“And that is the very end of the adventure of the wardrobe. But if the Professor was right, it was only the beginning of the adventures in Narnia…” ~C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
If you haven’t heard, I am officially back on American soil! I’ve been back in the States for a little over a month, spending good time with my family, catching up with friends, resting up, and preparing for what’s next.
This year has been such a life-changing experience, and I’ve loved having time to sort through all God has done. At 19, I’ve been able to see so many lives transformed and changed radically by Jesus’ love and powerful grace. I’ve watched as a fully committed walk with God has revolutionized my own life and the lives of my friends, from the way we communicate with each other to the things we prioritize in our time, to how we love and notice others when we’re out and about.
But beyond everything else, I think what I’m most grateful for is how God has confirmed his calling on my life. For those of you who’ve kept up with my travels, you likely know that learning to be a leader was a huge part of this year. I was brought face-to-face with the influence the Lord has given me, with my strengths as well as my shortcomings. Even while I was on the Race, God made it incredibly clear that this year is only the beginning of my time in ministry.
Which leads me to the question you’re probably all wondering about—what’s next?
I’m excited to announce that I will be continuing with Adventure in Missions this fall at CGA—the Center for Global Action. CGA is a 2ndyear discipleship and leadership training program for World Race alumni, designed to train us in building and bringing the Kingdom of God not only overseas, but wherever the Lord may call us. This August I’ll be moving to Gainesville, Georgia, to be a part of this unique school, where I’ll receive hands-on leadership experience, personal one-on-one discipleship, and countless opportunities to pour out to others with the love and grace of Jesus.
I believe that CGA will give me tangible tools to know myself as a leader and learn to better know and lead others, wherever I am. I’m not sure what’s next after CGA, but the Lord has confirmed that this program will prepare me for whatever ministry he lays in front of me in the future, whether that’s leading trips with Adventures, going back to school, or something else I can’t yet forsee!
Saying yes to CGA does mean that I’m heading into a time of continued fundraising. In order to attend in the fall, I’ll need to raise $5,950 by the end of the year.Please ask the Lord whether He would like you to continue partnering with me in my journey toward long-term ministry, and what He desires that support to look like. Financial support is needed, but your prayers and direct encouragement are just as necessary for me to continue down this path!
Pretty soon, I’ll have a new blogsite where you can follow my adventures here in the States, and commit to making either a one-time or monthly commitment. If you’re interested in hearing more about CGA, my Race experience, or have any other thoughts, questions, or encouragments, comment below or send me a message on Facebook—I’d love to share more with you about what the Lord has placed on my heart.
And once more, thank you so much for reading these updates. This year has been an unforgettable experience, and I couldn’t thank you enough for making this possible.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…” ~Philippians 1:3-5
~Joel
