Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Moving on to a new season


I have fun news to share with you all:



It nearly goes without saying, but I would never want to withhold the truth that all the glory in my life goes to God! He is overwhelmingly good, truly faithful, and my Lord :)



I’ve been working the last three years at Tacoma Art Museum with a promotion last year into my position on Community Programs Coordinator. I’ve been working diligently and growing in my new position over the last year, all the while continuing to dream about the vision God gave me nearly two years ago. I’ve since realized that just because I had the vision right away didn’t mean that I would see the full picture right away – this is why I’m so thankful to have Jesus as my guide and not just do what I think is best!



In this last year, I’ve been faithfully seeking God for what He would have me move into after the museum. I’ve pressed in more than ever into the Sozo ministry of Tacoma Youth for Christ (YFC) along with teacing arts to the girls in Remann Hall, the juvenile jail in Tacoma. After a powerful Holy Spirit encounter, God pressed me into places where I’d realized I was afraid to allow my heart to love because of fear. Now I can see myself really pressing in to loving kids, no matter the risk or the cost. Why? Simply because that’s what Christ is willing to do for me and He deserves these kids.



I had found myself sitting at my desk at work dreaming about being outside of the museum and in the city, with the kids and the lives of the broken hearted. I stand on the promise of God found in Isaiah 61, He has anointed me to bind the broken hearted and heal the wounded. I would say in the last few months my desire to move forward into ministry has become overwhelming. I’ve been asking God for the timing of my departure at the museum, and waiting patiently and expectantly for my release. I am relieved with joy to say that I have made the decision to leave the museum and dive into ministry in the city. Now, unsurprisingly, God has a better plan than I could come up with!



Eventually I think I will start raising support to continue working part-time in ministry. God has been SO faithful to provide an amazing opportunity to supplement my income as I transition into this new role. I’ve been offered a position within the city as an arts coordinator – basically I’ll be coordinating arts programs and classes throughout the city within various community centers, schools and businesses. I'll be working through Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA) and Metro Parks Tacoma. They called me before I even had to go searching for a part-time position, and it’s very clearly hand picked from the Lord for me!!!



I am very excited about this new position and I’m looking forward to having more time during the day to meet with young people for discipleship, mentoring and introducing them to God’s creative love through the arts. Some of you got to hear about my vision for Freedom Arts, and I want to assure you that vision is alive and ready to be fully launched in God’s timing. I’m confident that my new position and schedule will be more strategic than I can see right now.



I definitely wanted to keep you informed on the events of my career and my life. This is the first of other correspondence that will allow you to stay tuned on the life of Melisa!