By Nate Marshall, Director of the 4.12 Leadership Training Program
“Sure, I can give that a try.”
Those are some of my favorite words to hear from a 4.12 student.
I recently asked, Jacob, a third year 4.12 Leadership Training Program student to do some live teaching for “Brief Answers to Big Questions”, a daily, live online teaching series on Biblical worldview we are doing for 4.12 students, parents, and Barnabas mentors. After pondering for a moment, he replied, “Sure, I can give that a try”.
It is one thing to hear questions and then being told the answer. It’s a totally DIFFERENT experience to search, prepare, and teach OTHERS.
That’s exactly what he did. He researched, prepared, and presented (and did a great job by the way).
I love to see students step up, take risks, and accept new challenges, even in the midst of uncertainty. I could share the stories of Jasmine, Kate, Jarren, and Lauren (to name a few) who have taken similar steps of growth and development during this time.
You see, God loves “yes” people – people of action. Imagine the apostle Paul, Peter, James, John, and, yes, even the timid Gideon. What if they hadn’t said ‘yes’ to the call God was giving them?
God is waiting to use people who are ready to say, “Sure, I can give that try.”
I have been SO encouraged by the ways God is growing and developing 4.12 students in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis. This has been such a unique opportunity to do ministry and equip students like Jacob. We’re accustomed to seeing the students step up during our camps and retreats since they expect that, but watching them step out and do ministry online with us when we’ve not done this before has been amazing!
So, the next time God comes calling, are you ready to say, “Sure, I can give that a try?”
Check out Joy El’s upcoming summer camp opportunities in Pennsylvania:
Day Camp
Wilderness Camp
Energizer Camp
Jumpstart Camp
Leadership Experience Camp
