Joanna
I am a 19-year old daughter of my King, songwriter, traveler, blogger, journaler, dreamer, daughter, dreamer, ministry school student, and adventurer I am addicted to creativity, worship, God's voice, and intercession. You can read a short life bio below:
At 16, I had spent nearly a decade as an MK in North Africa, but had never truly given my life to Jesus--only scattered days and weeks of the year. I was scared to let go of control. While studying music at an artistic high school in the heart of SoCal, I became hungry to travel again, to find my own place in a church, and to discover who I was and who God was to me. In January 2011, an opportunity came up to go to Rennes, France, where I spent my senior year as a foreign exchange student. There, I joined a spirit-filled, student-filled, culture-filled church that was the perfect fit. There, God lit a fire in my heart and put a hunger in my soul to know Him more and to see the Kingdom come to earth. I decided that Instead of moving home with my parents in SoCal, I wanted to continue discovering me, God, and ministry. So, I decided to apply for Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California. You can read more about this year at joannasyearinfrance.weebly.com
As of May, I have just finished my First Year. During this time, I learned how to communicate with others and God, how I "work" and how God works in me, how to live from core values and beliefs, and how to do practical stuff that comes from living in your own! In the spring, I took a trip to South Africa that transformed me. I realized just how BIG God is and just how much I have to offer to the world!
I am currently spending my summer in France to strengthen relationships, receive what God has for me, and travel! God has spoken to me about this trip since October. It is just now that I am realizing how much God has transformed me this past year. He revealed to me His greatness and my calling. His fatherhood and my identity. Step by step, I am following His leading as He shapes me for a cross-cultural ministry! In the meantime, In the meantime, I am preparing for my second year of ministry school in Redding! Find out how you can sow into this at the "Invest" section. Thanks for reading!
At 16, I had spent nearly a decade as an MK in North Africa, but had never truly given my life to Jesus--only scattered days and weeks of the year. I was scared to let go of control. While studying music at an artistic high school in the heart of SoCal, I became hungry to travel again, to find my own place in a church, and to discover who I was and who God was to me. In January 2011, an opportunity came up to go to Rennes, France, where I spent my senior year as a foreign exchange student. There, I joined a spirit-filled, student-filled, culture-filled church that was the perfect fit. There, God lit a fire in my heart and put a hunger in my soul to know Him more and to see the Kingdom come to earth. I decided that Instead of moving home with my parents in SoCal, I wanted to continue discovering me, God, and ministry. So, I decided to apply for Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California. You can read more about this year at joannasyearinfrance.weebly.com
As of May, I have just finished my First Year. During this time, I learned how to communicate with others and God, how I "work" and how God works in me, how to live from core values and beliefs, and how to do practical stuff that comes from living in your own! In the spring, I took a trip to South Africa that transformed me. I realized just how BIG God is and just how much I have to offer to the world!
I am currently spending my summer in France to strengthen relationships, receive what God has for me, and travel! God has spoken to me about this trip since October. It is just now that I am realizing how much God has transformed me this past year. He revealed to me His greatness and my calling. His fatherhood and my identity. Step by step, I am following His leading as He shapes me for a cross-cultural ministry! In the meantime, In the meantime, I am preparing for my second year of ministry school in Redding! Find out how you can sow into this at the "Invest" section. Thanks for reading!
BSSM
Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry is a three year program. Unlike at university, you do not receive an accredited diploma. You can choose to do one or all years. First Year establishes the studen'ts identity, teaches on core values of God's kingdom and spiritual gifts, and provides a solid base of Biblical and theological history. You are transformed. Second Year shapes leaders to influence every realm of society and teaches students how to maintain what they have learned in First Year for everyday life. You learn how to transform others. Third Year is an opportunity to intern with a leader from Bethel Church or with affiliated ministries all over the world. You do not need to want to go into ministry to do the school. People of all ages, schools, careers, and backgrounds come to BSSM to get closer to God, learn His ways, and soak in the culture. Visit igotobssm.com to learn more!
Redding
Redding is a medium-sized town (population 90k) 3.5 hours north of San Francisco. It is known for its nature and beauty. Within an hour, you can access the clear blue waters of Whiskeytown Lake, the snow-capped peaks of Mount Shasta, and the winding Sacramento River trails. In terms of studies, there is a Christian university, a community college, and a branch of a state university.
Internationals flock to Redding to come to Bethel Church--but there are several other churches that fill the city with God's Presence!
Internationals flock to Redding to come to Bethel Church--but there are several other churches that fill the city with God's Presence!
Home Life
Last year, I lived with these three girls in a garage-apartment. We rented from a family of six! This was a HUGE part of the learning experience! I learned how to confront, communicate, receive, be vulnerable, and embrace differences! This next year, I am living closer to Bethel with only three people in the apartment (instead of 10 people in the house!) Looking forward to what God has in store for me next.