A lot has happened in my life, our nation, and the world since my last post dating back to September 3, 2012. I completed my first semester at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. I enjoyed my time as a residential student at LU! I was able to room with my two best friends as well as meet a ton of interesting Christ-followers. However, I decided that the Fall 2012 semester would be my first, and last, semester in Lynchburg. Although I did enjoy my time there, I did not feel as though that was where God wanted me to be. I learned a lot about the Holy Word of God....and a lot about myself, as well. Read on...
As one can imagine, my transition from living in Haiti for six months to moving back to the States, living in Raleigh for three weeks, then moving in to Liberty University, was quite a rollercoaster ride--emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally. I'll explain a little. Imagine: living in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere for six months (Feeling the presence of Christ unlike I have ever felt before. Not as many "distractions" that we deal with here in America. Knowing undoubtedly that God had led me to this nation to serve His kingdom. Seeking Christ on my own time, at my own pace, in my own way. Having to leave many new friends that I had gotten to know so well); Flying back to Raleigh, where I would be staying for a short, 3 or 4 week time period until I move in at Liberty (The full-time job that I quit to move to Haiti called me back two days after I arrived, asking if I could fill in until I moved to Liberty. I agreed. After all, I had no source of income for 6+ months and was about to embrace the journey of a poor college student. Smart move financially...but it took a toll on me. I didn't get to spend nearly as much time with my family as I'd hoped to...nor did I truly relax and reflect on the life-changing six months that I'd just completed.); Moving in to Liberty University (Constantly engaged in some form of spiritual activity. Mandatory convocation on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Campus church on Tuesdays or Thursdays (can't remember). Hall meetings and prayer groups. Two Sunday church services. Did I mention a lot of mandatory activities and meetings? And on top of all of that...a lot of events, both positive and negative, taking place within my family back in Raleigh.
It all caught up with me. Fast. I was a student in one of the largest Christian universities in the world, yet would often catch myself feeling lost and not really fitting in (and no, not because I was one of the most heavily tattooed people at the entire university). I greatly missed my family and living in Raleigh...after all, my transition back "home" went so quickly that I didn't even get to see all of my family before I moved to Liberty. I started to backslide from my faith....in one of the most spiritual and Christ-seeking universities on the planet. Although my knowledge of the Word of God had increased....my personal relationship and walk with Him had taken a hit.
So, with all that being said, I moved back to Raleigh. I'm not going to clue you in on ALL of the details, because some of it is personal to my family and I don't feel as though it is necessary, or right, for me to share deep personal details of specific family members. To put it simply....my plans started to fall through, quick. Why? Because I was NOT seeking Christ; was NOT reading the Word; and did NOT care to hear any advice or discernment from fellow brothers-and-sisters in Christ. But little did I know (and see) then....that God's mighty hand was at work the entire time.
The man upstairs truly does work in powerful, mysterious ways.
I ended up moving to Jacksonville, NC, to live in a decent-sized, furnished, pool-house behind my girlfriend's house. Her Mother had intentions of installing an in-ground pool, but never did. It truly has been such a blessing. For those of you wondering, and potentially even gossiping, no....Nikki and I do not live together. We're doing things the right way.
About a month or so after I moved to Jacksonville, Nikki's sister Stephanie and her husband Daryl invited us to a revival at their church. Nikki was once very involved with this church as well....but had backslidden and strayed away from her faith for a year or so. Nikki and I decided that we would accept their invitation and went to the second night of their revival. That is a night that Nikki and I will never forget. That was the night that her and I both felt the Holy Spirit moving inside of us. Her and I re-dedicated our lives to Christ on that night.
As I stated before....The man upstairs truly does work in powerful, mysterious ways.
I am sure that you are tired of reading by this point....So I'll wrap things up. Nikki and I are praying about going down to Haiti for a week in July to visit my friends at Nehemiah Vision Ministries! I'll post more details about that in a separate blog post sometime soon. Please keep Nikki and I in your prayers as we strive to walk steadfast in the Lord and to fearlessly proclaim His Word to all the ends of the Earth!!
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5: 14-16
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