My
heart is overwhelmed with joy and anticipation of all that God is
doing in my life! I wanted to take this time to let you know a
little more detail about my life than you would get over an
occasional facebook post. ;)
Midwife:
As you may know, I have been
working hard the past 3 years to earn my CPM (Certified Professional
Midwife) credential. I am about half-way through my clinicals as I
apprenticed both here in KY and in the Philippines last year. This
year looked a little different, however. When I returned from the
Philippines the end of November 2012, I anxiously waited for God's
next step; but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I fully
intended to continue my clinicals through another internship, whether
local or overseas, but God didn't open any doors. He had me stay at
home January – August, working hard at Giovanni's (over-time many
weeks) and volunteering with a youth group. All this time, I was
waiting for the Lord's direction, and saving up for a car so I could
have freedom to attend births. In June, the Lord spoke through my
mom about me attending Thunder School. Long story short, this
decision was confirmed by my dad and others, and I went to Thunder
School 2013!
Thunder School! Let me tell you a little about my experience. :) This 3 month creative-evangelist equipping school has probably been the most dynamically transforming 3 months of my life! Growing up, I had always been creative and musically gifted. I got to express my creativity predominantly through ballet during grade school, but the musical side of me eagerly waited to be explored. After high school, I sang regularly with two different church worship teams, but I felt there was something more... I lacked the courage and direction to fully access my gifts.
During
Thunder School, I not only had the opportunity to participate in a
weekly, one hour worship set, but my true identity as a worshiper was
awakened. Who I am is defined by God; my gifts do not define me. As
my identity in God was ingrained deeper and deeper, my courage
soared! But what is courage without something to conquer? I had to
conquer my fears; fears of failure, of looking foolish or not being
perfect. And I did it! I looked my fears in the eye and overcame
them. My biggest step of courage was on Creative Expression night,
where I sang an original song (my first song ever) AND played the
piano. I had virtually no experience playing piano or songwriting.
Yeah, it was a big deal, but I knew I was ready to step into my
destiny and I just had to DO IT!
Not
only did I scratch the surface of my destiny as a worship leader, I
was transformed by the foundational teachings as well. I also served
in many outreaches: in a maximum security prison, on the streets, in
a nursing home, at parks, rehab centers, and in our own church. It was
INCREDIBLE!
Provision International:
Compassion:
Pastor
Scott and Sarah's heart for people, and ultimately for God, compelled
them to make a difference in a dark, hurting neighborhood. They
started bringing the presence of God into this community through
prayer meetings and worship sessions held at the Foundry (Provision's
headquarters). As
God led, they began going door-to-door, playing with children in the
nearby park, feeding the homeless, meeting needs and simply loving on
people. In addition, they started teaching and equipping others to
reach the harvest. The
community of missionaries at Provision has multiplied, and to this
day, they continue these expressions of compassion.
They have seen tremendous transformation in their neighborhood in
recent years!
Creativity:
“Musicians
are the prophets of the culture,” as Pastor Scott says. Put words
to a catchy tune, and everyone is singing it; over and over and over
again. We all know we become what we listen to, just like we become
what we eat. Artists and musicians have the power to shape the
future of a generation – and they are, whether by default or
intentionally. Creativity is a HUGE weapon in the hands of a humble,
willing servant of God.
It's not about what we can gain from our gifts, but about how we can
serve with our gifts. At
Provision International there is opportunity, guidance and grace for
creative people to arise and cultivate their weapons for the Kingdom
of God.
Next Step:
So,
what is the next step, you ask? Good question... Every
Thunder School student has the opportunity to apply for internship –
a year-long ministry program to implement what we learned in
Thunder School. Upon arriving at the beginning of the semester, I
was very stubbornly focused on not getting “stuck” down there and
returning for internship, because I am SO eagerly waiting to re-enter
the world of birth... But, you know the old saying, “If you want
to make God laugh, tell Him your plans...” Needless to say, I
strongly feel Him calling me back to serve with Provision
International as an intern.
He very gently showed me that He's not quite done with what He
started in me the past 3 months, and He has more work for me to do. I
was accepted, and I plan to return to Nashville January 10th, 2014!
Although
this may seem like a diversion of my original plan (to become a
missionary midwife), it's actually the same
road God has had me on all along, just not the way I
expected.
Yes, I am a missionary – here and now, wherever I am. During
internship, I will get to continue all the outreaches mentioned
above, and more. I will also have a weekly task working for
Provision International,
which is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. As an
intern, I will:
- Support the ministry with my administrative gifts and heart of compassion
- Learn the details of how to run a successful ministry, and DO IT!
- Minister through my creative gifts, and further develop them (vocals, piano, guitar, art, dance)
- Feed the hungry, love the strangers, clothe the naked, nourish the sick, and visit those in prison (Matthew 25:35-36)
Not only will I be meeting needs (and fulfilling my dream) by being
a missionary, but I get to use and develop the gifts God has given me
to be more effective in the Kingdom. Most importantly, I will be in
His will. How exciting is that?! :)
Support:
I
knew at some point in my life I would become a full-time missionary
in need of consistent support, but I never guessed it would be this
soon! Because I will be a missionary volunteering my time, I will
need support. My tasks of service will not allow time for another
job, and each
intern is responsible to raise their own support.
Thankfully, the cost of living is relatively low. In order to pay
for my every day needs (rent, food, gas, etc.) I
will need $500 per month
– that's only $6,000 for a whole year!
If
100 people could pledge $5 per month, I would be set!
I
would be honored if you partnered with me, if you believe in this
mission. Even if you can't make a pledge, but would like to make a
one-time donation of $5 or $10 – every little bit counts! If you
are able and would like to donate more, feel free. I
also greatly appreciate your prayerful support for me and the
ministry.
We are not serving in a developing nation, but every part of the
world is in need of a Savior. I believe some places even in the
United States are in a lot worse condition than we realize. There is
so much need, and I know God has called me to Nashville for a reason!
Pure and
undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit
orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted
from the world.
(James 1:27)
Thank
you SO MUCH for your time in reading my newsletter. I am honored
that each of you have a place in my life. I pray God blesses each of
you abundantly in this Christmas season, and the year to come. Thank
you for your prayers and support of what God is doing in the earth –
through me! I will be sure to keep in touch. :) And in case you
were wondering, I'm certainly going to complete my Midwifery
certification at some point – it's all in the Lord's time!
The Musicianary Midwife (in the making),
Hannah Garrett
To Donate:
For tax-deductible receipt:
- Write checks to "PROVISION INTERNATIONAL" with "HANNAH GARRETT" in memo line
- Donate through PayPal at Provision International via the "Donate" link
- Can be set up to reoccur monthly
- Write "FOR HANNAH GARRETT" under "Add special instructions to the seller"
- To Avoid PayPal's 3% Processing Fee (IF you have an existing PayPal account)
- On the home page click "Send Money"
- Use the following email address: info@provisioninternational.com
- Insert the amount desired
- Select "I'm sending money to Family or Friends"
- Write "FOR HANNAH GARRETT" under "Email to Recipient" (on the next page)
Mail checks to:
Provision International
ATTN: Hannah Garrett
1419 Clinton St.
Nashville, TN 37203
***Feel free to check out Provision Internatioal's website to learn more about the ministry!
