Oct 1, 2020
By Katrina Goodrich
Women’s Society
The following is a compilation of excerpts from the exit testimonies of SCSC Team Change…
You would think by now we would all know that these are the moments that God loves to use. He uses the weakest of people to show His strength. He uses the biggest storms to show His peace. And this summer I was reminded that He uses the most treacherous of detours to show us that He is in control.
Our team name for this year is “Team Change.” During a time such as this, where things in the world feel uncertain and no one can really predict what will happen next, I was constantly reminded that God never changes, He remains true. On the other hand, we as disciples of Christ and young leaders, we must change our ways, we must evolve to fulfill His will for us.
I don’t think anyone could have predicted what this summer would have been like. We made plans for things to go certain way, but God had an entirely different plan for us this summer. I had no idea what to expect joining SCSC this summer, but I knew that whatever took place, that I would grow spiritually.
SCSC started out with virtual training. I learned so much from the SCSC staff. I studied more Bible scriptures this summer than I ever had in my life. It was an eye-opening experience I will never forget. I especially want to mention the lessons on Finances. Before training, God had put on my heart the desire to manage finances, and it was such a blessing to see how God uses stewardship in finance. I am so thankful for the leaders that spent so much time on Zoom to develop our leadership skills and our understanding of God.
For those who know me you will know that planning things isn’t my strongest suit. I was anxious about what I was going to do for my project and whether I would plan too little or too much. In response, God began to open avenues and opportunities and I had what I needed.
He worked through me to encourage, help, and minister to my local community through visiting, worship music, cleaning, and organizing a backyard VBS. I was able to serve through technology by visiting a youth group across the country, assisting in live streaming, scheduling Facebook posts for the Helping Hand, and editing a video service for a nursing home. I was out of my comfort zone evangelizing and handing out pamphlets at the train station. I felt God growing my ability to teach a lesson. God grew my positive attitude and helped me focus on the workload I was lifting off someone else’s shoulders.
The difficulties that presented themselves this summer had no reign over the powerful force that is God’s love. Both children and leaders were surrounded by fear from violent protests, mass death from a pandemic, and uncertainty from rising rates of unemployment and homelessness—yet they showed up daily, excited to participate, learn, and lead. We showed each other God’s love and encouraged each other to use the gifts that God gave us.
I am extremely grateful for this summer—it was challenging, but it was worth it. I am truly thankful for the encouragement and prayers. I saw God moving in peoples’ lives around me this summer. My project taught me I have a friend in Jesus and I am not ashamed of Him. God used SCSC as a way for me to find a better relationship with Him and know He is listening. I finally got what I was yearning for. Even though my summer was not what I expected it to be, I still gained a lot. Asking for help has been a struggle for me, but I am getting better at it.
The time I spent participating in SCSC this summer will forever stay with me and the relationships I formed will forever have an impact on me.