Stories are so powerful!
A few nights ago all who were at the meeting were asked to write (in only a few sentences) how our life has been changed through experiences at Blackhawk Church.
Wow! In almost 18 years there've been a LOT of experiences!
Many different relationships have brought color and life to those seasons of my life.
Through growth in my faith, I have a better understanding of how God has gifted me to serve.
Tom and I have watched Jessica and Brittany go from loving "Creation Station" and other aspects of Children's Ministry to the young women they are today.
Jessica served many years in Early Childhood Ministry, was involved in College Age Ministry, and life groups, (attending and leading) and met her wonderful husband at the Majestic Theater downtown site of Blackhawk Church. Throughout challenges on her life journey, her faith has kept her strong. She is pursuing her career of nursing, and along the way ministers to Alzheimer's patients as a CNA. Now she's the mother of a precious baby girl. It's wonderful for us to see her family ever growing in their faith and involvement with Blackhawk Church.
Brittany had many similar experiences growing up, but College Age Ministry (CAM) took her in a direction none of us anticipated. On that first Spring Break Mission trip, her passion for justice was awakened. Other spring break trips and internships followed and she's now the Communications Director for 2nd Mile Ministries in the Brentwood neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL.
That's where a story of my own comes in. I was so spoiled having both daughters in Madison, and wasn't thrilled about one of them being so very far away! (Even if visiting Florida, my favorite destination, is not a hardship for me!) I really didn't know much about 2nd Mile and I must admit I was resentful...During her intern year after graduating, people would ask what Brittany was doing, and the end of my answer was always "thank you Blackhawk!" very sarcastically. After all, Blackhawk was responsible for her even knowing about 2nd Mile...
Then came the 2016 spring break trip for Tom and me...We got to experience 2nd Mile's orientation and even serve with the mission team that was there for the week. (Very special that it was Blackhawk CAM!) I felt my heart changing and could even laugh when we found out that Brittany had referred to our visit as the "Parental Love Brentwood Project". Since then I have invested time and resources in 2nd Mile, and beyond the shadow of a doubt know that this is where God wants Brittany in this season of her life.
And now I can say "Thank You Blackhawk" ...and mean it with all my heart!
