The Future Leaders Program is nearing the end for the Class of 2009. As we finish out our year we will be doing a series of blog posts looking back at our experiences throughout the program. Today we’re talking with Natalie Burns.

What was the best experience you had during the year?

Best experience? There were really just so many! The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about this past year in the future leaders program is ‘life long friendships.’ I really can’t express how blessed I have been through the strong friendships that were built over the past year. I have learned what it looks like to truly challenge one another’s vices while encouraging each other to claim the God givens gifts that we have.

Best experiences? Well of course Rwanda! I had the opportunity to travel with a team to Burundi last April ’08 and it was during this time that I was able to learn more about our church partnership with World Relief. As I’m sure many of you know by reading our past blog posts but World Relief is working hard and doing a great job at empowering the local Church to serve the most vulnerable. The hope is that in community with the local Church the most vulnerable people transformed economically, socially, and spiritually. After my time in Burundi serving with World Relief I was THRILLED to have the opportunity to go spent time with their staff in Rwanda with the other future leaders. Although, a few of those days were spent sick with Allan at Mama Becca’s house – Rwanda is still high up on my list of ‘best experiences!’

It something simple…but I will also really miss our worship time together on Sunday mornings.

Another experience that I forgot about and didn’t particularly enjoy at the time but looking back realize how much FUN it was…is the SKIT Alero, Brian, and Allan and I did for the staff.

What are some things you’ve learned?

How painful it can be to truly be transparent and vulnerable with others! Ugh! This is not an easy thing for me but as the Lord worked in my heart and spurred me on to break down those walls and trust Him and OTHERS I learned what I have been missing out on! One person that comes to mind when I think about genuine authenticity is Katelyn. I have watched Katelyn struggle with issues, questions, and doubts throughout this past year and her willingness to name her feelings as she walked through these times was such an encouragement to me.

I have also learned the need for balance in my life. I tend to take on a few too many things and although I love what I’m involved with…I’m also exhausted and then my time with the Lord moves further and further down on my list of things to do. I have learned that I need to get away and just spend time in silence with God. I need to find times to separate myself from all the busyness and craziness of my life. Along with this same idea – I have more fully recognized the need for discipline in my life. Over the past six months I have worked really hard at setting up boundaries and disciplining myself with work, friendships, and my time with Jesus and He has honored that beyond what I could have ever imagined. (I still need to work on being more punctual as I’m sure the FLP crew will affirm haha)

** Before ALL other things in my life I need to be rooted in God’s word and abiding in Him. I have learned that abiding in its simplest terms is trusting and obeying God and I pray that He continues to enable me to abide in Him.

What are some things you’re looking forward to doing after FLP?

Well, last summer our church went through a period of re-structuring and for the past year I’ve been working part time for Global Impact/Frontline and part time for Big Church/Cross Cultural Ministry. I have learned A LOT during this time not just about the two different depts. but also about myself which has proven to be invaluable. I recently found out that I’ll be moving back to full time with Cross Cultural Ministries. I am looking forward to doing some more relational ministry which my schedule will now allow for .

I also recently started grad school at Eastern University. I am getting my MA in Organizational Leadership and am looking forward to getting my nose in the books! I love school!

Also looking forward to beginning to train for the Marine Corps Marathon again. Last year a group of us from MBC ran for Jill’s House and we are doing it again this year! We meet every Saturday morning for our long runs together and then each individually raises money for Jill’s House. I am so excited that we have tripled the number of runners we have this year and am looking forward to “running the path to Jill’s house!”

Affirmation Time:
Before I end this blog I want to take a minute to say something I love about each of my dear friends in the FLP program. I know you may not know them but after reading the following you will get a glimpse of how blessed I have been to live life for the past year with such incredibly passionate, gifted, and Christ centered people.

Chris – Your sense of humor and genuine acceptance of others

Philippe – You never lose sight of what’s important – God’s purposes and His plans. Your devoted focus for Christ and unwillingness to live like this world inspires me.

Ryan – Your devotion to God and your faithfulness to always believing that He is the ALHPA and the OMEGA…even when circumstances are tough.

Claudia – Your prayer life and inquisitive nature.

Mark – MY TWIN! Oh Mark…you will be missed more than you know. I love your thirst for truth and eyes that are open to seeing things for how they really are.

Allan – My Rwanda bud! You are always ‘on the same page’ and I appreciate that so much. I admire your humility.

Brian – Your eye for God’s beauty all around us.

Katelyn – Oh girl…I will miss you more than words can say. Thank you for being my sound board and giving such Godly and practical advice. Your presence puts people at ease and makes them feel valued.

Alero – Thank you for letting me in to see the real you. I can’t express in words how much I will miss you as God leads you to Geneva. Thank you for staying the course in our friendship when it would have been easier to walk way. I love you Alero.

Natalie Bing- YOU ARE an ABSOLUTE gem! Thank you for always putting a smile on my face with your warmth, kindness, and care.

Scott – Scott, you are the younger brother I’ve always wanted. Whether it’s eating giant pickles, discussing God’s word, and laughing for NO reason I always love it when you’re around. Your teachable spirit and desire to have a heart like His –challenges and inspires me.

Nate – Your willingness to just listen and really hear what’s on people’s hearts. It really is a gift.
I couldn’t ask for a better running pal!

Matt Walkley – You always know how to make me laugh (and everyone else!) I love watching how you are so dedicated to using your God given gifts and abilities to bring Him ALL the glory and fame.

Lauren – I respect and admire your desire to live each moment for Christ. Your prayers for an eternal perspective and then how that changes us have challenged me in my walk with Christ.
Also, thank you for being such a faithful friend to me and deeply caring about each one of us.
Keep the texts coming!

Rich – Your gentle heart and love for people is the first thing that comes to mind. Thank you for seeing my potential and not allowing me to stay where I’m at but pushing/spurring me on to be more like the Father.

I LOVE YOU ALL and thank God for the ways in which each one of you and this program has shaped my life over the past year. I look forward to what our AWESOME God has in store for us next.

XOXOXOXO