Sarah Labriel | Executive Assistant & Retreat Manager (On Sabbatical)

Coming to Faith: Sarah's faith journey began in a backyard Bible school in Jamestown, NY, at the tender age of 5 in 1985. It was in that small but significant setting that she took her first steps toward a lifelong commitment to Christ.

Family Experiences: Sarah's journey has included profound family experiences. At 29, she became a widow when her husband, the father of their two children, tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm. This heartbreaking loss marked a turning point in her life, requiring immense faith and strength. She also navigates the challenging transition of divorce from her second husband, due to issues of emotional abuse, abandonment, and the impact on her children. These trials have and continue to shape her resilience and deepened her reliance on God.

Gifts and Abilities: Sarah is a natural communicator, blessed with the gift of evangelism. Her conversations invariably gravitate toward spiritual matters and the message of Christ. Despite not being an extrovert, she forges meaningful friendships and nurtures relationships, infusing them with her faith. She possesses a unique ability to discern God's work and identify the root of issues, offering creative, Biblical solutions. Sarah excels in guiding people to discover and fulfill their God-given purposes. Her focus on Christ shines through even in challenging circumstances, as she turns to God and His Word for guidance. Throughout her missionary journey, Sarah has been instrumental in leading individuals closer to Jesus, often through one-on-one relationships and discipleship. She has also combined sports and evangelism, using activities like basketball and soccer to share God's Word.

Mentoring and Discipleship: Sarah's spiritual journey has been enriched by mentorship. She was closely mentored by her youth leader, Ken Massey, for seven formative years. Under his guidance, she learned the importance of a daily quiet time and delved into challenging materials. Ken's influence extended to international missions, inspiring Sarah to embark on her first overseas trip at the age of 14. She has also sought out discipleship experiences with seasoned missionary wives, deepening her walk with God.

Leading Others: Sarah's passion for mentoring extends to others as well. Starting in high school, she began discipling junior high students, a practice she continues to this day. Her discipleship approach combines structured materials with a life-coaching style, emphasizing spiritual growth. Sarah's heart for Biblical counseling shines through, and she has pursued formal training to offer more support in this area. She seeks to lead others to a deeper relationship with Christ and empower them to use their gifts for His glory.

Personal Strengths: Sarah's strengths include an unwavering conviction for matters of faith and her calling in God's service. She excels in leadership behind the scenes, displaying strong organizational skills. Her adaptability and flexibility enable her to thrive in diverse situations. Above all, her innate ability to instill hope in every person she encounters sets her apart, fostering growth and transformation.

Trusting in God's Provision: Sarah's life has been a testament to trusting in God's provision, particularly in the financial realm. Since 2006, she has served as a full-time missionary, relying entirely on raised support. Time and again, she's witnessed God's faithfulness in providing for her and her family's needs. Would you consider supporting Sarah, and helping her continue on in ministry by keeping global worker women healthy and strengthened to stay on the field through AZMERA's ministry?