In less than 2 weeks, I will be in New York City, starting my new job at ResLife NYC! Time has flown by since graduation and these next few days will go just as quickly. My family and I took an evening trip to the city last Friday, where I visited as a tourist for the last time. I sat with Jenn in Starbucks as we talked through aspects of my new job and brainstormed together. I walked through Upper East Side/Yorkville while FaceTiming my friend, giddy with excitement that I would call the city that I love home.
As I’ve been thinking about how to keep my friends and family posted on my adventures in NYC, my good friend Laura suggested a template for my blog (huge shoutout, seriously, so helpful). I’m hoping to give an update every other week, talking about something new, something learned, something challenging, and something to pray for. So here is my first post-college update about where I am, what’s going on, and how you can help!
SOMETHING NEW:
Although this isn’t necessarily new, I wanted to restate what I’m going to be doing in case you haven’t heard yet! I am going to work at Resurrection Life NYC, a year old church plant in Upper East Side/East Harlem in Manhattan, NY (check them out here). As the ministry intern, my year will include lots of learning opportunities. Because I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up quite yet, Branden and Jenn (the pastors at ResLife) are giving me so many chances to explore various ministry areas (youth, small groups, preaching, hospitality, and on and on the list could go). While I’m there, I also will be a part of Redeemer City-to-City’s Apprenticeship program. The mission of City to City is to “equip young leaders with a deeper understanding of the gospel, their calling, and the city” (check out their website here for more information). This is going to give me such great opportunities to network in the city and build relationships with other people my age doing similar things. On top of that, I will get to engage in Forge America’s residency program. Both of these additional opportunities are going to help develop me as a Christ-follower and leader and I am SO excited to share with you along the way.
SOMETHING LEARNED:
In the past couple of weeks, I can now say that I am called to ministry, without a doubt. It’s funny because this has been a year (or ten) in the making. But when I was at District Conference of all places, I felt such a deep sense of urgency to be the light and love of Jesus in New York City. Some of you may be reading this and chuckling a little to yourself as you think to the last couple of years, and I’m with you. The crazy attitude transformation that has happened in my heart towards church ministry since going to college is quite the transformation. And District Conference is where it all the pieces clicked in a new way for me. In this, I am learning that the church is messed up and broken. People disappoint. But the hurt I’ve experienced does not have to become me. I will have opportunities to lead differently and love better because of those experiences. I’m not perfect, and I will disappoint others. But I’m excited to learn how to love authentically in the midst of brokenness.
SOMETHING CHALLENGING:
Money is tricky. Finding a second job in the city is proving to be challenging. And apartments don’t run cheap in Manhattan. When I took this job, I knew that I would not be getting paid. This has never been a deterrent for me because I know so confidently that this is where I’m supposed to be. Something that is challenging for me is fundraising. I thought I would be fully funded by now, but what I had lined up fell through. So with only a few weeks to go until I’m living in NYC, I still need to raise $14,000. Broken down, that means I still need 40 people to sponsor me $100 and 35 to sponsor me $250. If you would like to partner with me in this, you can give online here. All online gifts will be administered by Trinity Wesleyan Church and are tax deductible.
In the midst of this challenge, there are several blessings that the Lord is providing at just the right times. I was offered a temp job during the month of June working in Allentown, which has provided an income that I was not expected and I have free housing for the first little bit of my internship, which gives me some wiggle room in finding an apartment. GOD IS GOOD.
SOMETHING(S) TO PRAY FOR:
- for Steph (my roommate) and me as we begin apartment hunting – pray for discernment and wisdom in the process
- for fundraising – pray for provision and patience as I eagerly await God’s provisions
- for a job – pray for an open door and the right opportunity where I can meet people in my community
I could not do this without the love and support of my friends and family. Thank you to all of you who have offered encouragement, given financially, and shared with me in my excitement. While there are several loose ends left to tie up, I believe that God will provide in miraculous ways. To Him be the glory.