prayed for the first time to God…HELP ME!!! As a man starting a family of his own, the last thing you want is to admit defeat.  Ironically, I had defeated myself by letting selfish pride and overconfidence rule me.

One thing about me is, I am my own worst critic. I have been so ashamed of how I was, that I thought I was beyond forgiveness. I thought I am such a rotten person and I hate myself for it.  

God has restored my confidence and removed my shame by placing His Spirit in me. He forgave me while I was still a sinner and I am truly grateful because I did not deserve this most amazing gift of grace. God has given me the strength to stand when I was weak, the courage to look inside and face the monster I have created, the promise that He will not leave me, and the faith to believe that promise.”

What brought you to WHCC?

“One question by my Dad; will you play drums this Sunday? I just feel like I am supposed to be here, and that this is my job as a Christian.  I believe this was one of the first steps in giving my life to Him. God is destroying the strongholds of sin in my life, one small piece at a time and this is why I keep coming back.”

How would you describe the sense of community at WHCC?

“In a word, family.”

In a nutshell, what does WHCC mean to you? 

“WHCC means a place where I can learn to be a disciple of Christ. A place where I can learn to speak to God; learn who He truly is, and see how He, the Holy Spirit, can truly affect people’s lives when fear, regret, and selfishness are removed.”

Carmen Ramon

Describe your spiritual journey:

“I learned to trust the Lord in any situation. Barriers, stumbling blocks, trials…those are the chains that hold us captives or slaves. But we need to be stronger in our faith to face and fight the enemy and with God on our side, we can make it! PTL!!!”

What brought you to WHCC?

“A long-time friend told me about this church and she said her daughter came to it as well.”

How would you describe the sense of community at WHCC?

“Very friendly and helpful.”

In a nutshell, what does WHCC mean to you? 

“The uplifting Word of God, assembling [of the people] and the fellowship of Christian people.”