Daniel Gregory shares his ministry with friends near and far through World Service Corps.

My “Aha!” Moment

There are times when the Spirit surprises us and meets us in a sudden life-changing moment. In a breath of exhilaration, we come to brilliant, new understandings and realize some profound truth about ourselves, our world, or our place in it. This is the testimony of many young adults who participate in World Service Corps. When they return from serving Christ and the church in another country and culture, they carry a myriad of stories about dramatic changes in their lives.

Not me.

Though I had a wonderful journey, my time in Australia wasn’t the “grand adventure” I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting great people and taking in the Aussie culture and nuances. Yet on my return to the United States I didn’t really feel changed. To be honest, this frustrated me. I had gone, expecting that I, too, would have an “Aha!” moment of inspiration. When it didn’t come, I felt disappointed. Was I not open enough? Had I not been prepared? Did I miss it?

As I vented my frustrations to Richard Betts, the World Service Corps director, deeper and deeper layers began to emerge, and I realized just how much I had desired this kind of an experience. In my mind, “World Service Corps” and “transformational” were synonymous. How could I possibly have been a part of this and not have come away changed?

Through our discussion, Richard shared that sometimes volunteers come back like me. It is only after we are further removed from the experience that the realization comes that we actually have been changed. This wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but it seemed reasonable. I told him I would take the time to process.

He was right. After months of reflection, I have discovered that the Spirit was teaching me things in Australia. Instead of the grand “Aha!” moments I had expected, it was the slow, steady stream of new encounters that ultimately would change my life. Playing Mario Kart in a living room, sharing about God around a campfire, and sitting on the beach, listening to waves—these ordinary activities all have taken on new meaning and offered new insight to my life and ministry.

Most of all, I have come to expect the Spirit not only in the grand adventures, but in the daily happenings, for it is here that we live most of our lives. By being receptive to the little things, we can be transformed in big ways.

World Service Corps changed my life, but not in the way I had expected. As I reflect, I realize just how meaningful my time as a volunteer was. I guess that I, too, come complete with my own stories of new understanding and profound truth. I now can reframe the question: How could I possibly have been a part of this and not have come away changed?

Maybe that is my “Aha!” moment.

—Daniel Gregory reporting