When
I found out that I would be returning for the summer, but as a Center Director,
the first thing I did was (well, scream but…) fall to my knees and prayed to
God. Specifically, there were three things that I prayed for, and looking back,
the answers to the prayers were more than I ever expected.
Prayer #1: My staff
I
prayed that God began preparing the hearts of the three souls who would have to
be dealing with me all summer—that they would be patient, supportive, and open
to grow and be led by Him. I asked that they have a genuine love for this
ministry and that we would be a family rather than four staffers fulfilling our
job requirements.
God’s
answer: He provided me the three best people with the most genuine hearts and
spirits I could ever imagine. We were a family from the start, rooted in prayer
and trust and a love for everything that is entailed in being on staff. Yes, we
were goofy and different but we flowed together and I could not have imagined
anything else to work as smoothly as we did. I have never laughed (or cried) as
hard than when I was living life with them. I literally looked forward to staff
meetings every night, knowing everything would be discussed and solved but then
also the fun times we would share together. It warms my heart knowing that we’d
rather spend time with each other—just the four of us, than going out to meet
other friends. My staff grew me, challenged me, loved me, and made me the best
CD my heart could handle for a summer and our love for each other and this
place was evident enough that our volunteers could see it. I love you guys!!
Prayer #2: My families
I
prayed for those we’d be working for –that we’d find them and that they would
trust us to welcome us into their lives for the summer. I prayed that we would
be humble and love on them where they needed it and that they would feel safe
with us and our volunteers. I prayed also for those we would not reach this
summer, that they would feel God’s peace and assurance that their lives are not
crippled by their circumstances and that there is a love that is more than
enough for them with a promise of rescue on its way.
God’s
answer: Seventeen beautiful families who allowed us to enter into and become a
part of their lives, as well as meeting us right where we were just the way we
were. Hearts full of love, compassion, joy and peace even amidst circumstances
many of us would be hindered by. He also provided ways of peace for those who
could not get helped this summer, flooding them with an understanding and not a
loss of hope. I am encouraged to this day by the families I became a part of
and their imprints on my life and my character. I am a changed follower of God
after their stories and lives and I’m thankful that our paths crossed this
summer.
Prayer #3: My volunteers
It
was my deepest prayer that whoever the Lord sent this summer was hungry for
service, growth, love and open to all that was to happen the week they were
there. I prayed that their hearts would be prepared for the week and that God
would do a mighty work not only in their lives, but allow them to see the
impressions they were creating in this community. I prayed that they would be
open, loving and supportive of me and my staff and that together, His Will
would be done through us all.
God’s
answer: 501 amazing people, who, I can say with the utmost confidence, were
meant to be here, were hungry to serve and were open to His movement in their
lives. Never have I experienced the fruits of the Spirit more than in the lives
of my volunteers. They were just what we needed and what our families needed
every single week. I praise God for those lives who were surrendered to Him
because of that week and for every God moment that was said and felt through
their time of fellowship and service.
There
is a song that I listen to every single day that represents what I have learned
and felt from this summer. The lyrics
read,
“Father
come reveal the love
that
You’ve freely given us.
Poured from Calvary like a flood,
we look to You.
Spirit move and shine your light.
Change our hearts and fill our lives
with the radiance of Christ,
we look to You.
For when You move,
our lives are changed.
We know a taste of Heaven here.
We’re crying out
for more of You
Lord come and move.”
In
Appalachia, it is literally like we know a taste of Heaven here. The love
shared among everyone and the rawness of life, how we are stripped away and
really examined at our core is something so beautiful. Although I’ve written
blog after blog and could tell stories for weeks, no words can ever describe
the miracles that happen at ASP. It is something sacred and transformational; a
high that you get the second you leave, slowly fading away until you head back
to those mountains the next year. I have been humbled and encouraged to live
fully and to love deeply, to appreciate the sun and the storm, and to cherish
every moment for the beauty that is often hidden will not be overlooked. I
learned the meanings of family and deeply rooted friendships that are so sweet.
I felt freedom like never before in late night chats, sweet sunrises, quiet
laughs, dancing in the rain…and a confidence that this girl has long sought
after—a confidence steeping in peace and assurance in Christ’s promises. Above
all else, I know more from this summer that prayer is powerful and that the
Lord’s Will is often times the exact opposite of what our plans may be.
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