I’m going on the third month of living in Redding, CA. The weather is amazing here-still some warm days but not too warm-and the cold days are nothing like the cold of most states right now. I’m so thankful to be living here. Redding’s a pretty small city or a big town. It’s a pretty good size, I would prefer a little more shopping or fun places to go to but the city is growing so much-mainly because of Bethel Ministry School and just the church in general. It’s been incredible to see how their culture, their community of revivalists and world changers really has shaped, improved, and transformed the city of Redding. I’m so grateful to be a part of that transformation this year.
It’s really crazy how favored I feel as well. Not everyone gets accepted into BSSM (the ministry school). Only about half of it’s applicants get in. And to top it off, I’m in Marlene Aaronson’s revival group (made up of about 60 people) who is the mom of the base player of Jesus Culture. No big deal. I already feel her motherly heart for me and our group. She’s amazing, such a powerhouse woman. AND….we have revival group grandparents. Guess who’s ours?! BENI JOHNSON’S PARENTS!!! BILL JOHNSON’S WIFE! NO BIG DEAL. It’s crazy to have such amazing people pouring into my life. I also just got accepted into a Church Leadership track led by Steve Backlund and a missions trip to Austin, TX to minister to the live music and art community as well as the homeless which I’m super pumped about. I am also in the Photography outreach to the community of Redding where me and a team of 1st years go out to the community and take photos that the Lord is highlighting to us and share them to people He has highlighted as well. It’s been so fun and awesome to minister in that way. I’ve just been extremely blessed here so far.
It’s been a struggle though, especially financially. I wasn’t even planning on coming here until about a week before school began—so of course I didn’t have much money saved up. I still have $2660 towards tuition I owe and because I only make $120 a month with my dance jobs, it’s hard to even pay for groceries and gas let alone my rent and utilities payment. And it’s so hard to find a job here. Like super hard. But I know the Lord has called me here so I know He will provide. HE HAS TO!
So to catch you up on why I’m here…when I finally did commit to coming here, the Lord specifically told me that moving to Redding and being involved with Bethel was going to open doors for me-specific doors especially for dance and fashion design. Those are two of my many loves and immediately when I got to Redding I had 2 hip hop dance instructor job offers (which one turned out to be a breakdance instructor job-it’s been interesting…haha but awesome) and have continuously been getting connected with models, fellow fashion designers, clothing store owners, etc. Hopefully before the year is up I’ll have a few of my designs in a fashion show or two :). It’s exciting but again because of financial issues it’s been frustrating because I can’t afford to make a lot of the things I really want to make.
Another reason why I came to Bethel…I’m a dreamer, a creator, and mostly a major lover of Jesus. I know I’m called to big things. To be a leader. To impact nations. So I want to be ready. I want to be prepared for this high calling. I realized being here that God is wanting to lengthen, widen, and just make my foundation in Him even stronger than it already is. The World Race was so much of forming a great foundation for me in 2011 but it wasn’t enough. I need and desire more so that I can’t be shaken. I can’t be defeated by anything the enemy tries to throw at me.
I feel like the Lord has been stretching me, pulling me, making me stronger. It’s been rough, let me tell you. But so good. I have no choice but to cling to Him right now. I’m on the verge of receiving major breakthrough in many areas in my life but again He keeps stretching me and making me stronger.
The school has been amazing, just soaking in His presence and receiving the impartation from the awesome speakers here has been incredible and I’m learning some really good stuff to just walk out this life as a revivalist the best way I can. My roommates and classmates are amazing as well. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people in my life right now.
That’s a brief update on my life here so far in Redding. Although I’m here, I do think constantly about my family all over the world, on the east coast, back in the south and midwest and how much I miss everyone and am so thankful for the love and support I’ve received from everyone. So just know I haven’t forgotten about you, in fact I think of you and pray for you and love you even more so don’t be hesitant to message me, call me, or write me. I love and appreciate you all so much :).
Lastly, I want to be completely honest with you all and share that I am in DESPERATE need of financial help. Even though I appreciate prayers more than you could ever know, I need major financial help in the next few days to remain in school, in my house, make it to my best friend’s wedding next weekend, and to even EAT! I will literally be kicked out of school very soon if I don’t have $534 dollars in my BSSM account and in order to go to Austin, TX for missions in April, I will need the full $2660 very soon as well. Also, my rent is $350/month + utilities which has been really tough to pay lately. I am down to about $50 to my name. I am in desperate need here. This is just me being flat out real, honest, and vulnerable. If you or anyone you know of can spare any money or feel led to help me just pursue what the Lord has led me to do here please let me know, message me, call me, or you can donate to me on my BSSM account or to my paypal or even just directly to my home here in Redding:
https://www.ibssm.org/a/donate/secure-form?student_id=215691&target=tuitionhttps://www.ibssm.org/a/donate/secure-form?student_id=215691&target=tuitionhttps://www.ibssm.org/a/donate/secure-form?student_id=215691&target=tuition
Paypal: You just need my email—nancee07@hotmail.com
I also have an etsy account that you can buy one of my creations to help support me as well:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nanceemily
Thank you guys so much for your support and encouragement over the years. I love you all and just know that just by you loving me and supporting me, you receive everything I get here—all the breakthrough and spiritual growth—it’s all yours!! LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Growing Forward 