VIP - Very Interesting Person is a series where I interview someone who is... very interesting! I want to find out in an informal way who they are and maybe glean some tips and insights from them.
All the Very Interesting People I interview are different - some are small business owners, some are parents, some are young, some are women, some live in the U.K., some are all of these things and some are the opposite of these things!
Today, I am interviewing someone I have never met in person, but chat to over zoom most weeks, as we are both part of a Christian small business mentoring programme called the Tent Peg Collective. She lives in Canada with her husband, and I’ll let her tell you the rest.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Rachel Van Pelt and I'm the creator of Hope Through Hard Times. I have a passion for discipling, comforting, and challenging Christians to look to the Lord in all areas of life, while growing in intimacy with Jesus, no matter the circumstances they find themselves in.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Getting married to the most incredible man. I don't know if that's officially an accomplishment, but one I definitely value. I think the other might be starting Hope Through Hard Times.
When you’re having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
Honestly, spending time in worship and the Bible. I've tried all other things, but this is the most life giving. It helps me prioritize, refocus, and be reminded that He's got it all worked out.
What’s a great book you’ve read recently?
"Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. It's excellent if you're looking to find out how to hear God's voice, ways He speaks, and need a good challenge in your faith life. Priscilla gives clear and practical advise.
When are you happiest?
While hanging out with my husband on a date and working away on projects for Hope Through Hard Times.
Who inspires you?
Joni Eareckson Tada has always been an inspiration. Bonita Schaefer, a friend and mentor of mine. Josephine Owusu for her knowledge of Scripture and heart for prayer...There are many others as well.
Can you tell us 3 things you would bring to a desert island?
My Bible, a machete, and matches (until I could learn to make a fire).
If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
How do all the elements of God work? Like, how is He Light, Living Water, Bread, etc.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
"Be willing to go and ready to stay"
Someone gave this to me regarding missions. I wanted to be a full-time missionary. Having been through the process herself, she realized that the Lord sometimes asks you to stay or go, which might not be what you had planned. I experienced both scenarios. Now it's a motto I live by because it keeps my mind in a posture of surrender before the Lord allowing Him to work and move me where He desires, rather than me getting in the way of that.
Awesome! Thanks for those answers, they’re really helpful and interesting.
Now for a quick lightening round:
Tea or coffee? Tea
Cake or pie? Pie
Pineapple on pizza? Yes!
Winter or summer? Summer
City or country? Country
Book or movie? Book
Most used emoji? 😊
Favourite day of the week? Saturday and Sunday haha
What’s for dinner tonight? Chili Lime Chicken with Avacado salsa. Yum!
I can be found at www.hopethroughhardtimes.org, on Instagram @
Amazing! Thank you Rachel! I’d definitely recommend Rachel’s blog. She is so encouraging and full of hope while also being very real.
