On a bright day in January I took a walk around the parking lot of Thomas Road Baptist Church on a phone interview with Youth for Christ.
It was only my second interview by this point; however, my heart was burdened for England and a gap year with YFC was all that I wanted. I had an RA position on East campus lined up which was going to finance graduate school. A seminary degree looked appealing, having just finished my bachelor’s in biblical studies. I was tired of learning though and I just wanted to accomplish something more!
On that day, I could recall the exact parking spaces I walked through as I answered question after question during the interview. I became more and more confident in my answers as time progressed. I knew exactly what my responses should sound like, yet I couldn't answer a simple question about the upcoming year. I was too scared to think about the faith it would require to choose a gap year over graduate school.
Would God be mad if I made the wrong decision? Would I be able to raise the money? What if my parents were disappointed? Would this gap year in another country prevent me from finding a relationship in America?
Some of my thoughts were sensible, while others were foolish; however, at the moment, every thought was impacting my decision. My thoughts and emotions wavered, which meant that my desires and goals wavered as well.
I did not have clarity until I asked myself, “Which decision is most practical and logical?”
I knew that my degree would be sufficient for a position in some form of ministry. I was financially stable. I really wanted to work with kids. I wanted the security of acquiring a master’s degree, yet I didn't have any motivation to go through any more schooling. I also wanted to travel.
I was convinced that a gap year with YFC would be best for me. That was confirmed when, all but one person out of a hundred or so that I asked, said I should go to England. Even the director who was overseeing my RA placement was satisfied with my decision to pursue the gap year instead.
The secret to making this decision was that I delighted myself in God and He gave me the desires of my heart (Ps. 37:4).
I now get to spend time with hundreds of kids on a weekly basis. I am asked questions regularly about my faith and what significance God plays in my life. The best part is that I've been able to share the Gospel with children who were practically begging to hear it. All of the children here need Jesus to transform their lives, yet few of them actually know it.
I am in England to first make them aware of their need, then to make the Word of God active and living in their lives. Recently a very troubled student at the Academy I work with was testing my Bible knowledge and asking me to recite memory verses. This was during his own time, which he could have used as he liked. He initiated the conversation though and has since paid quite a bit of attention to me.
God has done more in the last month than I expected Him to do in 6 months time.
I would have been successful had I stayed at Liberty and pursued a Master’s degree; however, my life would not have been as joyful and fulfilling as it is now. I chose “option B,” as I saw it at the time, and I am sure glad I made that choice.
About the author
MICHAEL NORTHRUP
New Haven, CT | 22
PROJECT: Coulby Newham
Michael attended Liberty University, earning his bachelor's degree in biblical studies. He has done numerous internships, learning about the structure of the church and its inner workings. He hopes to move on to plant a church that focuses on evangelism.
