Is this a soul that stirs in me? Is it breaking free, wanting to come alive? Cause my comfort would prefer for me to be numb and avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become.
That’s a line from one of my favorite songs. I love those lyrics—in a big way.
I had coffee with my friend Chase this morning. And as he spoke about comfortability, God took me back to my final months at home.
Chase said, “I was going to study theology in Cape Town. But I’m too comfortable here. Life has always been easy. I’ve been provided for, and I’ve never had to work that hard for anything. I want to be responsible… I want to grow.”
I had said, “I was going to study theology in Knoxville. But I’m too comfortable here. I’ve always gotten whatever I wanted. If I never worked another day in my life, I think I’d be provided for. I want to be uncomfortable… I want to grow.”
Technically, he’s not an “unsung hero,” but I want to share Chase’s story with you all.
I want to tell you about this 21 year-old South African guy who doesn’t talk a lot. This guy who plays guitar and writes music. This guy who is seriously anointed in worship and prayer. This guy who serves and loves children. This guy who met the Lord when he was 17. This guy who was drawn to God by His freedom and friendliness.
This guy who’s spent much of his life living in the shadow of his older brother. This guy whose silent struggles often go unnoticed. This guy who wants to mature in responsibility and communication. This guy who just wants to be himself—to blaze his own path.
It’s true. Chase is a just a guy. But Chase is saying “yes” to God’s call, and therein lies the game-changer—willingness.
With willingness in his pocket, Chase is a guy who’s denying comfort in exchange for a Father-led growth journey. He’s willing to be used by God. He’s willing to go. And that… has power.
In August, Chase will leave Cape Town for Baton Rouge, LA.
(Yes folks, he’s headed to the Southland. I can’t wait to hear about the way in which he falls in love with country music, with Southern hospitality, and with the word “y’all.” It’s going to be glorious.)
He’ll be participating in the Healing Place School of Ministry at Healing Place Church. It’s a 10-month discipleship and internship program designed to equip believers with leadership skills. Chase will also have the opportunity to explore God’s purpose and vision for his life with the intent of positively impacting the world around him.
In his support letter, Chase wrote, “I’ll learn what being a Jesus-style leader is all about while solidifying a strong biblical basis. It will give me the opportunity to explore different cultures and make connections with people and organizations that I hope to work and partner with in the future.”
As we sipped our cappuccinos, I asked Chase about his story—about how he came to know Jesus and about where he sees his life going.
His dream was to be an engineer. Then when he got saved at age 17, God changed his heart. After high school, he started studying social work at a university in Cape Town. But he eventually withdrew from the program.
“The coursework just wasn’t what I thought it would be.”
Chase is a man of few words, but that’s all he really needed to say. I understood. I wish I had been so courageous as a college student. I wish I hadn’t spent so much time and energy on things I’m not passionate about. I wish I was ballsy enough to have done that, despite what my culture told me I should be doing.
He thought about studying theology in Cape Town. Then his pastor, our main ministry contact, told him about the program at Healing Place.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to go overseas. I’m too comfortable here. It’s too easy.”
Chase told me he’d love to run a discipleship program in South Africa one day. He has this really cool vision for a program that’s focused on teaching and community outreach.
People like Chase are exactly what our generation needs. We need leaders who are passionate about raising up other leaders. We need men who are passionate about raising up other men.
We need people who get real. We need people who are honest about their struggles and who spur their brothers and sisters on in love and good deeds. Paul commands followers of Christ to do that.
Chase was honest about the things he struggles with. “I’ve always bottled up my problems and kept to myself. But meeting God has allowed me to lay that stuff down.”
I’m so excited for this guy. And I’m so thankful for his heart. I’m thankful for our God who has pursued him and prepared him for this journey.
Chase has been blessed in that his flight and tuition expenses have been paid for by an organization called Children’s Cup. But he still has to raise money for 10 months worth of living expenses.
He is in need of $4,000. If 16 people commit to donating $25 a month to his account, he’ll be fully funded, and the church will have another leader in the world.
God placed Chase on my heart one night last week when he and his brother joined us for corporate prayer. And so, I’m dedicated to supporting him in his fundraising process.
I believe in what he’s doing. But more than anything, I believe in our God. And I believe that Chase will be provided for.
If you would like to support Chase, you can email him at [email protected].
Thanks friends. I love you and your hearts.
Peace,
Julie
Chase and Kholisani at Rainbow Preschool in Masiphumelele, South Africa.
