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Mar 10, 2022

 

I really should begin writing stuff down! Why you might ask, because age and overload have dulled the memory. Which is my somewhat excuse for taking so long between posts. You see, it really is my intent to post blogs monthly, or in a real fantasy world, weekly. Thing is, I find myself feeling like I can’t post unless I believe I have something profound to say. Maybe that’s truth, maybe that’s just my perception, but either way it has been a hinderance and, for the record, I’m self-aware and have been trying to work on it.

I will be driving down the road and God will lay something on my heart, or I will hear a scripture and think man that will preach, but when the time comes to sit down and write I can’t always remember and so – I must start writing things down or speaking them into a recorded note.

 

Now that I have my excuses out of the way, let’s get on with business. 

 

First things first, an update! We have officially named a Board of Directors for the Drove! Even more…we held our first board meeting this past Saturday on the one-year anniversary of our closing. One year later, to the day, we sat in the yurt hosting what I consider our first official event, a roundtable board luncheon! It was a small, intimate affair for family and board members that began with a lunch and fellowship, followed by business for those sitting the board, and wrapped up with a little drove style down time. 

I can say with confidence that we have a God given, Holy Spirit anointed Board of Directors who are completely invested in the call. We accomplished a great deal and are eager to continue moving forward. In fact, the words that come to mind when I attempt to summarize our time are productive, encouraging, and inspiring. God is on the move and we are now officially incorporated and awaiting full on legal non-profit status to begin doing business financially.

 

Now onto how the clarity has begun to come about.

 

I really don’t have the word count space to tell the story in full detail and I hate that. What I wish is that you could each truly journey the steps with us and marvel in the things that God has done. I have walked with the Lord (sometimes closely, sometimes far-far away) for 38 years now, and I have seen some incredible moments when God moved mightily and yet the things that I have witnessed over the past 3 years have left me literally breathless at times. Truly - I find myself frequently in awe of His mighty, mighty hand. Which brings me to this thought, why?

 

Why do we act surprised when God does what He says He will do, or when He does what we say we believe He can do? Is it because we believe in theory rather than in reality? Is it because our faith has become more about our choice of religion rather than depth of spirit? I’m not sure and believe me I’m not judging but rather speaking to the mirror. What I do know is that stepping out in blind faith has brought about more of the power of God over my life and circumstances than I have ever experienced. So maybe it’s not God’s faithfulness that surprises me but rather my own. Maybe I didn’t realize that I had the courage to live in a manner that requires blind faith, probably because I don’t in my own, but as the Apostle Paul says in Phillipians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

 

So, where are we headed? I will first say that we will never put God in a box, so when we share plans please know that they are fully rooted in “If the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise” and we are well aware of how the creek can rise! With that said let me share that our vision is that Dunamis Drove will be a youth focused safe haven, in partnership with families, that is built on the fundamental pillars of authentic community, education, and spiritual wellness, and our Mission Statement is to provide a nurturing and safe environment where young people can grow spiritually, socially, and emotionally while also building life skills in the areas of academics and careers/trades.

 

What that is going to look like remains to be seen, but we foresee beginning steps including the creation of classes and programs that address the spiritual, social, emotional, and mental wellness needs of young people while also supporting and building academic, vocational, and trade skills. We believe that there will be also be opportunities to provide resources and supports to the families of these young people that will help build strength and wellness within their home environments. God has placed another couple in our lives that set up camp – literally – and began praying for God’s direction in regard to the ministry they felt He was calling them to, and their property is around the bend from ours. If you knew how in the woods we are, you would realize what a miracle in and of itself that is, but we don’t have time for that whole story yet. My point is that God began speaking to them, and God began speaking to us, and then God brought us together and the visions are becoming clearer and clearer. Which for us means time for more faith stepping (I will save some of that for the next blog as well). For now, we are looking for God to begin speaking our name to every individual, church, corporate group, etc. that is meant to support our journey because it is now time to begin looking for investors. 

 

I will leave you with this, of which I was reminded last night while having dinner with a friend, when God is your PR man you don’t have to do a ton of networking, He brings the hook up! What we are called to do is remain faithful and do our best to walk in righteousness before Him and humility, love, and compassion before others. I don’t know what you are facing, what miracles you might need, what strongholds need breaking, what loved ones need healing, and on and one. What I do know is that God is holding onto your hand even in the moments when you have them palm open, fingers splayed, with no returning grip, so trust him and just imagine what might occur if you would grip back! 

 

Until next time, I’m shooting for next week, Shabbot Shalom to you and yours at the close of this week and each to come.

 

~ Jen