If you hadn’t yet heard, I’m moving to Georgia (the state) in September to take part in an internship program called Center for Global Action (CGA). I’ll be back working with the organization Adventures in Missions, the same one in charge of the World Race.
Along with moving, I’m back to the ever faith-increasing realm of fundraising for the internship. (More on that at the end of this blog.)
My hope is to have as many personal conversations with people as possible, but in addition to that, here is some basic information on the who, what, where, when, and why of it all.
1) What is the Center for Global Action (CGA)?
As I and so many others experience on the World Race, we come home knowing that God has something else for us than a typical 9-to-5 job. We’re not entirely sure what exactly it is, but settling back into striving towards the stereotypical “American dream” is not possible for us. (This isn’t to say living in America and having a career is bad, but not all of us were made for that.)
CGA is an internship/discipleship program designed for those who have recently come back from the World Race or other missions trips run by Adventures in Missions. The program aims to continue the growth process that was started out on the missions field. It is a year of discipleship that is meant to “help you solidify your identity with like-minded Christ followers while activating you in your calling”.
2) What does life look like at CGA?
CGA looks a little like this beautiful model here:
In Georgia, I’ll be living and working in community alongside other apprentices in the program. I’ll be discipled and mentored by staff members and I’ll be working part-time in the headquarters of the Adventures in Missions offices to help send out others into the missions field.
In addition to all that, I get to choose a “track” or a specified training area. For me, I’ve chosen to be part of the Missions track (surprise!) where I will be trained in long-term missions and learn about Jesus’ model of discipleship.
3) How long will you be there?
CGA follows a typical school-year calendar and is split into four-month long semesters. Currently, I’m signed up for two semesters, so I’ll be in Georgia from September 2015 until May 2016. After that, hopefully I will be going overseas again.
4) So why CGA?
That one is not exactly a short story, but essentially, it comes down to this: I know I’m called to do missions and I’m ready to devote my entire life to ministry. Right now, I don’t have instructions on a country or a specific ministry to go to; and that’s okay, because I trust God and His timing.
Instead of sitting around and waiting, however, I want to make the most of the time I have. If I’m not personally going overseas, I want to invest in those going; I want to be trained so I’m prepared to go when I am called; and as always, I want to seek to grow closer to God. CGA is that perfect outlet for me for all those things.
5) How can I help you get to CGA?
For the two semesters at CGA, I need to raise $7,450. That covers program costs, housing for all 8 months, and a monthly stipend for other living expenses. Without your help, I won’t be able to go.
There’s three options that can help me immensely to reach this goal:
i. GIVE – On the left hand side of the screen, click the link “Support Me!” and donate. Monthly giving is extremely helpful! Especially if you don’t think you can give much, $5 each month vs. $5 one time can make a huge difference. However, one-time donations are always of a great importance as well. 🙂
ii. PRAY – Giving is a fantastic practical way to help, but fighting for me in prayer is much needed as well. I’m currently believing that I’ll have all the funds I need by end of August (about the time I’ll leave to drive cross-country). If you’d like to join your faith with mine on that, I’d greatly appreciate it.
iii. SHARE – Share this blog with your friends, family, etc. If you know people who may be interested in supporting me, point them in my direction, or pass their information along to me. If you do, I promise you’re not committing them to anything other than a phone call from me. They can then decide themselves what they’d like to do.
I ask that you would take some time to pray and consider what God is asking you to do to help. Whether it’s one thing or all three, I need partners to believe with me for provision. If you have questions or want to talk to me more, please contact me through email ([email protected]) or phone (530-356-4526). I’d love to hear from you!
