Meet Sarah!
She has heard the call to go and serve overseas. Now, follow her journey as she experiences pre-field training at CIT:
Preparation:
“I have a lot of mixed emotions right now. I am extremely busy closing down the only life I have known, and now I’m packing for my training that will prepare me for the life that is ahead of me. It’s a strange feeling, advocating for and promoting my new ministry abroad with churches and supporters, but honestly, in the back of my mind, I don’t know if my heart and mind are truly ready. I am asking myself, ‘Do I have the right skills for this big transition in my life?’ I don’t know what I need to know before I go.
“My sending agency has been great at giving me actionable steps to make God’s calling a reality in my life. A few weeks ago, they told me I need to sign up for pre-field training before I leave. Honestly, I don’t really want to go. I have a lot to do before I leave—visa applications, goodbye parties, selling my car, last doctor appointments, fundraising, etc. I’m anxious about who I will meet and what I will learn, but I signed up for CIT’s Equipping for Cross-Cultural Life and Ministry.
Arrival:
“Arriving at the campus of CIT, I know that I am in the right place at the right time. After we get settled into our individual rooms, we head for the training center. Everyone has so much energy and excitement as we meet each other and share the different countries where we all will be serving. I am truly amazed at the ways God works in the lives of His people and calls them to so many different ministries working all over the world. With tea in hand, we sit down in the classroom and begin to hear amazing stories from all the facilitators’ personal field experience. I am eager for what awaits me, but also quickly realize I need to start taking notes.
Duration:
“Every morning, we start with coffee and worship, which is just what my heart and mind need. Right after worship, we begin the ‘Heart of the Servant’ series, which is filled with compassionate teaching, reflection and repentance, which I am now realizing is essential before I enter the field.
“Every day, we meet together with Scripture, teaching, and discussion that help me to start thinking through what life and ministry overseas will look like for me personally. I am thinking and processing through the challenges that await me and how I can be most effective, as well as thrive, while discovering a new culture. I love all the fun activities in class, because they help us apply what we are learning, and they are FUN. Small groups are a special time for us all to connect and debrief the deep emotions and struggles of leaving the only ‘home’ I’ve ever known. Our meals together in the dining hall with classmates, staff, and facilitators are always my favorite times of the week—eating amazing food and sharing stories together.
“After class, I like relaxing in my room or hanging out with friends and playing games in the community center. I quickly found a routine at CIT, whether it’s doing laundry, working out, balancing class work or serving around the campus. I also love to cook, so the fact that I get to cook my own food in the evenings has been a nice way to decompress at the end of the day.
“On the weekends, I love spending my free time playing volleyball, hiking, or starting up a campfire with everyone on campus. I’ve even had the chance to connect with the kids who are attending the training with their parents. Their families start to feel like my family. I love hiking and exploring the local area, while also exploring culture from a new perspective as we do our homework over the weekends together.
Departure:
“As our final days approach, I reflect on everything I have experienced, learned and grown during CIT pre-field training. This time will always hold a special place in my heart—growing closer to God and preparing my heart and mind, with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop. I know the friendships I’ve made will continue to last as we all move to different places across the world. Our community and connection will always be a reminder of the sacred space we had here at CIT in fellowship, God’s Word, and community together. I will forever be grateful for my experience at CIT.”
