ECOLA BIBLE SCHOOL
Grab your cup of coffee or hot chocolate because it is story time...
The summer of 2013 God placed some people in my life while working at the Cannon Beach Conference Center. God used these people to encourage me and open my eyes. You see, I was told that going to college or Bible school wasn't necessary. People were telling me they could teach me everything I needed to know. I was naive and to some degree did believe these statements. My heart was hardened to the idea of schooling.
The summer of 2013 at CBCC was my second summer working there. Before entering that summer, God was testing my faith and softening my heart. A lot of challenges arose. A lot of friendships were lost in that year. I discovered I didn't know as much as I thought I did. Thus, this leads to the moment when God pressed it upon my heart to apply to Ecola Bible School. I was hesitant at first because I wanted to make sure this was where God wanted me. I have been known for being a people pleaser; I didn't want this decision to be based on that. God knew my heart and led me to this verse one evening...
The summer of 2013 God placed some people in my life while working at the Cannon Beach Conference Center. God used these people to encourage me and open my eyes. You see, I was told that going to college or Bible school wasn't necessary. People were telling me they could teach me everything I needed to know. I was naive and to some degree did believe these statements. My heart was hardened to the idea of schooling.
The summer of 2013 at CBCC was my second summer working there. Before entering that summer, God was testing my faith and softening my heart. A lot of challenges arose. A lot of friendships were lost in that year. I discovered I didn't know as much as I thought I did. Thus, this leads to the moment when God pressed it upon my heart to apply to Ecola Bible School. I was hesitant at first because I wanted to make sure this was where God wanted me. I have been known for being a people pleaser; I didn't want this decision to be based on that. God knew my heart and led me to this verse one evening...
For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. | Ezra 7:10
I applied to Ecola and was accepted into their first year program. In my first year at Ecola...
- My relationship with God was strengthened.
- Healing occurred from past hurts.
- Truth was brought to light.
- My faith was stretched in new ways.
- Friendships were made.
Don't let these things fool you though. Yes, those are great things to learn at Bible school, but my first year at Ecola was hard. I should not have stayed, yet God provided the money for each payment. I struggled with connecting with people because I didn't know how to love the people God was placing into my life. You see, I prefer giving up and running from friendships rather than fighting for them. (This is something to dig deeper into another day.) BUT, Jesus was with me each moment. Going on a mission trip to the Philippines with nine others from Ecola changed my life. A new perspective was brought into my life. God not only used the Philippines but He also used the homeless community of Portland to impact my life. These are people who I was once afraid to make eye contact with and now they have become my friends. God is good. He knew I needed to be at Ecola for all of last year. God could have easily taken me out of the community but he didn't. And because of that I am forever grateful God allowed me to stay and for all he did in my life during that year.
I am now in my second year. This is the final year Ecola offers and it's called the School Of Ministry. I am in a classroom with 17 others. We are being taught by pastors and professors from all around the world. I am thankful for this second year at Ecola.
God has been teaching me...
- Communication is crucial.
- Jesus is the only constant in our life.
- About His grace and love.
- People matter and each person's story is worth listening to.
- Sleep is minor compared to ministry.
- Time management is difficult to figure out at first until you realize it looks different for each individual.
- My confidence is found only in Him.
- To pray and listen more than talking.
- TO TRUST HIM.
In a sense this year feels like a year of redemption like a second chance. I had big goals going into this year... maybe too big. I tend to set high expectations when going into something that is familiar. I realize as humans we are flawed. Shocker, I know. Yup, you and I are not perfect. We will make mistakes and there will be days when we will have bad attitudes. Yet, God's grace is sufficient. For He loves us even on our worst days.
Yeah, on those crappy days God still cherishes and adores you and I.
Mind boggling, I know...
This year is solely to draw closer to the Lord as he teaches me more about a lifestyle in ministry.
Without God I have no idea how to love and I have no purpose in life. I'm clinging to my Papa this year as he is teaching me new things each day like leadership and communication. I have a busy schedule this year as I am continuing to work at the shop I worked at this summer. This alone presents its challenges and a lack of time. God is good though. He provides those encouraging conversations right when are beginning to feel discouraged.
I am learning to allow God to be a part of each moment of my day rather than just setting aside a half an hour for Him. Setting aside quiet time with the Lord isn't bad. We do need to take a step back though if that half hour is the only time you allow God into your life. (Yet, another thing to dig deeper into another time.)
This year I refuse to waste my life.
In 1 Corinthians 15:31, when Paul writes, "I die every day!" I am beginning to grasp what he means. We are to set aside everything. We set aside everything knowing who we live for. This life we live isn't about us. It's not about living a comfortable, safe lifestyle. It's about loving Jesus. It's about loving the least of these - the widows, the orphans, the homeless, the poor, the wealthy.
We all need Jesus.
So, I realize my time isn't really mine after all neither is my money nor my talents nor even my words. I have come to the conclusion the only thing I have to offer a person is Jesus. But, I cannot offer him unless I am pursuing him myself. As we pursue God, allowing him to shape and mold us we begin to naturally love those around us as we fall more in love with our Papa.
If you have made it this far, congratulations and thank you for taking the time to read a glance of what God has been up to in my life in the past year and half. He is teaching me these lessons through my job, through loving the sweet elderly at an assisted living home for those with dementia, through the homeless in Portland, through the classes I am taking at Ecola and mostly through my dear brothers and sisters at Ecola.
I encourage you, if you don't know what you are doing with your life but are desiring more of Jesus to prayerfully consider applying to Ecola. I pray each person would consider setting aside at least a year of their life to become a sponge as they allow God to impact their life in a new way. You never know how God could use one year of your life!
PS: Here is the link to see some snapshots of how my second year of Ecola is looking... Photo Recap
PSS: Check out this video about Ecola. God has used this school as a catalyst in many people's lives.
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