NEXT STEPS

Today I reflect back on my journey over the last couple of years and sadness to joy flood my mind. The more I lean into community the more I realize how sinful I am. I think of the old statement “Old habits our hard to break” and think of my own self and certain areas of hurt and pain that have changed me forever. I desired an internship with my church to continue the healing journey, that at the beginning, I thought was about getting back to the task of reaching youth. In reality, it has been a journey of opening my need for more of Christ in my life and family. The internship has definitely reaffirmed my love for students and desire to see them transformed by Jesus. It has also exposed that I am not the same Jeremy, and the new normal for me now is different.
It has been a blessing working with Sojourn community church and specifically working with Dr. Almon, the elder of youth and a youth professor at Boyce College. Dr. Almon has many years of experience working with youth and he has modeled to me a life of mission to youth with the priorities on God and family. Sojourn has embraced my wound and my family. They have made a commitment to walk through the healing with me. In a friendship with Dr. Almon and a close working relationship on projects, it has exposed deep needs in my life mainly, the continued healing from my journey of being a single Dad, mourning the loss of a broken relationship, and all the baggage that comes with the territory. The fact is that my heart has been wounded and I have tried to stay busy and keep doing the task of ministry when my real need is to be still and know that He is God. I am also waiting patiently for God to open the next door for me as I focus on Him and my family. I praise God for the community of believers I am currently with and Dr. Almon who is committed to loving me through the process of restoration and discerning the continued calling of God on my life. God and family are my priority and I am standing for my kids in very confusing circumstances.
NEXT STEPS……
I will continue to be a part of the youth ministry but my responsibilities our going to be scaled back and my main focus is working through the wound. My foundation has been rocked and I want to embrace the new normal for my life. During this next year or however long it takes I will be diving into an inward journey and focusing on my kids. Please be praying for God’s provision for a job to provide my family.
My internship will end October 1st and I want to thank you for believing in me with all your prayers and support. I have been invited to Nepal in January to accompany Dr. Almon to train youth pastors from that region of world. Dr. Almon works with the International Center for Youth Ministry which as established programs in 14 countries to train youth pastors to reach the teenagers of the world. In major portions of the world, especially Southeast Asia, the majority of the population is under the age of 19. The International Center for Youth Ministry is answering the call to train pastors to reach these youth. Currently, they have 450 young men and women in their programs. Dr. Almon is giving me the opportunity to teach alongside him during a two week session in January in one of Nepal’s largest seminaries. The trip will cost $1800 dollars, so please pray how God would have you be a part of that journey.