Jubiliee.

I am currently recovering from being in Pittsburgh for Jubilee conference.  It was a great weekend but left me sick and mentally exhausted. Monday was real difficult transitioning back to the many things due. There were so many opportunities there and more social causes presented. Sometimes this leaves me feeling helpless and frustrated because I am bogged down with all these little things that seem to get in the way of making a big difference.  There are so many things I want to do and yet so many obstacles. However, these problems will always be there and God is sovereign over them. We fight social justice because we are called and compelled by grace, but knowing that we are serving God, not the world. I want to continue trusting that wherever I end up and whatever job I choose, it is good. Right now, I need to remember to be faithful in the little things, so one day I can be entrusted with much. 

Spirtual Transformation through Disciplines...

I have a great opportunity to take part in spiritual formation class at Montreat where we learn about and engage in practice some of the spiritual disciplines. Through silence and solitude, God has used that to open up wounds not yet dealt and healed from. Through a small fast, reminded of how weak I am and struggle. How I need to hunger for God. I need God's strength for my whole body and soul to function. My sin has been brought up so much as I am realizing more of how ruined and broken I really am. I have also committed to taking part in more intentional confession, even for the what seem petty things that I don't "feel" like sharing because they come in the way of conforming my mindset to Christ. I've struggled with the balance of training and legalism, that is why I have avoided many disciplines God's grace has given me this opportunity to transform more to Him and the outcome= so worth it! It's grace but it still costs us something.. which is far more rich than cheap grace.

Community brought together.

Last Sunday, when churches were cancelled and we were snowed in, amazing worship time went on in Anderson lobby. The time included prayer, singing, and sharing of what God put on our hearts. It was amazing going from the night before seeing everyone coming out to play in the snow to joining together the next morning. Right during a time I was becoming frustrated and losing hope, God showed up by moving in the hearts this college community.

Then on Wednesday, a sad occurrence brought community together. I remember Sunday morning praying for our fellow student, Howard Fisher who over Christmas break in Jamaica got a bad form of Anemia.  On Sunday, we were thanking God for his improvement of healing. Prayers of faith that God is going to heal him. Then on Wednesday, we were notified that he died. I found out in such a sudden way on Wednesday morning and did not believe it at first. Classes were called off and we we all mourned and prayed together. Whether people were close to him or not, we all got affected. If this happened at a big school, it would barely make a dent. Yet, at Montreat, Fisher's legacy will be continued on. Though I did not know him well, I hurt for those hurting and was caught off guard by believing he was going to get better. I will miss seeing that smile and learned from him  how even just by having a positive attitude and spirit, it can make a huge difference in someone's day or life. Going through all of this has made me realize the deeper aspects to this community and I am thankful for being a part of it.  

Support

Dear Community,

            I have debated, procrastinated, and have not wanted to write a letter that asks for support. This is not a give me money letter, although there is a need, but rather a way to update you on my life and way for me to lose my pride and admit, I need community and support. The support I need is definitely not just financial but also encouragement, accountability, and most of all prayer. I am tempted to follow the typical, easier route and try to be more self-sufficient, however, many times God calls us to uncomfortable things.

            The place I am currently at with this adventurous life journey is pursuing an Outdoor Ministry major and Human Services minor at Montreat College.  I never would have imagined being here but God again, called me to what I cannot even imagine. My dream is to create a wilderness discipleship (modeled after OLD School program at Snowbird) therapy program for underprivileged kids and girls who have been abused. What is crazy is it seems like God is already starting to open up doors to start pursuing that through Holler Ministries. So, that is the big picture and goal but it will take a lot to get there. And I have to admit, there are many days I do not want to do any of it and fear overtakes me but I trust and am excited to see what God has in store.

            One of the first steps and needs toward this dream is an opportunity this summer to do a Leadership and Discipleship in the Wilderness (LDW) course sea kayaking in Canada.  This course will help prepare me to be a leader and better learn to live in and foster community. It also fulfills a school requirement I need. This trip is $2,200 and includes everything for 30 days.  This course is from June 9- July 9, 2010. 

            Another opportunity, is to come alongside the Summer Project with Holler Ministries and be a part of what they are already doing while preparing the start of the wilderness ministry. The Summer Project will include helping with some Africa Camps (not actually in Africa but more training youth), work camps, feeding homeless, helping out with building up the camp/onsite work, and mainly the opportunity to grow and be a part of their intentional community.  This also will take some more financial support, not a paid position but rather an opportunity to serve alongside them. My goal is to raise $1,000 for the Summer Project. For more information on The Holler, go to www.hollerministries.com. 

            So that is the breakdown of next steps and goal of where I am headed.  It is exciting because I have never felt more called or scared to do something before in my life. I really need your support to help guide me through this process and pray for me. God will provide and already is doing so, yet I still for some reason have a difficult time trusting. If you want to financially give, then you can send it to either my home address or school:

Brittany Miller                                      Brittany Miller

Montreat College                                  5631 Alligator lake road,

Mbox 155, PO Box 1207                      Saint Cloud, Fl, 34772

Montreat, NC, 28757

 

Thank you for being a part of my life and sharing with me through this sometimes difficult, but exciting journey.

 

Love,

  Brittany Miller