How Wesley Helped Me Step Into My Calling

By Mabree H., Senior

When I first visited Purdue, my parents and I drove past the Wesley Foundation, and I knew I needed to check it out. Then, during BGR week, I saw the Wesley table at the B-Involved fair and met Glen and a few other students. Their kindness and the way they talked about Wesley made it sound like a home. I knew I needed to go to service that Sunday, and once I did, I knew I had really found my place.

Before Wesley, I had never fully felt safe and comfortable being myself at church. At Wesley, something was different; it quickly became a community where I could be myself, ask any questions, and grow. I finally felt truly supported in my faith. It isn't a place where uncertainty is judged but welcomed. Having a space like this made me feel more certain and steady in my faith.

For a long time, I had felt a calling to ministry, but I didn't know what that meant or if I was ready. I was scared to even admit it out loud. But that all changed during our fall break campout at Warren Dunes State Park. After one of Glen's morning devotions, I finally found the courage to say out loud what I had been feeling for so long. I told Glen, “I want to do what you do”.

Finally saying this brought a sense of peace that I had never felt before. It was something that once felt overwhelming and scary because I didn't feel good enough or faithful enough to lead in ministry. Wesley had given me the safety and encouragement I needed to put that fear aside and gave me the confidence to trust that calling.

I am incredibly thankful for Wesley and the community it has given me. Next year, I’m thrilled to be serving as an intern at Wesley as I prepare for seminary school. This feels like the perfect next step for my faith journey. Thank you to all of our supporters who make all of the magic of Wesley happen.