Living Generously
Carey & Susan Friesen | Photo by Marie Dufour
Warm and friendly, Carey and Susan Friesen are the type of couple with whom you feel instantly at ease. They have no pretense, but are hardworking and generous people who are continually looking for ways they can serve God and others, both in the church and outside it. Their story of generosity began long ago, before the two of them met, married, and raised a family.
Carey and Susan were both raised in homes with parents who followed Jesus. There was a history of hospitality in Susan’s family, with her parents heavily involved in the church. Her family was not content to simply attend church, but viewed hospitality as an act of worship to the Lord. Carey’s family had a similar emphasis on faithfully serving, with his parents moving the family overseas to participate in missions work in Manila in the Philippines. While the family served there only a year, the experience impacted Carey’s worldview. After Carey and Susan got married, they sought to build off the foundations their parents and grandparents laid as they pursued Christ as a married couple. Though circumstances in life were not always easy, the Friesens shared a strong desire to show hospitality and generosity to everyone they met.
For Carey and Susan, generosity has been about so much more than putting cash into the offering or writing a check. They have demonstrated generosity with their time and resources as well. Faithfully serving a church community has been a hallmark of their marriage. At prior churches, they served in various roles. When they began attending CCC, Carey joined the Production Team, working with sound and video. Susan also quickly became involved, leading worship as part of the Worship Team. She has also led Bible studies with Women’s Ministry and served as a mentor to younger moms at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), as well as mentoring younger women one-on-one. Together, Carey and Susan have mentored and provided guidance, feedback, love, and support to younger couples who are facing challenges in marriage. When the pandemic began in 2020, they looked for ways to freely give to others, no strings attached. When many organizations were struggling financially, the couple enjoyed being able to give anonymously, using the resources that God has provided for them to help others who were struggling.
Susan leading worship at the Thrive Women’s Conference in February 2020 | Photo by Krystal Sibley
The Young Adults Group that meets in the Friesens’ home | Photo by Seth Renicks
This spirit of generosity has also fueled the Friesens’ ministry to young adults at CCC. They have asked themselves, “Where is a need in the church and how can we help fill it?” The couple, who have two adult daughters and a son, noticed that young adults have often felt disconnected from the church. Creating a space for young adults to gather in community seemed a priority, so the couple gladly opened their house. Each week, young adults gather at their house to grow in their faith and build relationships with others. They see opening their home as an act of worship towards Jesus, so when the young adults want to stay late or borrow the house when the Friesens aren’t home, it’s no problem—whoever is last out just needs to remember to lock the door.
Generosity is about serving faithfully in whatever way God calls you.
Growing in generosity of time, resources, and finances wasn’t a quick process, nor was it always the easiest choice. During a time when Carey was unemployed, the family had to deeply rely on God to provide what they needed. Tithing was difficult, yet they continued to honor God with their finances. Early in their marriage, they began giving in small ways, and over time, increased what they were able to give of both time and finances. The Friesens shared that it’s not about being able to give large amounts, but to serve faithfully in whatever way God calls you.
Rachel Bebee is the Communications Project Manager at Christ Community Church.