Why now?
What would cause a guy like me to sign up for this?
Winter 2011: A friend recommends that I go back to Millar College of the Bible for a fourth year internship. I apply simply for something to do after becoming rather lazy and apathetic.
April 2011: Intership begins at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp. Running a new program called Xtreme Clubs to bring Kids out to camp for climbing and paintball, where we have devotionals to grow in our faith as well.
September – October 2011: Fall begins and so do the clubs with numbers far lower than hoped for. I enter a time in my life where I feel more broken and defeated almost daily. God still provides new friendships and strengthens old ones as I begin classes at Millar. His provision is amazing even in my slowly breaking state.
November – December 2011: Living alone is harder than I thought it would be…seeing friends walks with God as better than my own and I desire it for myself. If it wasn't for those God placed in my life at this time I'm not sure who I would be today. Their encouragement and prayers kept me going through these dark times. This was the beginning of a great change in my life. It's amazing what simply buying your first car can do for you.
January 2012: Friendship and freedom. Finally owning a car of my own makes it possible to go to church where I will grow the most and to give rides to people. Driving people places is amazing for building friendships. Especially when you get into deep conversations, which are some of the best times ever! Having the proper motivation and great friends to challenge you can really make a guy change his actions.
February – April 2012: There is life in my feet again! Searching scripture and reading become part of my life as I remove time wasting things(video games and tv were big ones for me). Learning comes fast and furious as God begins to put me back together as a new creation! 2 Corinthians 5:17. I graduate from 4 years at Millar College of the Bible! I also start riding horses again something I haven't done since I was 12 maybe. This is important as I desire to do more with my life, to actually live it and not let it pass me by!
May – June 2012: What to do with a 4 year degree? The question comes to mind and I consider working at a church in Regina, Sk and ask them if it might be a possibility. Good books can really challenge you, picking up Forgotten God by Francis Chan(5 points if your the first to tell me another book title of Francis Chan's) and getting some friends to read and discuss the book over summer was such an encouragement. If your looking for a good book to challenge you to rely on the Holy Spirit more get it and read it! Better yet get it and read through it with some friends and discuss what your all learning through it and the scriptures!
July – August 2012: Talks further with the church about working there but it becomes clear that is not where I am supposed to be. My motives were not right coming from a desire to be comfortable and keep people I know around me. Yet the faith of a good friend to step out of the comfort zone and pursue God's leading prompts me to rethink my choices. The World Race comes to mind after hearing other camp staff discussing it. After checking the website and looking at a few details I apply as August draws to a close.
September 11, 2012: Early morning to go have my phone interview, which doesn't happen due to my interviewer not being able to make it into the office. The interview is rescheduled to the afternoon and doubts arise. Yet I decide to move forward until God closes the door, no matter the odds.
September 25, 2012: I am officially accepted into route 4 January 2013!! I have little time to reach my first fundraising goal of $3,500. Training camp begins in 2 1/2 weeks with gear needing to be acquired and flights booked. My flesh doesn't thinks this is possible, but God can provide all my needs!
October 2, 2012: Contact is made with my mobilizer and progress continues. I still need to reach my first support goal but funds are coming in!
October 4, 2012: Support account sits at $2,768.50 the goal is not met entirely but is very close. Plane ticket is booked and gear is starting to be collected. Much more work is to be done for a successful launch in January!
There you have it the relatively short version of how I got to where I am today. There are far more details and things that have been skipped, they could fill a novel. As you can see I still need more finacial support if you are willing to support me please click the 'support me' link on the left side of the screen. I have a few more deadline to reach to complete the whole race.
