Kim Krivanek

Interview by Diana Gipson

"God is good to me!"

Kim Krivanek is a busy lady at SGC, serving in the REACH ministry, the youth ministry and helping prepare for some of the Women of Worth projects.  Kim and her husband, Derreck, also belong to a Life Group.  "Sugar Grove Church feels like a family to us.  We know there are people there who love us and genuinely care about us."

Looking back on how they came to attend SGC, Kim says they were attending another church that was not going in the direction they felt led to go.  Kim had worked with Marilyn Johnson for many years, and Marilyn had invited Kim to SGC before.  "I thought it was just a small 'country' church," she remembers.  After visiting a couple other churches, Kim and Derreck decided to give SGC a try.  "Pastor Ted was preaching.  He introduced himself to us and made us feel welcome.  The next time we came to church, he said hello and remembered Derreck's name.  We have been coming to Sugar Grove Church ever since."

Kim has been a believer since childhood and credits her paternal grandparents, devout Christians, for being a huge influence on who she is today.  Her parents were divorced when Kim was five, so she spent a lot of time with her grandparents.

When Kim was 18 and attending Vincennes University, her mother, who was always confused about the Bible and organized religion, became a Jehovah's Witness.  Kim's mom has been an active "Witness" since that time.

Despite her grandparents' Christian influence and her own faith, Kim wandered away from the Lord for many years.  In 1996, she was introduced to Narcotics Anonymous, a 12-step program designed to help people find freedom from active addiction.  On April 10, she will celebrate 15 years of being clean from drugs and alcohol!

A few years later, she rededicated her life to the Lord while attending Elkhart Baptist Church.  "I am not one who can tell you the day or the time when it took place," she says.  "I just know that it did and my life has not been the same since!"

What does living an abundant life mean to Kim?  "It means living for the Lord, not being afraid to tell people about what God has done for me and will do for them if they will trust and believe in Him.  It's enjoying life in its fullness, keeping God first."  To find the peace that goes with an abundant life, Kim goes to the Lord, spends time with friends, gets into God's Word, prays or goes to a meeting.  "God is so good to me," she reflects.

Keeping her life full are her husband of 9 1/2 years, Derreck, her son and daughter-in-law, Kyler and Kelsey, and her granddaughter, Alexis.  "She is such a blessing--she is so sweet and cute!"  She describes Derreck, whom she met in Narcotics Anonymous, as supportive, loving, caring, compassionate and understanding.  "It has been quite an adventure to watch how God has worked in our lives," she remarks.

Patrick, the 14-year-old young man for whom Kim and Derreck are legal guardians, also keeps their lives abundantly full.  He was in foster care with Kim's good friend, Sara, and then returned home to his morther.  "Life took a turn for the worst for Patrick, and his mother asked if we would take care of him," Kim explains.  "In order to do this we felt we needed to make it legally binding, so, with some help from a friend, we are now Patrick's legal guardians."  Patrick refers to Kim and Derreck as "Aunt" and "Uncle," which is just fine with them.  "He has been and continues to be a blessing to Derreck and myself."

Some of Kim's favorite things to do are read, go to the beach with family, and dinners with family and friends.  "We love to travel when we can," she adds.  Her favorite verse?  "Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.'  This would be my life verse.  I use it at home, at work, in the car.  No matter what I have to deal with, this verse helps me to remember Who is always for me and with me."