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| Us together at Carolina Point summer camp with our high school students. |
With the
holiday season upon us, many find themselves reflecting as the current year
comes to a close. For me, Amy, this year has been one of a lot of changes.
Never in my wildest dream, did I think I would be living in Southeast Georgia,
married to a man doing youth ministry with military teens. Sometimes during our time of reflection, we
often wonder, “How did I end up here?”
Initially,
I felt completely unprepared for this mission to serve military teens and their
families. I wasn’t quite sure how things would unfold, if I would fit in, or if
the students would even like me---which I am learning, are all very similar
feelings of these military students we work with. As I began to reflect, I have
seen the hand of God woven throughout my life experience, preparing me all
along the way for this mission.
I grew
up in a very missions-minded church. Not only did we support missionaries all
over the globe, but also many families within our congregation were either away
serving in the field or had at one time. Annually, we had a missionary fair
that allowed the missionaries we supported to come and provide updates and
share all that was happening where they were serving. I always enjoyed helping
out with the event and soaking up all the exciting stories of the far away
lands and the work that God was doing through our missionaries and the people
they were serving. Not only was my church one that was very missions-minded, it
was also comprised of many military families from neighboring Fort Leavenworth.
It wasn’t uncommon for the military families to get connected, only to just
disappear a few years later due to orders they had received to move to another
installation.
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| Phillip and I together after Melissa's baptism last month at Chapel Next. |
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| A snapshot of us during the 2014 staff conference. |
Given my
upbringing, it was only natural for me to develop a servant’s heart and a
desire to help others. As a high school student, I went on a mission trip, and
did all that I could to serve those in my own backyard that were in need. As I
began to think about a career path, whatever I ended up doing, I knew it would
involve serving others in some way.
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| Phillip and I on the golf course during our outing at the 2014 Club Beyond Staff Conference. |
After
college, I found myself still searching for my purpose for my life’s calling. I
pursued a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, where I also felt
compelled to serve military families through the lens of mental health. It was
shortly after I began my graduate work that I remembered the “crazy guy” that
had attended my life group the year before trying to raise financial support to
work with military teens. I had the opportunity to connect with Phil while he
was on a visit back to our church in KC in December 2012. Just like the
exciting stories from faraway lands I enjoyed hearing as a child at my church’s
missions fairs, I was so intrigued to hear Phil share about the work God was
doing through him in Georgia, as well as share my new-found passion to serve
military families. We could have talked for hours, but life had to move forward
for both of us. Neither of us ever imagined that our paths would ever cross
again, but once again, God’s hand was busy at work, preparing us for the
journey we are now on together.
As I sit
and reflect about how I have ended up here, I think about athletes. Whether
football players or marathon runners, it takes a lot of training and practice
for them before they can take the field or enter the race. I feel that my life
up to this point has been a lot of training and practice, sitting on the
sidelines observing the game. Now, I find myself taking the field, in the
middle of all of the action, serving alongside my husband as we serve military
students. My journey hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but I am forever
grateful for all of my life’s experiences that have helped pave the way and
prepare me to travel this current road. As I reflect, I am grateful for my
Christian upbringing; for all of the missionaries that poured into my life, and
for all the service members of the United States Military that sacrifice so much
for this country. I am grateful for all of you that have chosen to partner
alongside us in this mission, whether through prayer or financial support. As
this year comes to a close, I encourage you to reflect on your life and how the
hand of God has been woven throughout your story. I am excited to see what God
has in store in the upcoming year as He continues to use us as His vessels
through Club Beyond.
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| Phillip and I at the 2014 Club Beyond Staff Conference in Panama City Beach, Florida. |
If you
are already currently partnering with us through prayer or financial support,
we thank you for your gifts that keep the mission to reach military teens
alive. If you have yet to join our team, we ask that you prayerfully consider
joining us in whatever capacity you are able. One-time gifts are just as vital
as ongoing monthly support.
Merry
Christmas from Phil and I to each of your families!
