We were lucky to catch up with Jodie Chiricosta recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jodie, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
I studied Management Information Systems in college and started working in the IT field at Regent University in Virginia when I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Florida. While working that job I pursued two Master’s Degrees, one in Communications and one in Biblical Studies. As I was working as a Systems Administrator, I had opportunity to attend several industry conferences and professional development meetings. During the coffee break of one of these meetings I was listening to colleagues talk about debugging programs and fixing broken pointers and realized that while I was good at doing those things, I was not passionate about it like many of them were. I had been on several mission trips overseas and was volunteering with an urban ministry in my spare time, and I realized that my desire was to help others find their passion and God given purpose, and equip them with the resources and tools they needed to be successful.
An opportunity opened up at the University to help build a Conference Department, so I moved to that department and became an event planner and conference manager for a couple years. It was closer to my passion of helping others, but when I became aware of a job at Operation Blessing, I applied and was hired. While at OBI I served in the Communication, Marketing and Development departments and eventually moved into the program area when I oversaw our international and US humanitarian development programs.
After a layoff in 2007 due to some reorganization at the company, the President of Somebody Cares America asked me to come on board as Vice President to help shape and grow the ministry. Over time we have expanded our disaster response efforts; grown our leadership development programs to help equip young, emerging and struggling leaders to weather challenging situations and lead with integrity; and continued supporting prayer and compassion outreach efforts around the country. In addition, I have helped produce several short and long form videos; executive produced our Leadership Awakening video training series; and helped co-author and edit publications and books. Three years ago we launched the A Word in Season with Doug Stringer and Friends podcast, which I produced for 2 years. Then in 2022, we launched the Her God Story podcast which I produce and host.
The Her God Story podcast takes you behind the curtain to find out the real story of some extraordinary women! Some you may already think you know; others serve in relative obscurity. But together we’ll hear their struggles and triumphs; we’ll laugh and maybe get misty eyed. You’ll be amazed to discover how much in common we all have.
As you hear HER GOD STORY, you’ll encounter truth that will move you and set you free to be all God wants you to be!
Discover how God is working in the lives of ordinary women today and realize the extraordinary potential He has for you too!
Even though my career path has taken many turns, each season has taught me skills and given me experiences that I have drawn from as I have tackled new challenges and embraced new innovations to equip others to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives.
Jodie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have served in nearly every aspect of national and international Christian ministry for almost four decades. Being a part of bringing positive change in communities and to individuals gives me great joy. Drawing from past experiences, education and the gifts God has given me to sow into others through innovative programs and targeted training allows me to keep that exciting sense of purpose even on the difficult days. The deep friendships developed in the trenches of humanitarian aid and disaster response are ones you can rely on through thick and thin – and for each one I am so grateful.
The network of ministry partners we have developed at Somebody Cares America/International is extensive. Through our fairly small, in terms of dollars, faith-based non-profit headquartered in Houston, we have a global reach because of our trusted relational church and ministry partners. With them, we focus on four primary areas of impact: facilitating prayer initiatives, equipping churches around the country and globally to reach their community through compassionate outreach, responding in times of disaster to help those impacted, and empowering Christian leaders to serve with integrity, compassion and wisdom.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
We all go through challenging seasons, me too. I could have allowed myself to sink into a pit of bitterness, anger or despair after being laid off from a job and organization I loved and had served well for over two decades. I could have been gripped by fear the first time I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and then 11 years later when I was diagnosed with breast cancer again. But my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior and loving Lord carried me through those times. I have learned through the years that God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble (Ps. 46:1). So, when the unexpected happens, I turn to Him. When I recognize that He is in control, that He loves me and the He will work good for me in each situation it changes my perspective and allows me to move forward.
As I turned to the Lord after my layoff, He sent me a job offer the next day. And because I had a good severance package, I was able to take a 3-month break from work so I could start my new position refreshed and ready to roll.
As I turned to Him during cancer treatments, He gave me peace and speedy recovery both times. I learned some very practical lessons through those times like the importance of rest, of letting go of perfectionism when it isn’t really important (sometimes it is!), and of giving myself grace to not live up to even my own expectations sometimes.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
For me, the most important thing has been my relationship with God. James 1:5 tells me that if I lack wisdom, I can ask God and He will give it to me. Sometimes that comes supernaturally, often through the counsel of others. Matthew 11:30 tells me that God’s yoke, the work He has for me, is easy and His burden for me is light. So, when I feel overwhelmed by all the needs around me, I look to Him to direct me in the things He has for me to do. Years ago, I was in a massive barrio outside of Bogota, Columbia. There was desperate need as far as the eye could see. As I made my way down the path to meet a woman in a job training program there, I asked God what Jesus would have done in the midst of all that poverty. I heard Him gently say, “I would help the one in front of me.” And that is often what He did. Of course, He also fed and healed masses. But His gentle assurance to me that day released me from the guilt of not being able to do something for everyone – but to joyfully help the ones He brought to me. I could go on and on telling the many ways God has led me, guided me and provided what I needed to do the next thing—but I hope my few examples help you get the idea!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://somebodycares.org
- Instagram: SomebodyCaresAmerica
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomebodyCaresAmerica/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/somebody-cares-america/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@somebodycaresamerica
- Other: https://www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/her-god-story/https://livingyourfaith.net
Image Credits
Most were taken by non-professional photographers. The Podcast graphic photographer is Don Monteaux of Virginia Beach; the graphic designer is Ashley Stringer of Houston, TX