Meet Erica, our first Alumni Spotlight!
Missionary class of 2018
Life after Christ in the City takes many journeys, and today, we’re thrilled to kick off our alumni spotlight series with Erica (Johnson) Benz! Erica served as a missionary with Christ in the City from 2017-2018.
Fast forward to the present, and you’ll find Erica settled in Boston where she wears several hats including: wife to radiologist resident Karl Benz, mama to her adorable toddler Leo (+ another on the way!), and a thriving therapist making a difference in lives every day.
In the midst of it all, Erica’s faith remains her anchor. “Managing being a mother, a wife, and continuing my career calls me to rely on Jesus every single day. Though I don’t have the same prayer time I did at Christ in the City, my formation reminds me to do what I can, when I can. Leo and I say morning prayer together every morning (not usually continuously as he likes to take the Magnificat or run away and be mischievous)….the distraction used to frustrate me, but now I remind myself that Jesus sees my “yes” and my efforts, and can laugh with me.”
Life throws curveballs, like Karl’s busy work schedule, but Erica faces them with the strength honed during her service with Christ in the City. “It can be lonely sometimes,” she admits, “but memories of serving the homeless remind me that temporary hardships bear lasting fruit. I don’t think I would be able to have that same perspective without my experience with the homeless or living in community at Christ in the City.”
This resilience translates into genuine connection. “Having a young child and a busy husband I have fully embraced that my home is just as cool as the good restaurant down the street….and that other people’s homes are too. Letting people into your home lets them into your life. They see the messy, the chaos, the mundane routine, and that’s a good thing. I’ve more openly been able to share my joys, fears, and excitement, but most importantly I’ve learned to ask for help (usually when sitting on my floor watching Leo take out yet another toy and throw it across the room).”
Erica, your continued faith and hidden service is an inspiration. We’re proud to call you a Christ in the City alumna!
