During my last months in Oxford, as I prayed for guidance, I became increasingly interested in further academic development. Besides loving being a student this past year, I had also become inspired by one of Wycliffe Hall’s missions: the intellectual renewal of the Church. The Christian imagination, I was reminded, plays an important part in this renewal as well as in commending the Faith: imagination informs what people find believable. I began to see viable bridges between my creativity, writing / literature, apologetics, and academia.
So where could I pursue these intersections related to my calling? Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, offered me a place in their Master of Arts in Theological Studies program- an offer which significantly expedites my academic career and allows me to tailor my degree in an disciplinary direction to accommodate the my interests. While I don't have all the resources I need yet financially, I have a sufficient amount to get started, and I have experienced a surplus of peace. Moreover, I have been confronted at every turn by the motif of Peter “stepping out of the boat” in Matthew 14:29. My impression is that the Lord is calling me- even when the wind and waves aren’t yet still- and I want to respond without fear, trusting Him who holds all things. Accordingly, I have taken the step of confirming my enrollment - my classes begin in January. That means that barring unforeseen events, I will be moving to Vancouver in less than two months!
In the meantime, I am continuing to invest in the YWAM missions training ministry here- and am excited to be involved with a week long outreach on the island next month, as YWAM and RZIM join up to collaborate with the local Christian community to together commend the gospel on Maui.
Maui has been my home for over half of my life; its a little twilight zone-ish to be making plans which will take me away for two years- or indefinitely! However, I am full of anticipation for how the Lord wants to form both me and my ‘voice’ for a vocation of truth telling- be it through writing, speaking, teaching or any other medium.
However, regardless of what lies beyond this unexpected horizon, there is one thing about the journey which can be known for certain: like all others, it will begin with a single step. A step that arcs over a boat rail, and sets a foot firmly on the surface of the deep. In what is He beckoning you? Are there waves soaking you? Is there sea spray in your eyes? A storm He has not yet stilled? Let us take our step- fixing our hope on Jesus Christ- whose voice so often calls us out of the boat before it speaks to calm the storm.
Thank you for your prayers in this transitional season!
