Student Blog Written By: Graham Rathel, Fellows
I have been fortunate enough to grow up in a family that has raised me in the way that I ought to go. Because of this, in high school, a lot of the communities I was in, including church, needed the things that I could give them. I developed a strong skill in leadership, and it served me well.
Upon the first week of the Fellows program, I quickly realized that I was not needed in the same ways here at Impact. There were plenty of people that can serve in musical worship; everyone here has the same capacity to lead their peers that I developed, and everyone seemed to truly understand that their identity is found in Christ.
I was not needed, and that stung a lot more than I ever would have thought.
While my class was on our trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, the Lord met me to tell me what he had been trying to tell me for a long time.
I had gotten up early to do my devotional, and as I looked to the mountains around Salt Lake City, I heard God tell me that he has never needed me, but he has always wanted me. And after that, my entire perspective shifted, and I began to understand where I fit in my class.
The truth is that no one in this community is needed by God, but we are all wanted by God. I understood that I wanted the friendships and community this class had to offer, and I did not have to be needed to get that because I am wanted by God, and I am wanted by the community here at Impact.
I began to see people going out of their way to choose a relationship with me. It had been happening all along, but my eyes were opened to it, and I began to go out of my way to choose friendships with people here, where God has placed me.
We believe that when a student is rooted in truth, they become a catalyst for the Kingdom wherever they go. Help us continue to forge disciples who possess the resolve to stay faithful and the tools to make disciples. Your investment in the Multiply Fund makes this transformation possible.