What I’ve Been Learning.

Throughout this journey God continually stretches me, and shows me that I can do more than I think I can. God has grown (and will continue to grow) me in my leadership abilities, in my relationships, and in my gifting's.

We're now wrapping up the lecture phase. We've had different speakers and topics every week. It's been really awesome to hear the speaker's hearts and stories on the topics that they've shared. Topics have included; The Character & Nature Of God, Hearing/Recognizing God's Voice, Lifestyle Of Repentance, Holy Spirit, Relationships, Original Design/Living Free, Law & The Gospel, Spiritual Authority, and World Evangelism. 
The students have also been working in three different internships at the church, with the Children's Pastor, the Youth Pastor, and in the Administrative Office. Preparing various things during the week, and helping out on Sunday mornings.

Soon we will enter into the internship phase of our school. The students will get more in depth, and have more responsibilities in their internships. They will also have practical teachings, such as Biblical Finances, Marriage, Family, Biblical Worldview, and Critical Thinking.

It's been so great to be a part of what God is doing here in Maine! I've loved forming new friendships, and getting to staff here at 360; it's hard work, but I've never experienced a job more fitting for me.

We've also decided on our outreach location! I'm so excited to be headed back to Nepal, and a small Himalayan nation, and I can't wait to see what God has in store.

As always thank you all so much for your love and support! I means SO much to me.

 

Update.

We are now in the full swing of lecture phase here at 360! Our students have been hearing different speakers and topics every week, learning more about God, themselves, and others. 

We've also been blessed with beautiful weather, and have enjoyed time out in creation before the cold approaching winter.

It's been so amazing getting to know the students more every day, and being able to walk with them on their journey with Christ.

As always thank you all for your prayers and support!!

New beginnings.

Here I am in Maine! It's been a bit of a crazy ride. So here's an update of what's been happening lately:

I flew by myself for the first time, met so many new amazing people, and began to get settled into my new routine and surroundings.
For the first week I experienced those "I can't believe I'm here!" moments, but being here feels so right! I just know that this is where I'm supposed to be for this season in my life. I'm learning so many new things and it's a lot to take in, but I'm enjoying it.

We went to Charlotte North Carolina for YWAM staff training. It was so awesome to meet people staffing YWAM bases all over the East Coast, and hear about things other bases are doing. The week was filled with teaching, worship, prayer, encouragement, and great fellowship.

The next week the six students arrived. We had orientation, then went camping and hiked to the top of Mt. Chocorua. It was so amazing to be standing so high you could see birds flying below you.

This week is the students first full week of school. Filled with Lectures, internships, work duties, one-on-ones, and small groups. It's been so much fun, everyone gets along great! I can't wait to see how God will move and shape us this year.

As always thank you for your support and encouragement!

In Christ,
Emily

God makes me brave.

Lately God has been bringing the word BRAVE into my life. In my favorite songs, in books, movies. It’s been everywhere.

I've been learning, and believing that with God I really can do anything! I've done and continue to do things I NEVER thought I would do, only by the grace of God. Through God I can overcome my inability. God makes me brave.

It’s something God has been teaching me. Looking back I can see it’s been something He’s been bringing up over the years. He’s called me to do things I never thought I’d do, He’s called me to face my fears and I've realized I can do it!

Brave is defined as this: 

"To possess or exhibit courage or courageous endurance."

Growing up I definitely would NOT describe myself as a brave person. I was shy and crippled by fear. There were a lot of things I didn't do because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it. There’s a quote I heard recently. “Fear kills more dreams then failure ever will.” That is so true! How many dreams have we given up on, not because we've failed, but because we’re too scared to even try?

I love superhero movies. Not just because they save the world [and the girl :)], but the fact THAT they save the world. Because they are brave. They face giants and demons that could very well destroy them, but they march on with great courage putting other’s lives before their own. 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

-Joshua 1:9 

Did you catch that? God COMMANDED Joshua to be strong and courageous. So many times we pray and ask God to give us strength and courage, but as I read this verse I wonder; maybe that strength and courage is already inside of us? God is always with us, He tells us that over and over thought the scriptures (Matt 28:20). If God is for us, who can be against us (Rom 8:31)? So if God is with us and for us, why aren't we brave? That should give us great courage and joy, in the end God wins! God has defeated Satan, and all of our fears. We are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37), not by our own strength but by God's strength. 

Now I’m not saying being brave easy, I’m still working on it every day! But God never promised an easy life, He just promised He’d be there every step of the way.

Though Christ I am brave.

Ready to fly away.

This September I will be staffing at 360 Maine!! 360 Maine is a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) affiliate but is a little different, working closer with the local church. Visit their website to learn more.

You may remember I did my YWAM DTS (Discipleship Training School) in Wisconsin over a year ago. The directors of 360 Maine were there at the same time training under Madison’s director. I have seen their heart for this mission and after much prayer have decided to join them for a two year term. Some of my responsibilities include mentoring students, other various tasks, and a two month outreach overseas. God has laid this passion on my heart and I can’t wait to see what He has in store! 

Here's the story of how I got here: Ever since I returned home from my DTS I had this restless feeling. I struggled with it, looking for a job only finding a few temporary positions. I kept feeling like there was something else. For months I fought and tried to bury that feeling but it wouldn't go away. 

So I finally asked God about it. He gave me the word "Youth." I wasn't quite sure what that meant, so I continued to wait on God to make it clear. At that same time I was asked to help lead a girls weekend, it reminded me a bit of a mini DTS. I LOVED it!! It was so amazing, it was all the things I love; God, youth, and worship. It also gave me more confidence in my leadership skills. 

I continued to search for a job and get involved at my church until one day I saw that 360 Maine was looking for staff, and it just dawned on me! God gave me this passion for youth, He's been involving me in things to help me prepare to staff, He hasn't led me to a job for a reason. What do I have to lose?

So I applied and here I am! 

I realized that I tried to go back to "normal" life after my DTS because being a full time missionary honestly scared me, I didn't think that was something I could ever do.

But God has been teaching me more about myself and who He's created me to be, and what He can do through me. 

God has given me a passion for youth, but I didn't known what to do with it. I guess was been trying to do what was "expected" of me, but it just never felt right. But now that I've applied and been accepted I am beyond excited! I'm not scared anymore. I can't wait to see where this crazy adventure with God will go next! All I know is it will be great because He will be there, and that's all I need. He makes me brave!

"You make me brave, You called me beyond the shore into the waves, You make me brave, No fear can hinder now the promises You've made."