Today was officially our last day as Salt Lake Fellows. 10 months of incredible transformation came to a close faster than I had ever anticipated. As the seven of us stood there in front of our church congregation, our director Ben asked all of those who had been involved in our program throughout this year to come up front and pray over us as we were commissioned and sent out into the next chapters of our lives. I watched as nearly half of our congregation rose and walked forward towards us- with the kindest eyes, and warmest smiles. It hit me then: this is what His goodness looks like in the flesh. I have seen first hand how beautiful His Bride truly is. I have dwelt among a group of people who sacrificed their time and energy to loving each one of us fellows intentionally. A group of people who made a relentless effort to point us in the direction of our King during our wilderness season. People who opened their homes to break bread with us week after week and who sat with us as our hearts hurt and we had nothing to bring but tears. These same people, stood with us in victory today as we proclaimed a year of searching and growing with a faithful God. As we closed the service singing one last worship song together, I recognized the truth that my voice was lifting up: He is perfect in all of His ways. And these people here have shown me that. Rachel and Ben, you are selfless and bold and continually teaching me about what it looks like to live your life for the Glory of The Lord. You may never know the full extent to which your faithful obedience to God’s calling on your lives have affected us seven fellows, but I am excited for the day you enter into eternity and The Lord shows you the legacy you have laid down on this earth. We are better because of your sacrifice, and we forever will cherish the 10 months He allowed us to spend with you in deep fellowship. Thank you for everything, I am blessed and forever changed from knowing you both.
Zoe Grace Loderhose, thank you for encouraging me to live into the excitement of life- and showing me how to find beauty in all of the little things, especially purple rocks. I cannot wait to see how The Lord shapes you as you grow older. Hallie Joy, you have an amazing big sister and two strong and relentless parents who are doing a mighty work for the Kingdom. Please know that no matter what, you’ll always have 7 fellows that will forever cherish your smiles. Thank you for butt-scooting your way into our lives and truly living out the name “Joy.” Daniela Lee, you were my mentor this year and you did life with me in the most powerful and intentional of ways. From sharing your daughters with me and inviting me into your family, to listening to my heart and rejoicing with me as we watched Jesus conquered my deepest wounds. Thank you, for who you are and who you encourage me to be. The Lord has gifted me deeply with your sweet friendship. Chris, you have encouraged me closer to Him with each day through this wild journey. You have been my biggest fan and prayer warrior, and my greatest support this year. I’m thankful to have shared this year with you, even from thousands of miles away. Colossians 1:17 has engraved itself into my heart through our story this year. And to my fellows, you have shown me His perfection in a deep and symbolic way. The number seven will forever be sacred and special to me. From the beginning of time God has set it apart to show completion and perfection, and He did that once again through this year with you all. Thank you for challenging me, encouraging me, praying over me, and watching as I stumble through His plans for my life. You have shown me His goodness, and the Spirit of diversity that He so lovingly celebrates. Every part of this year has been orchestrated by a Father who loves us. When we doubted our placement, our purpose and everything in between He showed us so much deeper into His intentions and His goodness. Thank you for trusting Him this year, and encouraging me to as well. He is truly truly perfect in all of His ways. I love you all, and I am better because of you."
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AuthorSalt Lake Fellows Collaborative Archives
November 2020
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