In May 1993, I received what I can only describe as a call from God to ministry—to kingdom service.
Quite honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into. I just knew that I had to “surrender” to the call. It would not let go of me.
I’ve never been a perfect person, none of us ever have been. Indeed, I’ve made terrible decisions in my life, with ugly consequences. I did not know how God could possibly use me.
Over the years I’ve realized that God specializes in taking broken things, fixing them, and then setting them loose to serve. I’ve never seen myself as much of a difference maker. But over the years, that is all I have desired to do: make a difference—even a little difference in a someone’s life. Maybe I could make a difference in such a way as to “make-up” for older misdeeds; but that is worldly motivation. However, I’ve learned over time the only thing to do is to walk as Jesus walked; be merciful as Jesus was merciful; and to love everyone unconditionally, as Jesus loved. Combined with the skill set God had so graciously given to me, maybe, just maybe, God could use me to make a difference.
You never know what kind of difference you will make in a person’s life, a group’s direction, or even in the future. God doesn’t ask for you to make a difference though. God asks you to be obedient and to love. God takes care of the difference making.
In the last 35 years, I have had the opportunity to help, show mercy, and love more people than I could have ever imagined: Chuck, Bruce, Scott, Gina, Sarah, Charlie, Judy, Amy, Stan, Heather, the D & B, Jeff, Tracie, Courtney, Jason, BUGWB, Rob, Corey, Monte, Megan, Jesse, Aysa, Torin, Matt, Andrew, Annette, Norah—and the list goes on. I could have never done this without the leadership and power of God, and the skill sets that I have learned in wisdom though my education.
“Making a difference” is the end focus we hope for all of our students. Sacraments, counseling, leadership, listening, and offering—offering to help, and keep helping.
Dan, Carol, Mary, and Dakotah are graduates and students who are making a difference. With their individual skills and personalities, they are making a difference with everyone they meet. Read their stories, hear their hearts. Who knows, they might make a difference for you!