Immeasurably More
As all of us Fellows can say, choosing to move to Tennessee and participate in the Nashville Fellows Program was a leap of faith. It’s almost impossible to know what to expect when responding to a clear call from the Lord to go somewhere or do something. However, the Bible tells us that His plans for us are good. This is the promise that I held on to as I packed up all my things and made the drive to Nashville to move in with a family I had never met.
I want to frame my Fellows’ experience with Ephesians 3:20-21.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
I knew the Lord would do more with this year than I could ask for or imagine, and that has certainly been the case thus far.
The Lord has fulfilled this promise in a couple of different ways. The first has been my host family, the Oliver’s. They have completely opened their home and lives to me and my roommate, Dailey Rae. It is such a humbling experience to be welcomed into someone else’s family unit. I could not be more grateful for how they have shown me the Lord’s provision and care. It has been such a gift to be able to form relationships with the Oliver kids, and I’m sure we will only grow closer as the year continues! The Lord has used the Oliver family to show me what His love looks like.
Another way God has fulfilled His promise to create ‘immeasurably more’ in my life this year is through my friendships with the other Fellows. I was not expecting all of the Fellows to get along or mesh well right away; however, I was proved wrong relatively quickly. Of course, it’s awkward meeting one another for the first time when all we have to go on is a little bio we wrote about ourselves. Have you ever tried writing one small paragraph about yourself? It’s kind of difficult! Anyway, this and a couple of pictures were all we knew of each other for the months leading up to the program.
It took a bit, but as we are settling into life here in Nashville, our Fellows class has really held on to one another. It’s such a unique experience that is difficult to articulate to those outside the program, and this is a gift! It allows us to grow alongside one another for these few months. I already feel bonded to these chosen few in a way clearly marked by the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful for how Christ is central to the community we are building together, and I believe these friendships will bear fruit for years to come.
The last representation of immeasurably more the Lord has shown me is my work at St. Paul Christian Academy. This year, I am working as a Marketing and Communications Intern, which I have never done before! Even though that was intimidating at first, the Lord has provided me with a super understanding supervisor who allows me to try new things, get creative, and make mistakes. My coworkers at St. Paul have all been extremely encouraging. Working in a place that challenges and motivates me to do good work is a blessing.
The Lord is moving in some very palpable ways in my life right now; however, I know He is also always moving in ways I cannot see. I am eagerly waiting to see all the ways that the Lord will fulfill His promise to create immeasurably more for me and the rest of the Fellows this year! Seen or unseen, I am humbled to be in this place with these people and on the receiving end of such good gifts!
Maddie Dunlap Class 11
Home town: Vienna, VA
Graduate of Wheaton College
