There are many staff and volunteers at Joy El who invest a lot of time into children and youth. We are always excited when we see them listen to God and take big steps in their faith. Jackie (on the left in the photo), a senior in the 4.12 Leadership Training program, shared how God was speaking to her. She gave me permission to share her words with you. – Aaron Ziebarth
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By Jackie Swope, 4.12 Leadership Training Program Senior
Last summer, I felt this urge to start a Bible study at my church for girls in my youth group. I just pushed the feeling aside and thought that I couldn’t do it, and doubted that the feeling was from God anyway.
This past summer, the feeling came back stronger. I was at the debriefing weekend at Joy El when I kept thinking about it. The last day of debriefing (Sunday), Aaron spoke about listening to what God is calling you to do and obeying him. At that moment I knew that this feeling was from God and that I could not run from it anymore.
That day, I told some 4.12ers about the calling I felt. Ever since that weekend, the idea of starting one has been going through my head as well Aaron’s message. I came home and told my parents the idea, as well as some friends and my mentor, Emily. I finally pitched the idea to my youth pastor and he thought it was a great idea. I’m so thankful for the 4.12ers who have been praying for me and holding me accountable to this calling. I’m also so thankful for my best friends in the youth group: Shayna, Abigail, and Faith, who have been encouraging me and willing to help me out.
I’m excited to be leading something like this and I’m honored to get to be used by God to share with other girls what I’ve been learning and helping to make disciples. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19.
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I am thankful that Jackie listened to God and obeyed his leading. I praise God that he has given us the opportunity to develop godly leaders through 4.12 Leadership Training Program. Please pray for the 4.12 students as they gather this weekend (September 25-27), that they will hear from him and respond obediently.
