I am His precious daughter and since landing in America, the most popular question I’ve gotten is, “So, what’s next?”
Classic.
But why shouldn’t it be? To those who have been faithful in following and supporting my journey you’ve seen how God has moved in the lives around me, in my own heart, and unveiled my eyes to this new perspective, this Kingdom focused life. How could you not want to know what the next great adventure is that God has waiting for me? Where is this all leading? It’s like we’re in the middle of a real gripping moment of a story and can’t wait to turn the page to see what’s next, so our eyes eat up the words as fast as they can to get to what’s next. That’s how it has felt since being home.
The answer to that question has always been clear to me – follow Christ and develop the skills behind my passions and giftings and DO something. It’s the how and where part that was hazy.
Going on the race made it clear God has gifted me with a voice of truth. I love words! I especially love the words that flow from the greatest Author there has ever been. I want to write, I want to speak out the truths that keep my heart beating and that cause joy to be my strength every day. I desire to solidify the lessons and truths Jesus has shown me this past year, pour them out, and get MORE.
So, the how and where part has now become clear this past week at Project Searchlight. I had heard of CGA (Center for Global Action) discipleship school before, but never felt a stirring within me to pursue it. But, out of an encouragement from a squadmate, I went to the information luncheon and everything shifted. They talked in detail about a Story track – a place to learn more about storytelling and what makes a good story, a track that allows you to actually write and publish something. So, I opened the door to say no – had an interview that afternoon and was accepted the next morning. The Lord was VERY clear about this and blew away any doubts that this was the next move through the story of the rich young ruler, which followed me around for the next two days. Jesus offered him a chance to follow him, to be with him, to be his disciple, all he had to do was sell it all and never look back. The rich young man turned away, full of sorrow, not because he didn’t understand what Jesus was saying, but because his wealth was so entrenched in his heart that he couldn’t let it go. Jesus wanted him to yield it all to Him, but he couldn’t do it.
Gainesville, Georgia is not a place I want to go. I LOVE Minnesota and have only been back for a few weeks! I was confronted with my own wealth, a beautiful fall, flag football with my CityTeens, a Vikings ticket, each Sunday morning in my church, my family, my friends…as much as all that means to me, I had to answer the question, who comes first, who is more important? Jesus asks me to follow him in this next step, so I am saying yes. He is worth the cost.
So, what’s next? A fall semester of CGA, Story track. I am sad to leave again so soon, but trusting with excitement what God has waiting. Not only do I get to experience more discipleship and community, I am also receiving the professional development in my giftings to further the Kingdom. I will happily try and fail, then try again and again. I have to start somewhere and there’s just this feeling that this is continuing the momentum from the Race and God is leading me to something bigger than I could imagine.
I am 125% sure this is my next step and it’s hand in hand with my Jesus, so I thank you for all the support you’ve given me so far in this journey and I ask you to continue to pray and partner with me as the journey continues, taking another turn.
I am once again asking you to consider partnering with me financially to dive into this semester at CGA, where God will continue the work he’s already doing in me. I need to raise $3950 and half of that in the next couple of weeks.
You can donate a tax-deductible gift online through my World Race blog, click the link, “Click here to donate” or follow the link below, choosing Center for Global Action (CGA) the program from the drop down menu, or mail a check to:
PO BOX 742570 Atlanta, GA 30374-2570. Be sure to write the check to Adventures in Missions and put Emily Werness in the memo line.
I am Emily Werness, and let’s dive into the next! It’s hard to put into words the depth of my gratitude for all of you, your prayers and support are what have gotten me here to this point and I hope we can continue this thing together. Thank you.
