Elim’s trip to E.F

It was such an honor to be a part of Elim Fellowship’s Open House this past Friday. As a senior at Elim Bible College, it felt very refreshing to know that there is an entire organization that is so intentional about my next steps; and are willing to walk beside me through every decision and season of stepping into ministry.

Elim Fellowship’s team was extremely inviting and welcoming to us Elim students during their open house. We played a scavenger-hunt kind of game which taught us more about the role everyone plays at Elim Fellowship, and where a person would begin if all they knew was that they have a call of God in their life for ministry. The game was really fun and strategic and definitely broadened my perspective of how intentional and involved Elim Fellowship wants to be in the life of someone going into ministry. They paired students into groups of 5-7 and we were left with a scenario. The scenario was either an Elim Alumni or a current student, trying to figure out the next steps for that specific character to join the ministry that is best for them and their circumstance.

My team had the scenario of a young man named Daniel. Daniel graduated from EBC six years ago, and is now currently an associate pastor looking into being a fulltime missionary in the near future. My team discovered that in this case the first thing for Daniel to do is meet with the Director of Ministry, Johnathan Bowden and his team, to discuss what is the vision the Lord is placing on his heart. I'm personally thankful that E.F has their process set up this way. I think that having this as the first step is wise because sometimes the only thing people know is thatthey have a burden on their heart from the Lord; everyone doesn't know exactly how to turn that vision into practical steps. Jonathan and his team would discuss what is the person’s vision, background in ministry, find out what the person’s track record and connections are like, where they are in life, and essentially after this information discuss with them the logistics of what it would look like pursuing the action plans of their vision. After receiving a good report of the person, they would move into an official application and credentials which then leads to a scouting trip (or internship) to see how well that person adapts to that area and position; then they are either invited to come back and join the area, or they look for a better area of ministry that fits them.

This was extremely helpful for me because I feel more comfortable not having everything planned after my senior year. I feel secure knowing that Elim Fellowship is around and excited to help me unload the visions and dreams God is putting on my heart.

Personally, I feel very connected to Kenya right now and I would love to continue being involved in short term missions trips at least twice a year out there. I don’t know exactly how this can be done, I don’t know the exact details of where I would serve, how I would serve, and who I would be connecting with, but it is a good feeling to know that I won’t have to figure this out alone. I am looking forward to sharing this vision with Elim Fellowship's team and see what God will do with it.