Two months ago, I watched as the number of days of my college life dwindled down to zero. Everyone around me knew how difficult it was to think of leaving the family that I fell so in love with over the past four years. And even though I will never again know what it’s like to be a college student, when I walked across the stage of the Bryce Jordan Center I heard my (mispronounced!) name, I couldn’t really feel anything special. Sure, it was weird to think that I won’t be coming back to Penn State in the fall. It sucks to know that I won’t be surrounded by some of my best friends. And I still can’t believe I won’t ever take in another football game in the Beaver Stadium Student Section. But in that moment, I didn’t feel like anything was changing.
I spent the last couple months working through the transitions that come from graduating college. I’ve been sitting at home taking things in. I’ve been pretty active: I went to the Outer Banks for the first time. I gave a sermon for the first time. I went to my first adult Sunday School. I have done various tasks around the house. I’ve spent lots of time catching up with friends and family that I haven’t seen too much over the last couple years. And I’ve spent time trying to keep in touch with friends from Penn State.
I’ve also spent a lot of time reflecting. Reflecting on God, life, and His direction. Six months ago, I made the choice to step out in faith, foregoing a career to pursue the World Race. Since I was accepted in February, it has always been on my mind, but over the last couple weeks, I have begun to realize what exactly I committed to doing.
It truly hit me today. I came back to State College for the day to meet with potential ministry partners, see some friends, and relax a bit. After taking care of a few things, I decided to take a walk up to the Hub and sit in the Cru Circle (a section of the Hub where many of my friends would hang out between classes…some people thought I lived there). It looks the same. The same chairs. The same carpet. The same view. However, something is missing: people.
The Hub is creepily quiet right now. I am the only one here. The occasional custodian walks by, but in general, no one. It made me realize something: God is calling me away from this place. Calling me to something bigger. My ministry is no longer at Penn State. I need to use the friendships and memories that I have made here to make a greater impact on the world.
This Monday, I will be leaving for World Race Training Camp. It will be a time to prepare my team and I for what we might experience over the next year. Again this will be a time of transition. It will be the first time that I get to meet my team. First time to be exposed to different cultures. First time truly living out of a backpack.
During all of these transitions, it is important for me to remember that it is God that is bringing me through all of them. That despite all the uncertainty about my future, God is my rock. He is unshakable, unstoppable, always constant. If I keep Him at the center, all other uncertainties fade away.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10
It’s crazy to think that even with all my questions about the future, God’s answer is the same: “do not fear, for I am with you.” But it makes sense. If we have a relationship with the God of the universe, why would we fear? He knows all things. He is most definitely capable of handling the uncertainty of my future.
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A few prayer requests: I do leave for training on Monday. That’s actually happening! I’ll be spending 10 days in Georgia preparing for the journey. Please pray for my time there. Pray that God breaks me down so I can fully rely on Him. Pray for my teammates as we all learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Pray for our travel there and back. And pray that we come away completely focused on the mission the God has set us on.
In other news, support raising is going pretty well. I am getting a steady stream of monthly supporters and God has truly been blessing this time. If you are already one of my ministry partners, thank you! I know I’ve already told you this, but if it wasn’t for you, this would never be possible!
With all my supporters, I currently stand at 65% fully funded! If you want to join my support team, please let me know! Or you can simply press the “Support Me” button at the top of this page to make a donation. One-time donations are appreciated, but if you are able I would challenge you to consider giving monthly throughout the next year. Monthly support truly makes you a part of the team that is mobilizing me to reach the nations! Monthly support can be done the same way. Click the “Support Me” button and on the next screen click “Monthly” in the recurring section.
If you would like to talk to me before joining the team (or if you’re waiting on me to connect with you), I will most definitely contact you when I return from training!
In Christ’s Love.
Zack
(814) 410-9110
