Wow….so much has happened since I have last posted here! The Lord has taught me, challenged me, and blessed me in so many ways. This post will be an update on where I have been, and where I will be going!
As you all know by now, my World Race journey ended early due to the COVID travel restrictions, and this abrupt ending affected me in ways that I was not ready for. One moment I was surrounded by the best, most loving community I have ever had in my life, in a place that was just about to become home (Nicaragua), and the next moment I was back in my comfortable and familiar room in West Chester, Ohio. It wasn’t so much the “culture shock” of returning home, but coming “home” to a different home from what I left was extremely hard. Let me explain. On the race, I was always surrounded by people and distracted by the business of ministry, then coming back to a quarantined house in Ohio was shocking. I was not ready or prepared for the whiplash that was to follow from such a quick change of scenery. For once in my life, the entire concept of a relationship with Jesus was so obvious and clear, and I was scared that coming home might jeopardize what I had going with the Holy Spirit. And because of that, and with the help of the Spirit to guide my steps, I ended up enrolling in the Calvary Chapel Bible College (Southern California).
While in Cali for the past year, I have experienced the most challenging but rewarding moments in life and in my relationship with God. I went to bible college to equip myself, to better understand His Word, to further my relationship with Him, and to lead other people my age to His truth. BUT, in this past year, I have learned so much more than just the history and theology of the bible. A very long story short, the Lord has once again revealed to me the struggle and beauty of surrender. This year (2020-2021), I have been blessed with quite possibly the best people and circumstances of my life. God has shown me what it is like to live my life truly for Him and has given me experiences and people who I will never forget. But, with all these blessings, He has reminded me that we all belong to Him. I am to constantly receive and give back to Him with open arms and with a spirit of thanksgiving. I would be a fool to say that this process comes easily for me. It has been so hard for me to comprehend and live out, but I am always being brought back to the truth that God is ultimately in control, and is shaping my path to fit His will.
After a year In bible college, I felt it was time to find a way I could apply what I learned from school and the ministry experiences (World Race) to my life and others. I wanted to find a way I could be discipled while also learn how to disciple others with the tools I have been given. And after many conversations with people, and with peace from the Lord, I have decided to relocate my ministry base to Georgia and join the CGA (Center for Global Action) program! Now, what is CGA? It is a 5-month discipleship/leadership training program at Adventures in Missions, the same organization that sent me on the World Race! I will be attending with the purpose of deepening my knowledge of His Spirit, and learning how to cultivate missional ideas and living wherever I am sent! I will be living in Gainesville, Georgia in a community with people who are seeking the same things as me. This program is EXACTLY what I am looking for, and I am beyond excited about it.
I do, however, need your help! I have to fundraise $5,950 for this program, which is thankfully way less than the $16,000 I had to raise for the World Race! So please consider what you may be called to give. If you can only donate $10 that is TOTALLY fine. Every single dollar counts, and I know from experience how even the smallest amount of money can make a huge difference. You can find the donation bar and button on top of this page, and you can also subscribe to my blog :)) Thank you so much for reading, and thank you for being a part of my journey.
You can count on me to keep posting blogs with updates to my journey. Please follow me and be part of my ministry team to spread the good news of Jesus around the globe..and in our own country. You are most appreciated. Thank you.
That abrupt ending was hard for us also. We were so looking forward to how God was going to move and work in your squad in Nicaragua. It is so nice to read your update and know that your heart mind and strength are devoted to Jesus.
We are coaching again this year and will be in Gainesville at the begining of September for the start of the 6 weeks of on property training camp.
Would love to see you!!
Love you
Praying for your next steps Parker! Thank you for updating us, we are looking forward to hearing more about where God leads you!