Youth Group
Meet our new Youth Ministers
Jacob & Mariah Olinger
Youth Ministers
Jacob is a Garden City, Kansas native. He found his future wife at church (Word of Life) while in junior high after God told him Mariah was the one he was to marry one day. God's Word rang true on May 9th, 2014 as they were officially married. (Fun fact: Jacob was married the day before he graduated from high school)
The two moved to East Tennessee in November 2016 as God laid on them a season of change. There, in 2017 the Olinger family grew as they welcomed Ariah into the world.
Jacob has an interest in all things media/sound. He loves to read and create stories.
His heart is to help others experience the authentic Jesus and train up to be kingdom-minded warriors.
“There’s a people out there who have never felt the goodness of Christ. There are those who have but haven’t seen the power. Finally there are people who’ve felt & seen yet don’t walk in the authority. I’m not stopping at any stage here. We’re going for it all!”
“We only start heading in the direction of an authentic Jesus experience when we submit that it’s never about us and Jesus never came to back us up in our feelings and ride the roller coaster with us. He’s looking for those who will drop the identity they have lived with and follow after Him. That’s the only Jesus I’m interested in. That’s the only Jesus that can change things.”
Fun facts:
• proud uncle to 15 nieces and nephews.
• third person in his family to record music
• has been to 25 states
• ran for public office at 18
• finished a 7-week course within 12hrs
• can’t stand any type of canned meat
• prefers winter.
• loves to do anything that involves family
• has fallen asleep at the alter before
The two moved to East Tennessee in November 2016 as God laid on them a season of change. There, in 2017 the Olinger family grew as they welcomed Ariah into the world.
Jacob has an interest in all things media/sound. He loves to read and create stories.
His heart is to help others experience the authentic Jesus and train up to be kingdom-minded warriors.
“There’s a people out there who have never felt the goodness of Christ. There are those who have but haven’t seen the power. Finally there are people who’ve felt & seen yet don’t walk in the authority. I’m not stopping at any stage here. We’re going for it all!”
“We only start heading in the direction of an authentic Jesus experience when we submit that it’s never about us and Jesus never came to back us up in our feelings and ride the roller coaster with us. He’s looking for those who will drop the identity they have lived with and follow after Him. That’s the only Jesus I’m interested in. That’s the only Jesus that can change things.”
Fun facts:
• proud uncle to 15 nieces and nephews.
• third person in his family to record music
• has been to 25 states
• ran for public office at 18
• finished a 7-week course within 12hrs
• can’t stand any type of canned meat
• prefers winter.
• loves to do anything that involves family
• has fallen asleep at the alter before
Mariah is a Garden City, Kansas native. Growing up, Mariah has always had a love for children of all ages and is always willing to let that inner child out. She loves to craft, draw, and anything in between but don’t let her love of art fool you. She was the only girl on her middle school football team and can dish out just as good as she gets it.
From traveling to games every night and everything in between if it’s with family she’s ready to go.
Mariah leans on passion and compassion for kids and finds a connection with just about any of them.
She’s ready to take on the outdoors and enjoys shopping for anything that’s not groceries (who does?) She loves to joke around and is the first one ready to worship.
Fun facts:
As a couple:
Growing up together and being married for over 10 years now, they’ve become a dynamic duo in their own right.
These two find it easy to lean on each other’s strengths and help with weaknesses. You’ll find they are ready to break the Word of God down in various forms for understanding as they work together to form relationships, build trust, and bring kids together for a Jesus experience that’s authentic.
Together they’ve been through many tough times that have grown them to the people they are today.
Jacob is analytical by nature while Mariah focuses on the creative.
From traveling to games every night and everything in between if it’s with family she’s ready to go.
Mariah leans on passion and compassion for kids and finds a connection with just about any of them.
She’s ready to take on the outdoors and enjoys shopping for anything that’s not groceries (who does?) She loves to joke around and is the first one ready to worship.
Fun facts:
- Loves summer (minus the heat)
- Interest in all things art
- Used to be in JROTC
- Middle child of 7 kids
- Loves sports (will get loud)
- Competitive at heart
- Prefers to be on time (early)
- Says she’s not tired so her husband can turn the TV on so she can go to sleep
As a couple:
Growing up together and being married for over 10 years now, they’ve become a dynamic duo in their own right.
These two find it easy to lean on each other’s strengths and help with weaknesses. You’ll find they are ready to break the Word of God down in various forms for understanding as they work together to form relationships, build trust, and bring kids together for a Jesus experience that’s authentic.
Together they’ve been through many tough times that have grown them to the people they are today.
Jacob is analytical by nature while Mariah focuses on the creative.