I am excited to share a couple of things that have been going on in my life. Today marks day two of training for a program called The Journey. If spiritual formation is on your mind, this is an awesome way to take others down the path to a deeper relationship with God.

Through The Journey, I’ll be leading a group of women to a deeper understanding of who God is, who they are and how their lives line up with God’s plan. It’s going to be an exciting program and I can’t wait to get started.

The second thing I’m pretty excited about is that my Stephen Ministry training is complete. Over 50 hours of training and twenty weeks of class time has provided me with some beautiful tools and guidelines that will help me in my day-to-day living, as well as helping women who need a listening ear.

Last night was our commissioning. The nine of us stood before our family and friends and were set apart for this role by our elders. I started crying when they called the first person up and, being the last person commissioned, I was pretty much blubbering. I have grown very close to our graduating class of Stephen Ministers and am blessed to called each of them friend and fellow Stephen Minister.

A passage was spoken over each of us and we were prayed over by two of our elders. I want to share what was given to me. “May the Spirit dwell in you richly, filling you with joy and peace and courage for all your endeavors in the Lord’s service.” Okay, I’m tearing up again. This was pretty special, but I knew I would feel this way when I read through the last section in our manual.

Two questions. These are the two questions that brought tears to my eyes.

Question #1:

“Take a few minutes to reflect on what Stephen Ministry means to you.”

Question #2:

“Select a Bible passage or story that you would like to use as your ‘Motto of Stephen Ministry’ or your ‘Picture of What Stephen Ministry Means.’”

Here are my answers:

Question #1:

I started the training for Stephen Ministry to gain tools and tips for helping others when they are faced with a difficult situation. This training far exceeded my expectations or my desires. I have drawn closer to God through these weeks of study and preparation and training. I have come to a better understanding of who I am in Christ through these sessions. I have accepted the fact that I need God’s Spirit to work within me continually so that I may be used by Him to do His work with others. I have a deeper appreciation for those who are hurting and my spiritual eyes have been opened to their needs.

Question #2:

The verses of Scripture that I chose are from Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV). “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Well at the end of the day today, I will have completed two very important pieces of training. Am I all set for service in God’s Kingdom? I said it last night and I’ll say it again, “Yes, with the help of God.”

I think I’m going to cry again!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna