Meet Nicole | 2015 Leap Year Staff

October 21, 2015

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

Oh, how the Lord has pruned my heart to service, blessed my soul with strength, humbled my mind to weakness and opened my eyes to the glory brought to him through the servanthood present at Preston Taylor Ministries. In my almost three months at PTM, the Lord’s presence has been so abundant. Radiating through the staff, through the kids and through our volunteers. Not a day goes by that the Lord does not smack me in the face with his goodness, his faithfulness and his control over ALL of our lives! I came to PTM looking to love, learn and serve. The Lord has provided that and so much more.

I spent two years in college at Indiana University: studying psychology, education and counseling, working as an RA and exhibiting as much Big Ten pride as possible! After my first year, I interned in Nashville at a Boys and Girls club and the Lord wrecked my heart in the most beautiful way possible. My heart ached and yearned to be in the brokenness with at risk youth in Nashville, loving them side by side with Jesus. After this internship I returned to school different. Walking each day feeling the Lord’s call to something different, something counter cultural, something risky and something so wonderful. Oh how the Lord provided so sweetly, so gently and so fully. In a span of 3 days I had been introduced to, interviewed and been offered a LEAP year position at Preston Taylor Ministries. What?! A year of loving kids, serving Nashville, growing professionally and spiritually all along with an inspirational staff, and there’s financial provision too! Yes Lord.

I am now here, three months into my experience: surprised, challenged, and so blessed. I serve as the Assistant Children’s Director at the Wilson Center with afterschool programming, coordinate the Lunchmate Mentor program and connect with our schools and parents as the Intervention Liaison. I gratefully watch the Lord work in the roles He has let me join with Him in as I humbly realize my inept abilities. I learn so much from the caring hearts of our children who have been tainted by the world but have faith I strive for. I love watching a child grow, learn about Jesus and understand how loved and cherished they are with such childlike pure faith. I love having a moment to celebrate with one child, getting a five in school, finishing their homework or making a beautiful craft and helping them know they are important and they matter. I love seeing a child’s face light up as their lunchmate walks in for the first time and they are called out as special and important. I love empowering our parents to have a say in their child’s academics. I love serving under and learning from such knowledgeable and spirit filled staff. I love watching kids make joy filled friendships and God inspired dreams.

Thank you Jesus for this opportunity to serve as LEAP staff, for colliding my life with these wonderful kids and volunteers, and for the way PTM loves everyone the encounter.

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