As a child, it was helping her family transition from Africa to the United States as refugees. As a teen, it was participating in corps music groups. Now, as a young adult, it’s singing in the worship band Of Dust and working as a restorative nursing assistant (RNA). Sarah looks back on how God used her throughout her early life with a sense of joy.  

Sarah, with her brothers and mother, moved to Rockford, IL, from Nigeria in 2010 when she was nine years old; her father joined them several years later. Her family is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where her grandparents (on both sides) served as Salvation Army officers (pastors). At The Salvation Army in Nigeria, “joy is so prevalent that there is rarely a moment of sitting down!” 

In the 14 years she has lived in the U.S., Sarah has radiated Christ’s love and joy with everyone she meets.  Today, she uses her God-given and childhood love and talent for singing as a singer in Of Dust. Originated in 2017, Of Dust has grown into a well-known worship band that sings across the USA Central Territory at Youth Councils and other events. “I’m usually very shy onstage or speaking to large groups,” Sarah says. “But since joining Of Dust, God has worked in so many ways. I have never felt so confident and comfortable leading songs and spreading His Word. It’s been a great part of my life.” In addition to the worship group, Sarah has been a member of the Central Territory Staff Songsters (CTSS) since the group’s founding in 2020. She continues to sing with CTSS at multiple events.  

She also works as an RNA in an assisted living facility dementia unit. Sarah enjoys showing God’s love to the residents and being someone they can talk to. It is not an easy job, and God often uses it to teach her patience. Seeing the joy and laughter she brings out in the residents reminds her that she reflects God in that place.    

When Sarah’s not singing or working, she speaks to other teenage girls and newly immigrated families attending the Rockford Temple, IL corps. In a full circle moment, Sarah shares advice and answers questions about life, faith and cultural transition. She wants young people to know that it is okay not to have everything figured out, and as her own life testifies, it is always best to live a life surrendered to God’s will.