When God Redefines Calling: Jill’s EquipHer Story

Dec 14

At GO, we talk a lot about discipleship that multiplies—women and men who hear God’s voice, lean into His calling, and walk faithfully in the season they’ve been given. Our EquipHer training in November brought together women from different churches, backgrounds, and stories, all wanting to grow as disciple-makers.

Jill Hurt was one of them. She came quietly, unsure if she even belonged in the room. But God had something to say to her—and it reshaped how she sees her calling.
What follows is Jill’s testimony.

“Greetings from Georgetown, KY. My name is Jill Hurt, and I’m a member of Bedford Acres Christian Church in Paris, KY, where I serve as our missions chairperson. I help steward our missions budget and look for ways our church can serve our community. I’m honored to share a little of my EquipHer experience and just how thankful I am that I was able to be part of it.

For a bit of background, I taught Family & Consumer Sciences for 14 years at Bourbon County High School. In August 2021, everything changed. I became very sick, and after several weeks in a coma on a ventilator, I woke to a new reality. Because of the damage to my trachea, I now have a permanent trach—which means I can’t speak. And if I can’t speak, I can’t teach. So three years ago, I medically retired and became a full-time stay-at-home mom and home baker.

My husband, Jason, and I have three children adopted from foster care in 2018. Moving from the constant activity of a classroom and a bustling home to days of quiet was a huge adjustment. People knew me as Mrs. Hurt, the culinary teacher. Suddenly, I was home—still a mom, but unsure of what my calling looked like now.

So when EquipHer came up, I kept putting it off. I told myself I couldn’t do it. What will people think? I can’t talk. I can’t join discussions. I’m not teaching anymore—why would I go to a training? But that November weekend, I had no excuses. No appointments. No bakery orders. Nothing in the way.

And God hushed every fear. Again.

Psalm 46:10—“Be still and know that I am God”—has carried me through my illness, and He brought it right back to me during the training. GO EquipHer was an unbelievable experience, and I’m still processing everything God stirred in me.

I pray daily that I’ll get to see our kids grow up and follow the Lord. During the training, their faces stayed on my mind—especially the call to keep praying faithfully over their lives. One of the ladies said something I know the Lord used to speak directly to me: “You are still a teacher—your classroom just looks different now.”

I had been struggling to find my place. But my place is right here—being Mommy/Mom and teaching our children to love the Lord with all their hearts. God is not finished with me yet. I have a second chance to live fully in the season I’m in.

That Sunday after EquipHer, church felt different. Or rather, I was different. A longtime friend hugged me and whispered, “I love seeing your children worship. I remember when it wasn’t like this.” I broke down sobbing—because it’s true. And once again, God whispered that He has given Jason and me the most important job of all. He has entrusted these three children to us. Our adoption journey hasn’t been easy, but the Lord has been there every step.”

GO EquipHer reminded Jill—and all of us—that calling isn’t tied to a role, a job, or a title. It’s found in obedience. God is still shaping women, still raising up disciple-makers, still speaking purpose into every season.

If you’re longing for clarity in your calling or courage in your discipleship, we’d love to invite you into the next GO EquipHer training. Come sit with other women who are learning to hear God, walk with Him, and disciple the people right in front of them.

God is still writing stories like Jill’s.
Maybe yours is next.

learn more about equip her

Jill Hurt is a wife, adoptive mom of three, and the missions chairperson at Bedford Acres Christian Church in Paris, KY. After 14 years of teaching Family & Consumer Sciences, a serious illness led to a permanent trach and a new season at home. In November 2025, Jill completed GO’s EquipHer training and became a certified EquipHer trainer. Today, she continues to live out her calling through motherhood, discipleship, prayer, and helping other women discover how God is shaping their lives for His mission.