September

It turned out to be God’s goodness that my practicum fell through at LHC—I would not have had the time or energy for a fall practicum. And, by God’s grace, I was offered an even better opportunity. I have connected with a dynamic group of women who have mentored high school-aged girls in an underresourced community close to Trinity for nearly 8 years. Last summer, they identified a need for sexual abuse counseling among the girls. However, they have not access to counseling in the past. This spring, I will be adding a counseling arm to their ministry. I will lead sexual abuse recovery groups, and Lord willing, lay the groundwork for future Trinity students to meet with these high school girls. I am excited for this opportunity as my supervisors are very encouraging, the field of sexuality has become one of my passions, and it seems that a counseling partnership between Trinity and Girls Connected would be realistically sustained in years to come. Pray that the Lord would go before us.

October

Speaking of sexuality, I took my first class at the Institute of Sexual Wholeness in October! After a few years of weekend courses, I will be a certified sex therapist! Who knew that the Lord had that in mind?? I am continually awed that this would be part of God’s plan for my life and would appreciate your prayers for further direction.

November

I was thankful to spend almost two whole weeks in Georgia! Every time I come home, it becomes harder to return to Illinois. I feel most at peace and most myself when I am down South. I hope this means I’ll be moving back home upon graduation… time will tell!

There are some interesting developments at school as of late. A few of my friends are interested in joining WDA staff or building training partnerships with us. Apparently, I’m quite the little recruiter! One couple spent 2 weekends with some WDA staff in Georgia and another friend may do an internship in Atlanta this summer. Pray for God’s will to be clear for those that are toying with the idea of joining WDA or beginning training partnerships with us. You’ll hear more on this later!

December

Once again, I am home, resting from academia, making Christmas gifts, helping my sister and brother-in-law paint their home, and visiting friends. I hope I get to see you! But, at the very least, thank you for reading about my life, loving me, and continually supporting me. Your faithfulness to give astounds me—especially admits the recession. Truly, I would not be able to do what I am doing without your giving and your friendship! So please, don’t stop ;)…and if you know of anyone who would like to join my support team, please email me at beccakristenbrown@gmail.com. If you would like to donate before the new year for one last tax write off, email me as well and I’ll get you the details! ;)

I wish you all the best this Chirstmas—joy and peace in Jesus as you celebrate his present and future redemption.

Love and gratitude,
Becca Kristen Brown

Staff Conference

I arrived in Johnson City, Tennessee yesterday. Johnson City is the home of WDA's annual All-staff conference... and to places like this...and yes, that is what the restaurant actually looks like.

Oh, country-bumpkin South, you are an interesting place indeed.

Yet, Johnson City has come to represent something altogether different for me. The city has come to represent a time of rest, encouragement, reunion, re-invisioning, worship, and prayer with WDA staff that I have come to dearly love. WDA's staff is comprised of veterans of ministry who know how to pray earnestly, trust courageously, love generously, speak the Word without shame, help others grow, and dream things that can only be accomplished by the power of God. These men and women have fought the good fight and come to understand that which is truly important.

Namely, one's character. As we discussed current events in our ministry, Bob, our president said, "I hate to hear about church meltdowns, but I love to hear about church meltdowns". This statement was made in reference to one of WDA's tasks: to cast a vision for discipleship. Before we blow the trumpet for disciple building, we must first convince the Church of their brokenness and need for restoration. This stance, we realize, wins us few friends but we believe "faithful are the wounds of a friend" and preach nonetheless. Sometimes, church meltdowns do the preaching for us: character is exposed and the need for Christlike maturity in the Church is felt.

While I'm saddened that crisis and dissension in the body often reveal the importance of "presenting every man mature"-- I rejoice if such a crisis births a renewed effort to genuinely shepherd, lead, and teach the people of God.

Being here with our staff also makes me so grateful to be a part of a group who understands the importance of Christlike character in the Kingdom-- "precrisis". I have been away this year and it's refreshing to be back and pray, dream, question, and fellowship.

Please pray for us this week as we update each other, pray for what God is doing in our midst, and plan for the days ahead. I am specifically asking God to provide "all wisdom and spiritual understanding" for me as I discern where to invest my time and energy in Chicago and beyond. I feel like I'm standing on the edge of many exciting opportunities and need to hear from the Lord. Pray that as I attune my heart and ear to the Spirit, I would not be anxious, but trust in the might and love of our ever-faithful God.