The hope of the discipling wife

One of my favorite parts about being on the road with Final Greetings was the summer camps. We’d spend 3-5 days with the same kids; playing games, leading discussion groups and ultimately having deep conversations about God and what they were going through in life. It took me a long time to realize why I liked camps so much. This year I finally put a name to the desire on my heart: discipleship.

When Garrett and I chose to step down, it was one of the hardest decisions of my life because I was heartbroken at the fact that I would never see some of these kids again. I could only disciple from afar, which is very difficult to do. But at the same time, I knew that in starting a home church we would have opportunities to disciple local people within the meetings every week!

As excited as I was for it, there was no fruit the first month we were in Utah. We tried to meet with people, but everyone had full-time jobs and weekly requirements which meant we wouldn’t see them, and still haven’t after 5 months. I was struggling, missing my community and looking for a way to pour out on people. And I was trying to find a job. I applied to the same job I’d had in Washington when staying with my parents, which I was heavily qualified and recommended for, and I was turned down.

I was really confused as to why this was, and after time in prayer I decided to wait. I prayed and trusted that God would bring a job, and fruit, within time. A month later, I went on Indeed and found a job listing for a place called Solstice. It’s a home for teen girls who are working through mental struggles like anxiety, depression and eating disorders. We had actually visited there as a band, and it was so worth it! So I sent in my application and contacted the staff member I had known before.

Fast forward three weeks and I was hired on at their sister program, Journey Home, where it helps girls who have graduated treatment programs transition into becoming self-sufficient adults. The job was an answered prayer, but the role is an even deeper fulfillment. I am there to live with these girls, to encourage them to make wise decisions and help them with things like getting a job, opening a bank account, healthy communication with family and so much more.

At Journey Home, I’ve found that God’s given me an outlet to disciple teen girls, which has always been a soft spot for me. I see them four days a week, and I get to have a relationship with them. And though I may not be able to talk about God with them, I can live out being Jesus in front of them and encourage them to live a healthy life, which is something I’ve wanted to do all along.