I always wanted to be a professional dancer. That was before I had the courage to
tell the Lord that I am willing to go or do whatever He asks. God took me at my
word. Yikes. His call to ministry became too strong
to overlook or deny.
My
biggest question concerned how God would unfold His plan. When I started college, I trained and
worked in the ministry I knew best – Young Life. It is in this work that I found I loved mentoring, teaching,
and sharing the love of Jesus with adolescents.
I
studied modern dance with an emphasis in global dance forms. I studied under
several choreographers from Africa.
My intrigue led me to spend two summers in Africa helping with Young
Life and most recently spending several weeks with a performing arts ministry
that uses dance and theater as tools to share the Gospel. I first heard of the ministry, 13
Floor, when a skinny, petite preteen.
Is
it not like God’s creativity and perfect design to lead me to a ministry that
combines evangelism to youth in a multi-cultural setting using my love of
dance? He is too good. As well, South Africa is one of Africa
Young Life’s next frontiers. I
have already started making contacts and recruiting leaders for Young Life.
I
have made a commitment to serve an initial
first year with 13th Floor at which time I can then evaluate if
I will serve longer. I will help
teach dance, produce shows, and mentor a team of 25-30 young adults who will
then tour throughout South Africa performing at high schools, youth camps, and
church youth groups. The
performances are only a tool to open the doors to share the Gospel and
transform lives.
