The Faith Zone, not the Comfort Zone

post by Winn Thomas, summer 2017 intern

“God calls us all to do some stretching every now and then because He knows it is good for us. He wants us to live in the faith zone, not the comfort zone, knowing that purpose and blessing accompany faith,” – Tracie Miles, “Your Life Still Counts”

​On Sunday night, I arrived back to the States after being at Made in the Streets for three months. Returning to my life in the States has been a very joyful and challenging process. I find myself struggling to explain to others what I have experienced and the impact Kenya has made on my life. 

I have always seen God’s consistency and glory most clearly through His creation. Sunrises and sunsets always cause me to remember that God does not change. He will cause the sun to rise every morning and set every night. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever - Hebrews 13:8.

​Consistency and love are things street children in Kenya do not often experience, but at MITS those two things are able to become a reality. 

​ God is at work in every aspect of MITS. He has called each of the staff members to their jobs at MITS and they have not only accepted the call, but they give their all every day for these students. He has hand-picked each of the students to leave their lives on the street to a life of opportunity, second-chances, and love. God does nothing on accident. He is in control. He is working at MITS in unbelievable ways. His plans will not be thwarted. I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted”- Job 42:2.

​I was honored to be able to be a small part of MITS for the past three months. As a therapist, it was a true honor to be trusted to hear stories of trauma, hurt and pain from students. But the real joy was hearing and seeing the themes of resiliency, faith and hope that were woven into these stories. Even when it did not make sense, and amid deep pain and suffering, these students chose to put their faith in God. Through the staff and students, God allowed my faith to be stretched through His creation. 

​“Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.” - Psalm 65:8
 
God allowed me to stand in awe of His wonder and His glory for three months. I am still processing all the ways I was affected and changed by my time at MITS. One thing that is certain is that God has opened my eyes to new aspect of His wonders and beauty in all aspects of His creation. I pray I never stop noticing God in all things He has created. 

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In August of 2016, Winn Thomas completed her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lipscomb University. As part of that degree, she was able to travel to Made in the Streets and began art therapy and crisis therapy sessions with the students. 

In April 2017, Winn again traveled to Made in the Streets for three months to continue these therapy and psychoeducation sessions with our students and staff. 

Follow Winn's blog here >>