Nine months. When I first moved to Billings back in August, I remember thinking that nine months was going to feel like an eternity. Sitting here now on May 26th, all I can think of is, “Where did the time go?” It simply flew by, and trust me when I say this, I wish it would have gone slower!
Looking at the process that led me to Billings, it clearly had to have been orchestrated by God. At first, I was only looking for a “summer project”. I wanted to get out of Sioux Falls for a while and go see and experience things that I may not be able to do someday. When that “summer project” turned into an invitation to live in the south side for nine months, I was somewhat at a loss. Things in Sioux Falls were pretty nice. In other words, I was comfortable. I like comfortable. God had provided me with two great jobs, my own apartment, a nice social life, a car, a church family, and I was still within close proximity to mom and dad. Not bad. However, during the prayer process in regards to Billings, I was a mess. I wanted to go, but wasn’t entirely sold on leaving. I wanted to stay, because that would have been the comfortable thing to do. I have often said, I think I have cried more this past year than all the other twentyish years combined. Yes, that even includes my infancy. It has been a roller coaster of emotions. Both the process leading up to coming, as well as living here. Yet I would change absolutely nothing. From the beginning I learned obedience, even when it doesn’t make sense and things seem to be going all right. I can remember my dad telling me, “Brit, this is a test and God’s going to keep testing you. Be obedient.” Easier said than done at times, but the blessings that pour out from it, are remarkable!
My time here in Billings is something I will never regret. God knew what He was doing in bringing me here; even when I had no idea what was in store. He knew I needed to grow and be challenged. I needed to quit being so comfortable in the things of this world, and allow for God to claim His place as my Security. As I look ahead to this next season in life, I am all the more confident of this, God is sovereign and secure. He has proven that throughout my whole life and for the past nine months, I have been reminded of this over and over again. He has been a Provider and Protector. He has been a Comforter and a Challenger, a Father and a Friend. Taking part in the Fellowship House was not some random “summer project” turned into a nine month internship. The Fellowship House was clearly a movement of God to further develop me into a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am fully confident that this season was needed, predestined, and clearly in the hands of the almighty God.
As I my internship comes to an end, I am excited that things don’t just have to stop! The things I have learned and gained cannot be extinguished simply because my nine months is up. It is here that, once again, a challenge arises.
What will I do with what I learned?
How can I use what I learned to teach and share with others?
How will I better love God and love my neighbor?
What do I need to do to continue to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Am I up for the challenge?
So, here it goes! In July I will begin working with Community Leadership & Development, Inc (CLDI). CLDI seeks to transform lives and empower the people of South Billings to do good works through the person of Jesus Christ. I will primarily be working with at-risk youth and children. It is my hope to build relationships with these kids and also with their families. I desire for God to transform my neighborhood through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bring on July!
By Brittany Anthes
