How it all started!
It is really hard for me to know where to begin on this journey that calls me so often to go, be and do. Each part of the circle of missions near, and abroad has contributed to me being literally well rounded. The depth in which I am able to see things locally and the breadth in which I have been able to see things internationally brings me back into the circle at different places all of the time. It is within this complex world that I find the idea of "doing what you are called to do where you are called to do it" so important. At different points in my life, I have focused in different areas, and that is the nature of life itself, ebbing and flowing us different areas and down different streams where we may stay for a while. Then all of a sudden the current of life picks back up and takes us to a new place, a place unknown, a place where we have to resettle, refigure, and restate our ideas, hopes, and dreams, aware of our past failures, fears, and faults.
Working with nonprofits and volunteering was ingrained in me when I was young. The constant urge to help someone when they were in need was not something that was just felt in my family; it was something that I was so blessed to see acted upon day in and day out. This allowed me to understand the importance of seeing needs consistently, but nothing ever was complete. This among other occurrences was the tipping point to start my constant concern and dialogue about non-profits, the way they function and how to network with other people and other non-profits.
So from as early as I can remember, I worked multiple weeks at various bible schools-sometimes three and four different bible schools in the summer. Then I was able to help others with various medical, social and economic needs. Being willing and able to help out with all different types of situations allowed me to build a platform and network of people and places who care about the areas around them and have a passion to encourage, equip, and empower those they work with on a regular basis. This allowed me to be inspired about ways in which I can be a resource to others when they do not have the foundation that I have been blessed to create and maintain.
From this passion I was able to see that this was a need wherever I went. From traveling down the road to large cities, then traveling regionally and internationally the need for networking and relationships became more and more prevalent to me. There was an understanding that we are made for community. We are made to bring God close to us, and us close to Him. Ways which are often difficult to navigate with others, many times bring the best results. These results create bonds that are not easily broken. When we encourage others, we help them walk towards areas that they may not approach alone, but that God is calling them to. When we equip others, we teach them how to fish instead of giving them fish, providing for them in a way that is not a handout, but becomes a hand up out of whatever poverty or oppression they are in, even if it is self-induced. When we empower, we give others the vision to see past their barriers and set new goals, dream new dreams and shoot for the stars in ways that they never thought possible. We motivate one who never had shoes to give shoes to millions: we encourage one who never had a dream to spark a change in the world. We empower the least of these to be the voices for the voiceless, the hope in a lost world, and the light in a dark place. I want to be that type of person.
