It’s been about 3 weeks since I arrived in Billings, Montana for an Incarnational Christian Discipleship Program (known as the Fellowship House) offered through a local non-profit organization CLDI (Community Leadership & Development Inc). I’ve had a hard time describing exactly what all that means so I’m bullet pointing some key information.
What is CLDI?-CLDI’s umbrella vision is to “transform lives and empower the people of South Billings (the most marginalized, impoverished area) to do good works through the person of Jesus Christ.” CLDI endeavors to address areas of need in the community and strengthen the disadvantaged in both Word and Deed. Some needs CLDI addresses are:
What is the Fellowship House?-The purpose of the program is to raise and recruit kingdom minded individuals who are compelled to action and motivated by God’s glory, to share His heart for the nations and His compassion for the hurting and marginalized. As part of the program I:
The “in short” version for why I’m here: I had no intention whatsoever of leaving Chattanooga but when this opportunity presented itself everything kept falling perfectly and strangely into place. When I was wresting with trying to discern God’s plan for my life post graduation, a wise friend told me how God often leads by simply showing us the next step. With each step I hesitantly took (because I was very hesitant), it seemed God kept clearing a way for me to come here, even breaking down obstacles and closing doors in Chattanooga. So, here I am. I still wonder sometimes if I’m really following the will of God, if this is where I’m supposed to be. It’s scary and overwhelming and different at times. But it is comforting to know the Good shepherd who led me thus will continue to lead and I need only to rest and be obedient to His prodding.
Please pray:
Many thanks and blessings,
Sarah Beth
What is CLDI?-CLDI’s umbrella vision is to “transform lives and empower the people of South Billings (the most marginalized, impoverished area) to do good works through the person of Jesus Christ.” CLDI endeavors to address areas of need in the community and strengthen the disadvantaged in both Word and Deed. Some needs CLDI addresses are:
- Offering affordable housing and job training via our construction management company
- Providing transitional housing and basic life skills training for women
- Building relationships with at-risk youth
- And discipling and counseling families and individuals.
What is the Fellowship House?-The purpose of the program is to raise and recruit kingdom minded individuals who are compelled to action and motivated by God’s glory, to share His heart for the nations and His compassion for the hurting and marginalized. As part of the program I:
- Live in South Billings, amongst the population we are serving, in a community house with 7 other young people
- Have a part time internship at CLDI as an executive assistant to the CEO
- Volunteer at the local school, transitional shelter and YoungLife
- Have the opportunity to learn more about the things that stir the heart of God and participate in reading discussions, lectures and assignments
- Get to go to Nepal for an exciting exposure trip in February!
The “in short” version for why I’m here: I had no intention whatsoever of leaving Chattanooga but when this opportunity presented itself everything kept falling perfectly and strangely into place. When I was wresting with trying to discern God’s plan for my life post graduation, a wise friend told me how God often leads by simply showing us the next step. With each step I hesitantly took (because I was very hesitant), it seemed God kept clearing a way for me to come here, even breaking down obstacles and closing doors in Chattanooga. So, here I am. I still wonder sometimes if I’m really following the will of God, if this is where I’m supposed to be. It’s scary and overwhelming and different at times. But it is comforting to know the Good shepherd who led me thus will continue to lead and I need only to rest and be obedient to His prodding.
Please pray:
- I feel very outside my comfort zone. This experience is going to be really stretching. Pray that I would not shrink back or be afraid but that I would be bold and open to whatever God places in my life.
- Since coming here I’ve been so caught up in my own fears and doubts that I have almost forgotten my primary reason for being here-to grow in my personal walk with God and to love and serve others. Pray that I would be burdened and passionate anew about the opportunity to be here and that I would excited about the work God is doing in Bilings, especially with CLDI.
- I had no intention of sharing this aspect of the program but my internship director has encouraged me to be open and vulnerable since as Christians we are called to share in one another’s burdens. The cost of the program is $5000 ($2500 for program costs and another $2500 for the international exposure trip). I do get a monthly stipend but it is very small, $500 pre tax. I’ve already seen God provide but please pray that God will continue to provide. If you feel a desire to contribute you are welcome to! Below is some information for that if you would like to know more:
- by check (include my name) to ℅ Fellowship House, PO Box 3381, Billings, MT 59103.
- Online here-www.cldibillings.org/donate. ( agin Include my name)
- Or Automatic online giving
Many thanks and blessings,
Sarah Beth