Words of Witness from Past Participants
Under the gentle and gifted leadership of Wendy Miller,Journey Partners has
been a wonderful, guided opportunity to listen for God's story in my own
life and in sacred conversation with others. "Uncluttered" presence, in
both cases, is its worthy goal. I have found the format -- being together in community over the six retreats
and having accountability in between-to be exceptionally valuable. The
balance of academic work, which I've loved, and "soul work," which
sometimes takes me into uncharted territory, is a perfect combination.
-- Janis Black, lay person, Oxford, MS
"When I first came to Journey Partners, I did not see a practical benefit
for me or my ministry setting. As I practiced lectio divina, praying the
scriptures and silence, I found myself less resistant to the voice of God
and the movement of God. As I journeyed with partners giving and receiving
spiritual direction, I found little sparks of openness. The ways we read
and shared scripture, the use of music in unexpected places and silence where
there used to be noise liberated us to more faithfully journey with God.
Hearing the voices of ancient and modern witnesses such as Teresa of Avila
affirmed the constancy of God for me. God has spoken and continues to speak
to us. And my gifts of discernment and prayer were affirmed through the
Journey Partners community of faith. I see the need for such a process
now -- for myself and others."
-- Maxine Bolden, pastor, Greer Chapel United Methodist Church,
Flowood, MS
“I am deeply grateful for training in Spiritual Direction through Journey Partners. The experience deepened my intimacy with God by helping me find language for the dark night. It introduced me to the rich writings of saints I had not yet discovered. My congregation, Jubilee Mennonite, is enriched because they have a more prayerful and peaceful pastor. Now the regular tasks of ministry such as preaching and hospital visits give me opportunities to practice the art of watching the movements of God. Journey Partners also provides me with new avenues for ministry as I offer spiritual direction to fellow journeyers beyond our congregation. I highly recommend Journey Partners for those ready for a encounter with the Spirit.”
-- Elaine Maust, pastor, Jubilee Mennonite Church, Meridian, MS
“For me, Journey Partners was the natural next step in my spiritual development. I was encouraged and affirmed all the way through the process, and the training I received has been very valuable in enhancing my pastoral ministry. I feel more comfortable now in guiding others toward a deeper spirituality as well as helping them see God at work in daily life.“
-- David L. Lowery, pastor, First United Methodist Church, Picayune, MS
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