I'll start from the end (for some reason). The past few weeks I really stressed myself out by working three overnight shifts in the computer lab and worrying to death about everyone leaving for the summer. Recently my best friend and roommate of five years moved out of our apartment, getting ready to move in with his soon-to-be wife Leisa. Of course Ryan and I will still be best friends, but it was definitely a major change to see him leave and not be my roommate anymore. I'm glad we're both still living in Lynchburg for another year though.
Now looking back... there are several aspects of this year that I want to recount:
This has been the best semester at FCC yet! I used to have to drive by myself... for the past few months, there have been times where I've had to arrange two cars because we had so many people. What a blessing it has been! Kim, Jonathan, Jane, Katrina, Christie, and EB helped create a new dynamic at church that I have never before seen. From my ordination service, to Easter, to Youth Sunday... every step I saw God working in my heart and in the lives of others. Truly He is good and is starting a work at FCC that I don't think we would have seen without the help of our volunteers this semester.
2. Life Group
While I was at Passion 2011, I got a vision for my job at the ILRC Computer Lab. I felt that my work there could be used for the Gospel. Now to be working in the computer lab at a Christian university doesn't lend itself to much ministry, but I was determined to find a way. I talked it over with three co-workers... three men of God that I have grown to trust and love. Stephen, Phil, David, and I got together to discuss a Life Group program that we could offer to the c-lab's student workers. We made a plan, presented it to the higher-ups, and offered it to the workers not knowing what the response would be. We had enough response to offer two groups this semester. I decided to have one at my apartment that met on Sunday afternoons. We went through part of Philippians over the course of the semester. I was so encouraged to see God use a vision He gave me and actually create something from it. This group made a huge difference in my life this semester and I hope to continue it in the Fall.
3. CMT
No, not Country Music Television. The Center for Ministry Training. As if two jobs wasn't enough, I decided to take on another role in October. Dr. Wheeler asked me to help his office coordinate internships with the North American Mission Board. Because I knew the it would be great opportunity to work with him, I decided to accept. Getting to work with Dr. Wheeler, Dr. Earley, Val, Ryan, and others from the CMT has been truly amazing. These are all men of God who are passionate about the Gospel and how the CMT can spread the Gospel through church placement, church planting, and by sending our students out into the mission field. I am just now hearing of people who have been placed at churches for the summer, and I'm so humbled to have been a part in helping them find those positions.
4. Impact Georgia
Ohhhhh boy. Impact. Nothing has ever challenged me more. You ever seen a music major try to half-run a business? It's not pretty. Luckily Matt is the man and knows what he's doing (sort of) more than I do (maybe.) Honestly we are both stumbling through this and have no idea what God's going to do with it, but we are trusting Him.
This may need to be a To Be Continued post. I feel like I have more to say, but words are currently failing me. That's all for now!
