Meet the Staff: Christian Lewis

Name:

Christian Lewis

Hometown:

My childhood began in New Jersey, but I’ve been privileged to call rural Pennsylvania the place where I grew up. I’ve always lived relatively close to Morgantown and my family is currently settled among the Amish farm fields of Ephrata!

Position at Harvest USA:

Director of Marketing and Communications

Description of work at Harvest USA:

Like faithful farmers, the staff at Harvest USA labor, plant, nourish, and produce a wealth of ministry resources that provide life-giving nourishment to people in need. After such diligent effort, I want to see Harvest’s resources end up in the hands of those who need them. As the Director of Marketing and Communications, my role is to grow Harvest USA’s audience by promoting our resources, sharing our content online, and overseeing our marketing efforts.

Food is nourishing, but it also tastes good! Our God is creative, and he made a beautiful world for his creatures to inhabit. Similarly, Harvest USA’s materials should not only be helpful, but beautiful. As the ministry’s creative director, I oversee the look and aesthetic of our communications and marketing materials.

What is your favorite Scripture?

Psalm 73 is one of those passages that God brings me to again and again. In repentance, I’ve prayed Asaph’s words many times:

“When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.” (Psalm 73:21–22)

No matter how many times I bring that prayer to the throne of grace, I find God’s heart still the same toward me:

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23)

What a patient Savior we have!

How did you get to Harvest USA?

I first came to Harvest USA seeking help for my own struggle with pornography. Week after week, my life slowly began to change as I wrestled with God and found encouragement in my darkest moments. I walked away from that time with a deeper and more personal understanding of who God is and his unfailing grace toward struggling sinners. Following graduation, I longed to see a similar ministry started at my church. I wanted those who struggled with sexual sin to experience the same grace and help I experienced. God brought different men into my life who struggled, and I was able to counsel them in their fight. My pastor approached me asking if our church would benefit from a small group dedicated to helping men with their sexual sins. It was a long-awaited answer to prayer! We chose to use Harvest’s resources as the primary teaching material, and it was a huge help for us.

Eventually, I came across the ad for my current position and received the spring ministry update in the mail. While reading Scott Pickering’s article honoring Bob Heywood’s ministry and retirement, I was suddenly floored by these words:

“Many men frequently came lost in the darkness of their sin and shame. A small, flickering candle amid deep darkness can provide enough light to take the next step of faith. Bob believed this and would work hard to help men see the flickering candle of the Spirit’s work in their lives.”

That flickering candle of the Spirit’s grace represented everything I love about Harvest’s ministry. Christ will not quench the flickering candle, and I love pointing out that little spark in the hearts of those downcast in sin and shame. I decided to push on the door by inquiring about the position, and as I continued to push more and more, the door swung wide open.

What is your favorite thing about living in metro Philadelphia?

There’s a running joke that if you live anywhere within 150 miles of Philadelphia, you’re from “Philadelphia.” By that standard, I suppose we live in Philadelphia. Despite the distance, I’ve always admired the historic architecture of the area. It’s a beautiful place to walk around (especially in the fall) and admire the old buildings, streets, and towns. As a history nerd, a day wandering around Valley Forge National Park is always a day well spent.

Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

I love ice hockey! I can watch it anywhere and at any level. Despite the many downs of the past ten years, I remain a loyal New Jersey Devils fan. When I was nine, we went to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals; I watched my team win the cup and raise it over their heads. Many sports fans never get to see their team win, much less in person, so I cherish that childhood memory!