Editor’s note: This information was published in the December 2018 issue of Heartfelt Magazine, CHM’s monthly magazine that provides CHM membership-related tips and tricks, medical advice from doctors, testimonies from CHM members, and more. Please refer to the CHM Guidelines and applicable web pages for the most up-to-date information regarding CHM membership, sharing eligibility, and ministry news.
Kelly Gerber and Brooke Valentine are part of the CHM Member Assistance department. Each day they answer questions about the ministry and make changes to members’ accounts.
Kelly Gerber
What’s your favorite childhood memory? I was a member of Girl Scout Troop 1308 and had earned my first pocket knife with my name engraved on it. I was excited to learn how to whittle sticks. Meanwhile, my entire troop camped out in my backyard where we learned nearly every double Dutch rhyme and made campfire banana boats.
When did you become a Christian? I grew up in a Christian home and had heard the Gospel preached many times, but I struggled to “get it.” During my high school junior year I was sitting in my dad’s truck while he pumped gas. I watched people leaving the gas station with sandwiches and drinks, and I began questioning whether this life is all there is.
My searching intensified until I heard the Gospel again at a youth event the same year. I realized that following Christ is what gives life meaning and I gladly accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I could finally see that He came to give me life abundantly and to grant me freedom from my sins.
What’s your favorite Bible passage and why? “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). This verse is a beautiful image of the intimacy Christ desires with His people—and of how desperately we need Him. Abide, remain, rest and stay. It’s a wonderful command and invitation wrapped up in one.
Where did you work before joining the CHM staff? I served as a children’s case manager at the Wayne and Holmes County (Ohio) Counseling Center.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? Early morning Bob Evans breakfast dates with my husband.
Brooke Valentine
When did you decide to follow Christ? I had two amazing Christian examples growing up: my mom and my grandma. I was eight years old when I decided to follow their lead and follow Christ.
What’s your favorite movie line? Definitely “Yo, Adrian!” from Rocky II. My son’s name is Rocky and when he was young his doctor from Philadelphia would always say, “Yo, Adrian!” when he saw him.
If given a chance, who would you like to be for one day? The president of the United States.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Boneless wings with sauce on the side.
What is one thing about CHM that you want members to know? CHM is more than just sharing medical bills; it’s a family of believers. We pray for members each morning. We care for you and want to help carry your burdens.
Name the craziest thing on your bucket list. Skydiving! I told my daughter that when she turned 18 she and I would go. Well, she’s 18 now so we’ll be putting it on our calendar!
