Passion Perspective-Getting to Know Loren Thornburg

In the summer of 2006, Bethany and Bekah and I met Loren Thornburg for the first time.
She is a fifth generation Texan who grew up in Southern California. My daughters and I were about to embark on an adventure that would forever change our life-perspectives and priorities. We were in Southern California attending a training camp before we embarked on a mission trip to China. My girls were part of a Clinic team that would be training young Chinese girls who were developing softball skills, with hopes of someday playing on the Chinese National Team. My role was photographer, prayer warrior and discipleship leader for the team members. Loren had previously been a collegiate athlete, pitching for UCSB’s women’s softball team. She describes her sports journey, “With the unconditional love and support of my parents I pursued athletics through college at UCSB. I then had the opportunity to get my Masters of Education in Counseling while coaching at Augusta State in Georgia before I joined staff with Competitive Edge International, a sports ministry. I went on my first trip with CEI in 2003 and 6 trips later I began my journey to join staff where I have been serving the last 5 years.

One of the CEI staff members, Wendy Yantis, writes, “Loren is a genuine young woman who loves Jesus and loves people. She is honest about her struggles and she finds God at work in big and small ways. Her devotionals reflect her willingness to be open about what it really looks like to pursue Jesus. She walks in the Life of Jesus and pours out His life and care to her friends, her family, and those who read her weekly messages. She has become a true companion in the faith since we first went on a mission trip in 2007. I can honestly say that I know Jesus more deeply because of our friendship.”
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Loren had experienced the Competitive Edge International mission trips for the three summers before we met her. I will never forget her handing me an envelope filled with strips of blue paper-each one had one bible verse and encouraging quote to be read each day. I was so honored that she would take the time to give me something that was so thoughtful and important to me and she had never even met me. That envelope full of quotes gave me ways to encourage my team of girls and brought hope and joy to me on the days when I might have felt discouraged or challenged.

As I read the strips of paper filled with words of blessing for me, I knew this gal was gifted and spiritually mature for her years. Her words were inspirational and I am so glad she took this gift of turning feelings and bits of wisdom into words of encouragement to write her weekly devotionals that have inspired others.

Here are some fun facts about Loren:
Life Motto: Enjoy the Ride
Favorite food: salads
Favorite dessert: dark chocolate
Favorite Disney character: Bella
One thing you can’t live without: music
Favorite book: An Echo in the Darkness, by Francine Rivers
One bucket list item: float in the dead sea
Favorite Bible verse:
Ephesians 4:1 “…Live a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called…”

Check back tomorrow to learn about the wonderful opportunities the Lord has opened up for Loren and the ways she has continued using her talents to bring hope and encouragement to many through her weekly email devotionals.