As we are four months away from Training Camp and less than six months away from launch, I’m excited to share with you my heart behind my choice to Squad Lead with Gap Year this year!
Why Gap Year?
I’ve been the Youth Director at my church for almost three years. In this position, I oversee the middle school and high school youth group programs. I have such a desire to see this upcoming generation grow in their love for Jesus! It has been a joy and an honor to walk alongside students as they ask really difficult questions. I love seeing them step into leadership positions, get ideas, and run with them! Something I’m super passionate about is discipleship, and in my position at the church, I get to do that to a certain extent. I’m stoked for the opportunity to do life and discipleship with college-aged students. I was 21 when I went on the World Race. My life completely flipped upside down and God began to draw me closer and closer to His heart and who He was calling me to be. I can’t wait to walk alongside the teams of students that God has hand-picked to leave their comfort zones and follow Him!
Why now?
The timing is finally right. You know how sometimes you have a desire to do something, but when you begin to pursue it, things fall apart? Have you ever had that experience? What about the opposite experience? Maybe you had a pull towards a place to live or a job to take, and as you began to pursue it, things that you had no control over started to come together? As I began asking the question of if now was the time to squad lead, doors started flying open. I’ve been getting constant green lights. And God is so gracious and patient! He used person after person to reaffirm in me who He has called me to be, and how this is the path for my life. I’ve had to say goodbye to some really great students, a really great boss, and a wonderful community, but when you’re doing what God has called you to do, there’s a sense of peace and joy that come with the transition!
What about the next six months?
I’m finishing out the school year here through the end of May at Ferrysburg Church as the youth director. I’m finishing up my Master’s in Divinity and will be graduating in May! I’m also coaching CrossFit at Spring Lake CrossFit, and I’ll be doing that up until I take off for Gap Year. I’m looking forward to a season of rest before I leave for Gap Year, and then we’ll all be ready to run the race together!
On this journey, as God has led me closer to His heart, what I’ve discovered more than anything is that it’s all about Him. Every breath, every thought, every word. He is worth everything. Every decision, every action, every step. He desires to guide; we simply must choose to trust, listen, and obey.
This is from last summer’s youth group mission trip!
