From a young age and so on into adulthood we are constantly asked What’s next? What are we gonna do now? After middle school we are asked which high school we’re going to, after high school we are to choose a job, then a major for college, and after college we are expected to pick a career path. With each passing milestone in our life we reach a new bar, we chase new dreams, and enter in to new seasons.
The race has ended and here I am back to what seems like square one. I’ve now had a home, gone to college, had a career, and traveled the world…Now what?
Since being home for almost a month this question seems to be most frequently asked, and throughout the race and even upon coming home- I didn’t have answers. I wanted to be flexible and obedient to what God had in mind for me. For so long I was in charge of my life, making my own plans, and following them through to completion. But what I’ve come to realize is this life is not my own.
Matthew 10:39 says “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
I went on the race to give up my life, in order to find it. I was searching for an identity. A purpose. I set out to find what I was born to do.
Well I’m still not entirely certain how to accomplish this goal, but I figured out what I’m aiming for.
It’s simple, really…
We were created to love God, and love people.
The first commandment is Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength. And the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself.
If you’re loving God, then loving his people will come from the natural overflow of your heart.
Going on the race opened my eyes up to a world unseen. God revealed to me so much about who he is, who I am, and how to combine the two to do my job.
Loving God, and loving people can look very different for different people. One of the ways this can be accomplished is through discipleship.
I wanted to share with you about an opportunity I’ve received and a new adventure I am embarking on.
Within these past few weeks I have prayed, asked around, and sought what NEXT looked like for me. I was anxious and overwhelmed at the plethora of opportunities I had from every direction. I knew my savings would run out soon, and I had some decisions to make. After much prayer, and discernment I made the decision to sign up for CGA.
Center for Global Action is a discipleship program through Adventures in Missions. (The organization that partnered with the WR) Located out of Gainesville GA, CGA is an 8 month leadership/discipleship program that brings in and equips Christ followers to recreate biblical community through teachings, scripture, and activation. You don’t need to go on a mission trip to look like or live like Jesus did. This program has components such as one on one discipleship, community, inner transformation, outreach, and scripture.
We will be assigned housing, living in community with our classmates and living day to day with them. We will memorize and study scripture together, engage in guided group discussions, and learn how to cultivate the lords presence through prayer, spiritual disciplines and new revelations. The program also gives us an opportunity to integrate our faith with the local community by finding a part time job and taking what we’re learning to the people of our city.
The goal is to learn how to live missionally wherever you go. We are called as Christ followers to Go. Teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. We are to be disciples who make disciples in our communities.
Move in date is right around the corner! I pack my things and head up to Georgia on September 16th. This next chapter is new and exciting for me seeing as I’ve only lived in two cities my whole life. This is a whole new place, with new people, new scenery, a new job, and a new way of living. I am very expectant for what lies ahead and I firmly believe the Lord is planning out each move as I go.
I want to invite you, my friends, family, biggest fans, and greatest support system to continue this journey with me by prayerfully and financially supporting me in doing the Lords work here in Gainesville GA.
Most often people think missions is just overseas work in terrible living conditions and harsh climates. But Mission work is done wherever you are. Serving in a restaurant, being a cashier at Wal-Mart, babysitting, or performing open heart surgery. God calls some to Go far away, and some to stay close by. Some are sent, and some are called to help send.
My fundraising goal is $8,650. I am asking you to playfully consider donating so that I can continue this journey the Lord has called me on by, developing a better understanding of what it means to be a disciple who makes disciples. I believe this training will better prepare and equip me for the future in what ever mission field he asks me to work on.
I saw the lords faithfulness in preparing me for the race, and I can confidently say he IS faithful to completion. I know he will provide, and I hope he allows you to take part in this adventure as we partner together to see Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.
If you wish to follow my journey or support me you can click the corresponding tabs to the left. Follow me- There you can enter your name and email address to receive updates on how I am doing and read blogs about how the Lord is providing. If you click the donate tab you can choose to make a one time or monthly donation. I know the lord will continue to bless me faithfully, and you also for your obedience and financial contributions.
If you have any questions or want any more information please feel free to email me at [email protected].
You can follow my blog at stephaniebelow.adventurescga.org
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this; says the Lord almighty and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
