Riley Hoselton at her college graduation.
Riley’s journey was far from easy and far from over. Growing up in a financially strained household, she was stuck on the belief that accomplishments and determination would get her out of her situation, but even more, that achieve- ment equated value. So, what did she do? She achieved everything she could – and it worked! She graduated as the valedictorian of her school, among other successes. Despite this success, Riley found that her relationships were a struggle, and she fought a constant sense of inadequacy. How could that be? After high school, she decided to attend a Christian college, and in the summer, she worked at a Christian camp. At this camp, Riley encountered an entirely different kind of productivity. Serving as a camp counselor revealed an affinity for young people, building relation- ships, and working together with the common goal of seeing souls saved. Her summer camp experience sparked a desire to pursue teaching, and Riley spent eight years teaching junior high and high school students, impacting lives far beyond the classroom.
Throughout her teaching career, Riley knew she was not the best teacher in the world, or even in her school. However, she believes God allowed her to see life's purpose extending far beyond personal success, and that changed her life. It was through serving God by serving her students that she learned true fulfillment. After her teaching career, she and her husband, Drew, started an insurance agency within their family-owned car dealership. Riley spearheaded and now manages that new venture. Their goal of each business being a people-first business is part of what led Riley and Drew to get involved with Word of Life. Riley's connection to Word of Life began when a friend invited her and her husband to a Director's Summit. Initially unaware of the ministry's scope, they were inspired by its emphasis on youth and global outreach. The thought crept back in; how else can we use our car dealership to impact people’s lives?
Despite initial reservations and uncer- tainties, Riley recognized the opportu-
Drew and Riley Hoselton, married in 1991.
Riley Hoselton at her high school graduation.
25 The Word of Life Experience
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