I became a Christian in the latter part of high school. I can see now that God had been planning my steps even before I knew Him, and this was only the beginning of the journey He had planned for me. While attending Palm Beach Atlantic University, I rededicated my life to Christ. I slowly started stepping out and serving the Lord by leading various service projects on campus. Then in the fall of my senior year, I had the opportunity to attend the Focus on the Family Institute. Wow! What a life-changing experience that was! It began in me a deep passion for my generation and gave me the desire to help combat the declining morals and values that we're starting to see in this generation.
While I attended Focus, I met with a professor who advised me to work and/or take a ministry position before I settled down. As we were meeting, Psalm 42:1 came to mind: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." This verse tugged on my heart to really go after God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. I feel God has honored my desire to seek Him first by leading me to a job after graduation, and now by redirecting me to this ministry position. This opportunity with The Navigators is a chance to step out further on faith, to not only grow myself but to also proclaim Christ where it is needed-on the college campus. My prayer and desire is to tell others of the joy I've found in Christ and to see God use me for His amazing work.
College is a unique time in a person's life. Many students are on their own for the first time. College is a time full of new experiences and tough decisions. Countless philosophies, lifestyle choices and a smorgasbord of values confront these students. On the other hand, colleges also produce future community, business and world leaders who will shape our future. The Navigators believe college students represent a strategic segment of the population, and the college campus is a strategic center for sending missionaries to the world! I agree.
As I go to campus, I'll be part of a Navigator ministry-"The EDGE Corps"-which is comprised of recent college graduates who will minister for one to two years on college campuses. We'll be on the "cutting edge" of ministry-interacting daily with students, developing relationships of trust, leading Bible studies, and telling students about Christ.
The Navigators feels EDGE Corps participants have a unique hearing among college students since we were recently students ourselves!
(Updated August 2008)