A journey of stepping out in faith and into this crazy program called The Forge...what is it and why am I going?
As the chapter at Samford closes and all the unknowns of life are still as unknown as they have ever been, I have been praying through one particular opportunity for most of my senior year. It is an eight-month leadership and discipleship program through the ministry of Pine Cove called The Forge. I have spent the last three summers in Texas working at Pine Cove, serving middle school students in order to spread the Gospel and show His love at such an impressionable time in these students’ lives. I have seen how God uses Pine Cove to truly transform lives for His purposes and His glory. In addition to youth camps and family camps, Pine Cove offers a leadership fellowship and discipleship program called the Forge. I have heard about this program every summer I have been there, but it was not until this past summer that the Lord started putting it on my heart.
The Forge is a program designed to challenge and refine your faith in order to develop character, identity, and discipline consistent with Christian leadership. It is a challenging, but purifying eight months as you spend your time being refined as a follower of Christ and learning more about God’s Word and His design for your life through classes, living among community, and six different trips around the country and world. You are able to put your faith into action as you are given hands-on learning opportunities to apply what you are being immersed in. Pine Cove describes their program in a simple metaphor of a forge being a furnace where metals are heated so they can be shaped according to the blacksmith’s design and desire. In that same way, The Forge program exists to be that same kind of environment for growth and transformation.
As I think about my past four years in college, I have put all my passion, effort, and time into becoming a teacher, which is something I value and love. My heart for children and for learning goes beyond what I could have imagined. My degree from Samford will allow me to spend my life teaching and pouring into elementary-aged students. In addition, the Forge will provide the opportunity to challenge and equip me in my Christian walk and provide leadership skills that I can apply to my teaching and any future endeavors. I will be learning how to use my talents, strengths, and leadership skills to best glorify Him through my teaching and ultimately my life.
Through so much prayer, asking for open and closed doors, and seeking wisdom and guidance, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply for this discipleship program. Pine Cove handpicks 28 young men and women for this program, and I am honored to be one of them in The Forge class of 2016! I am open for what the Lord has in store for me throughout this next year and how He will use me as a vessel to share His love around the world.
Thank you for stopping in and sharing this journey with me. I really feel like this is where I am supposed to be right now and am excited to continue to share all that the Lord is teaching me and how He is using me. I appreciate all of your prayers throughout this next year. The support of my family and friends has meant the world throughout the beginning of this journey, and I couldn't do it without the prayers and encouragement from so many. One of the requirements of each student is to help fundraise the operating cost of the program. Honestly, it is a little daunting, but I know the Lord is sovereign and faithful. I have committed to raise my share of $12,000 by March 1st, 2016. I am already committing $1,200 of my own funds towards the cost, but can afford little more. I am praying for some of my family and friends that might be able to help me make up the difference with a tax-deductible gift to the Forge. I’m looking to find a team of 5 people who would support me at $100/month, another 10 people who would support me at $50/month, and 14 people who would support me at $25/month for 8 months. A one-time gift is also an option, which would be a tremendous blessing as I go throughout this program. If you do feel like you could be one of those people, you can donate straight on The Forge's website at http://www.pinecoveforge.com.
Again, I am so thankful for all of the support and encouragement throughout this process. I appreciate your prayers more than you know, and any financial support will be a wonderful blessing throughout these eight months. If you have any questions or would like to know more, I would love to hear from you. Thanks for sharing this journey with me.
