Shout Out to Paula Gooch, Co-Director T.R.A.C. Torrance, CA
Paula has been co-director alongside an amazing couple, the Hettingers, since 2021 when they attended National Leadership Training to launch the first T.R.A.C. chapter in Los Angeles County. T.R.A.C. continues to be an incredible outlet to see God's faithfulness. Paula has watched Him answer countless prayers and transform hearts and lives of campers and volunteers. By serving at T.R.A.C., Paula feels like she’s connected deeply to the body of Christ. T.R.A.C. gives her a purpose and a family!
Paula has sooo many stories; it's hard to just pick one. She is so grateful to be a small part of God's masterpiece. To share a specific story, she reconnected with a 9-year-old camper from RFK who she thought she would never see again. Then, when he was 15, God faithfully opened the door, and the camper came to T.R.A.C.! Paula is amazed to see how God continues to work in and through his life.
Paula works with a Christian organization fighting to end child sex trafficking, so she is grateful for the opportunity to be part of something she’s passionate about. Other favorites include watching sunsets at the beach, hammocking, and most recently, running which she has grown to really enjoy. Paula also loves escape rooms and murder mysteries. Last year for her birthday, she created and hosted her own murder mystery game for almost 50 participants. She is currently creating two murder mysteries and hopes to write many more.
Paula feels blessed that her immediate family are all believers and walking through life following the Lord. She is very thankful to be an auntie to many nieces and nephews!
Her advice to anyone considering volunteering at T.R.A.C. or T.R.A.C.life: “Don't be afraid to step out in faith by serving at T.R.A.C. I have experienced more blessings than I would've expected, and I believe many people who serve have been blessed by the experience. Know that God may stretch you and grow you in this process which is always a beautiful thing. As you strive to work in unity alongside those on the team, T.R.A.C. can become a beautiful picture of the body of Christ at work!”