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Cindy Carlson

carlson_cindy.jpg“I have come into contact with nearly 5,000 students over the last 22 years as a teacher at North East High School,” says Cindy Carlson. “There is no doubt that God has touched these lives because of my contact with CCO and the discipleship training that I received when I was a student at Edinboro University. The fellowship, guidance and growth I gained from the ministry of the CCO changed the course of my life. God used these dedicated people to shape my entire future. The lives that I come into contact with today are influenced by the time invested in me back in college.”

Cindy Carlson made a commitment to Christ just two months before starting college, and she was terrified that she wouldn’t find any Christians at Edinboro.

“The day I moved into my dorm room, an RA showed up at my door,” Cindy remembers. “Her name was Sandy Stevens. She showed me her room and there was a poster with a scripture verse. I blurted out, ‘Are you a Christian?’ She took me to the CCO lead fellowship called Celebration that week.”

Cindy stayed involved in the CCO’s ministry throughout her four years at Edinboro. She played guitar to lead worship, she got involved in Bible studies, and she met her future husband, Craig.

“The most significant impact on my walk with Jesus came in the form of a CCO campus minister named Ginger Weeber,” says Cindy. “We played racquetball, we ran, we walked, we talked, we prayed, we had cheese and broccoli dinners at her apartment and then her new home. I attended her discipleship group, and we lead Bible studies together after I became an RA. She taught me how to have quiet time and worship. Ginger’s friendship was used by God to shape my life. She spent hours with me. I pray her investment in me brings Jesus glory and honor.”

Cindy also attended the Jubilee conference. “I was not going to go my freshmen year because of the cost,” she remembers. “Ginger quietly contacted my mother and slipped an envelope under my door with the money. This still brings tears to my eyes. I had never been to Pittsburgh. The music, the worship, the study sessions, and the hotel are memorable. Jubilee is excellent at providing guidance for how to remain faithful to Jesus Christ while in the work place. The message is loud and clear. You serve God in all that you do, so do it all well.”

Today, Cindy and her husband, Craig, live in Erie, Pennsylvania with their two children. Cindy teaches math at North East High School, and the Carlsons are active members of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, where Cindy is involved in music, theater, Vacation Bible School, Bible study, Sunday school, in addition to regularly-scheduled worship services

“Without the CCO’s ministry, I think all of my relationships would have taken different turns,” Cindy says. “I am amazed at the patience Ginger had with me. She listened to me rattle on forever and then gently guided me. Praise God that he guided her to my path. I have healthy relationships. I believe being a member of a faithful church is important. The purpose is to love one another and make time for people. A life centered on Jesus Christ changes everything.”