Maybe you think “life-altering” is too big of a phrase. Maybe you think it’s a ploy to get more readers for this post.
Believe it or not, I did consider the title. Project Shine 2014 altered my life. “How?” you may ask? Great question. That why I’m writing the post.
Beyond the fun and excitement and fulfillment of serving God and meeting new people, here are three things I can put my finger on that really changed things for me.
1. Prayer.
When God’s people come together and pray, He listens. Prayer has been a huge theme of my life over the past two months and seeing God answer the prayers of His people is a tremendous thrill.
To be clear: God answers individual prayer, but I can honestly say that I have NEVER failed to see God do God sized things when part of a concerted ministry effort coupled with intensely focused prayer.
2. Teamwork.
On the leadership side of an organization you see much more than the average participant. I learned a lot about teamwork this year and it changed me. Shine boards in the past have had amazing teamwork, but the necessity of team relying on each other seemed more real this year.
Honestly for me part of the issue is control. Leaders weaken organizations by valuing control too much. Seeing people grow and learn in their roles is something I am valuing more and more and this week really jolted that side of me. I hope to experience much more growth in this area in the future.
3. Faith.
My faith simply increased during Shine this year! Faith is living NOT by sight. So, when you don’t know what’s going to happen, your FAITH is key. As with any Project Shine year, there were many unknowns going into the week.
For me the inward struggle relaxed a bit as God helped my faith increase. Seeing clouds dodge our site and all sites all day Thursday was one of the most incredible things I’ve seen in a long time. It really helped to remind me that I need to trust in God when I can’t see.
I love ministry. I love when God changes people. I love when God changes me!