The Next Steps

Welcome back inside the mind of Anna Coleman. If you're new here, get ready for some deep thoughts and crazy dreams. And if you stick around long enough you'll get to see how God works in ways we never thought possible.

First things first, I hope you're all doing well in the midst of this pandemic and the social division going on. But putting all politics and media aside, have you really taken the time to talk to God about the things going on and how he wants you personally to respond? I think that is a major factor in making life decisions and even small choices, like what to post on social media. Even if you are completely unsure of what to believe, who to trust, and what to fear - please please please come back to the lord and give it to him first. He can direct you and comfort you.

I know this for a fact. I am in a similar situation as a lot of people; my future is up in the air and uncertain. And one of the hardest things is to trust God. I mean how do you just give up everything and believe that even in this crazy world things will work out? It's something I think that we have to work on for the rest of our lives; constantly letting go of our agendas and our pride to let God do his thing.

I have really seen growth in myself the past year and I'm so excited to see what God's going to transform in me in the next year! But I want to be completely honest and say that it wasn't an easy road to get over some of the battles I've had recently. One thing that is looked over a lot in society is that change is hard and difficult and doesn't usually happen quickly. Most things that advance your intellectual and emotional development start off with a deconstruction of how you had things before, whether it be a physical thing or a mental thing; for things to be different, things have to change. Crazy, right? I am try to really take advantage of this time and how to get perspective on my life and in what ways I can improve myself and ultimately inspire others. But let me tell you guys, mental health is a real thing and well, not having anything set in stone, my motivation and drive diminishes. Where do I direct my passion and drive if nothing is certain? And how can I hope for the future while not wishing I was in the future, you know actually living in the moment and taking advantage of the time God has given right in front of me, first? These are the hard questions that have taken over the backburners of my mind. I'm sorry if this is heavy but I just want to be transparent about these things because it really is a struggle.

On a more positive note the dreams that I do have planned are scheduled to unfold at the end of this summer. Now, last fall I was privileged to travel to Iceland and attend the Discipleship Training School with an organization called YWAM (Youth With A Mission). This group is a great community with locations all around the world and they really just want people to personally experience God and then go share it with others in different nations. I think it really reflects the great commission at the end of Matthew where Jesus tells us all to be missionaries wherever we are. So this fall I have taken on the challenge that God has called me to and that is to go back and be a staff member; to help others experience Jesus in their own personal ways and to lead them through the 6 months of transformation. Of course I'm a little nervous abbout it but I think that's what makes it all the more exciting, who knows what to expect when you say yes to the Lord?

Anyway, as staff for the next DTS, we decided we should start off with a recruiting road trip. We want to spread the word about missionary work and how that can be done even locally. We would like to share our own testimonies and experiences with youth across the country, and hopefully encourage and inspire them. Now I'll share more on that later when we have more of the details ironed out but there's that. After the road trip we plan to be in Chico California for some leadership training at their YWAM base before heading off to Iceland to meet up with the students and start their schooling!

Just like last year, I will have to raise my own funds, but luckily being a staff I get a discounted price. So with the road trip, staff training, the actual school, and then the outreach phase, I will need about $8,000. The great part is I don't need to pay it all at once like I did as a student. If God puts it on your heart to support me I would be so blessed and appreciative. You can donate monthly or just a one time gift; and honestly anything helps! If you scroll down on this page there is a few different ways you can support me and some things to pray about too!

As things move forward I will continue to update you guys on what God's up to and the details of my next adventures. Thank you all so so much for supporting me in finances and in prayer. I feel immensely blessed by the people who surround me and the love that they've poured out into my life.