My Next Steps

By Sonya Lynn Campbell

As I prepare for the next steps I am feeling somewhat clueless. I do not know yet where God is directing me. I do know that God knows. I believe that He has been orchestrating His master plan all along. As a college student, I am studying mental health, with plans to continue on into social work later this year. As a foster parent, I am gaining experience in many areas. All this is building upon the call I feel to ministry to the families and children of Maine. I also know that it is not limited to Maine. God has brought me to Ukraine and two countries in Africa in the past. He can bring me anywhere.

No matter where God uses me in ministry as a Chaplain I know that He will equip me for the
task at hand. There are things I can do in advance to prepare. Building my “toolbox” will be
essential. Having scripture memorized is an important tool in ministry. Today we also have
access to scripture on our devices, which means a faulty memory is no excuse. Reading scripture as well as material written by others in ministry will help keep it at the forefront of my mind. Another tool that is needed is someone to be accountable with not only in ministry but my personal life. This is not always easy to find and is hard to maintain that transparency. Praying that God brings an accountability partner is the first step.

I have already talked to advisors at the University of Maine about using my role as a Chaplain and
my internships together. They suggested it might be possible to work in a hospital when the time comes. That will not be for another year, so in the meantime, I plan to gain experience wherever I am needed.

When I graduate in a few months I will be qualified to be a case manager. I find the role of case manager and Chaplain very similar or at least comparable. Both are there to meet the needs of their clients. If I combine the roles I can better serve those in need. As a case manager, it is my job to find resources for the person I am working with to meet their goals; as a Chaplain, I am providing spiritual resources to those in need. I can see how having both skill sets can be used in many capacities. Some examples I am thinking of are working with women getting on their feet at a shelter, ministering to children or teens at summer camp or an after school program, or in the hospital setting.

Therefore, my next step is to continue in prayer asking God to lead me where he wants me, equip me for ministry, and keep me grounded in His Word. I will educate myself in ways to serve. Continuing my education will open doors for knowledge as well as the opportunity to serve. I will make myself available and sensitive to the needs of those around me. On campus there are many opportunities to minister even without an official role. I know that God brings people my way for a reason; I do not want to be so caught up in myself that I miss those people. I will end this where I began in paper one. Jeremiah 29:11 has been a verse of comfort and motivation for me. “I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I am thankful that God knows where I’ve been and what’s to come; it’s going to be good if I follow His direction.