After being home from the Race for a month and a half, my squad met back together in Gainesville, Georgia for a retreat for World Race Alumni called Project Searchlight. Reconnecting with my squad in mid January was such a blessing, and the teaching and worship time was incredibly refreshing.
Before my Race, I would say that I believed I could do anything with Christ…but in my mind and heart I didn’t really believe it, and to be honest my actions didn’t show I believed it either. I secretly thought that I could do anything, but that my “anything” certainly had rational limitations on it. I didn’t even really allow myself to dream and, when I did, I dreamed within the confines of a box.
One of the coolest things God showed me on the Race is that anything actually means anything. Now, I am learning how to dream with God, and not put boundaries and limitations on what He has in store for my future…and to never settle for anything less than the great things He has for me out of fear that nothing better will come along.
Before I left for Project Searchlight, I had so many ideas for the future. I wrote them all down and started praying. “God, show me which one you want, or if there is something else entirely. I just want what You want, Lord. Just show me and I will go for it!” God answered “You can pick more than one thing.” Incredibly confused by His response, I said “Wait…what? Did I hear You right God? Did You just say I can pick, and that I can pick more than one? Aren’t you supposed to tell me what Your divine will is? Huh?”
1 Corinthians 3:9 says we are laborers together with God. Something God was teaching me in my time with Him, and also through my home church, is that God likes to partner with us. When our heart is lined up with His heart and our desires aren’t self-focused but are focused on Him, sometimes He likes to let us pick.
At Project Searchlight, I found out that I could interview that same week for the Center for Global Action (CGA), which is one of the options I was praying about. I also found out that CGA started a week later, not two or three months down the road like I was hoping for the sake of planning. I signed up for an interview, and that night spent some more time praying. “God…this is really short notice! Is this Your will? Am I supposed to do this? There would be SO many things to take care of in less than a week to make this happen. My car, insurance, packing, talking to family, money, etc, etc, etc….OHHH the stress is coming already!” In the strongest and most peaceful voice He answered me. “If you do this, I will bless you. If you don’t do this and choose something else, I will bless you. I will take care of logistics, but you get to pick either way.” Wowweee did that blow my mind.
Well, I interviewed for CGA that Thursday, got accepted that Friday, and left Project Searchlight on Saturday to go home and pack, only to return to Georgia six days later to begin a new adventure.
So now, I will fill you all in! I am currently living in Gainesville, Georgia in the CGA program through Adventures in Missions (the same organization that does the World Race).
You may ask, “What exactly is CGA?”
CGA is a discipleship program for alumni Racers that has a variety of “majors” or “tracks” to choose from that target a certain area of growth. I have chosen to be a part of the Worship Track. The purpose of Worship Track is not necessarily to grow us in musical ability, but to expand our idea of what worshipping God even is and to stretch us to praise Him in new ways. I am also taking two classes in CGA separate from Worship Track. My “Dangerous Jesus” class is about taking God out of the box that is comfortable and ‘safe’, putting ourselves aside and stepping out for Christ in new ways that challenge us. My “Discover Your Calling” class is about learning my skills and strengths, defining my passions and how they meet a world’s need to help me understand what my specific calling is.
In addition to my track and classes, I am in an apprenticeship with AIM. In my apprenticeship, I am able to develop my professional skills in a way that also grows my calling. Right now I am caring for Alumni Racers, and also helping prepare Racers that are coming off of the field soon for their next steps. I am also helping others put into motion an inner healing ministry for CGA apprentices!
You may also ask “What are you actually learning?”
SOME of the things I am learning are:
~So much about the Father’s heart, understanding His love in new ways, and how to walk in deeper intimacy with God on a regular basis.
~ How to worship God with my whole life instead of just through music.
~What healthy, thriving community is, how to be a part of it, and how to cultivate it.
~The importance of being discipled, as well as discipling others.
~How to step out and listen to Holy Spirit in normal everyday life.
~God’s heart for the Church.
~How to share and walk out my passions with others and step more into my calling.
~Songwriting and prophetic singing.
~Prophecy
~Walking in confidence and authority
~Deeper trust in the Father and in those around me
~Peace and joy in “not knowing”
~What my inheritance is and how to walk in it.
And “How can I support you?”
One semester of CGA costs $3,950.00. This covers housing, food, my track and my classes. Right now I am 50% funded for this! You can support me by clicking on the “Support Me” link on this page.
I also am raising personal funds for things like transportation, insurance, personal care items, etc. If you feel lead to support me personally, please send me a message! Working isn’t really an option while I am participating in this program, so I appreciate your support!
For now, this is where God has me, and I absolutely love the fruit He is producing from this already! If you have any questions please send me an email or a message!
