Another Transition

This summer should be called the summer of decisions. A few weeks ago I read the book "Is That Really You God" by Loren Cunningham. (If you haven't read it, I recommend you do.) This book got me thinking and I realized that going to Summit just wasn't jiving with me. I was going because certain individuals recommended that I continue with my education, and, after having a little ousting match with God, I felt a peace with the decision. So, I decided that I would return to Summit for another year. However, going back to Summit seemed pointless to me: it would be expensive to go back to BC, I would have no health coverage there, and I would just be getting a certificate. Many individuals whom I talked to this summer recommended that I consider doing my masters. The problem was that the idea of doing my masters overwhelmed me and I had no clue what I wanted to do it in or where to go. A week ago my pastor asked me to come and talk with him. He recommended that I go to McMaster to do my masters in theological studies. He even called them to see if I could still apply this late in the game. Needless to say, after much prayer and confirmation, I will be attending McMaster Divinity College instead of returning to BC. I am super excited about this change in events and I have this crazy peace about it. The best part is that I get to be around my family this year, I can continue to volunteer at the Door and be involved with my church in Collingwood. It seems like every question mark that I have had about returning to Summit has been answered. This decision has clearly been a God thing. So now on to yet another chapter of my life.

The Door

Working at the Door has been such an awesome opportunity as it is basically missions on our own front step. The teenage years are a time when kids are evaluating life and trying to figure out who they are. They go to extremes to both create an identity for themselves and to be accepted by others. What amazing opportunity for us to step in and provide for them a place where they are accepted and to guide them towards finding their identity through Christ. Through building relationships with the youth who come here we are able to offer them hope. 

Over the course of the summer, I have been able to sit down and really get to know one of the young girls here. One time when we got together we talked about her hopes and dreams. What she wants to do with her life. Where she wants to go to school in the future. I told her that God has a plan and purpose for her life. I challenged her to work hard towards those dreams and not get distracted by life's ups and downs. I wish you could have seen the smile on her face after that talk. I wish life were easy and I could rest assured knowing that she will make all the right choices, but I know that is not always the case. My prayer is that she will encounter God, because I know that if she truly encounters Jesus it will affect her life and He will revolutionize her world.