One Thing I Know
I follow Christ. His timing is perfect, and sometimes I get it right, and sometimes, I’ve tried to step out when it wasn’t the right time. I’ve done “previews” of what I felt God wanted me to do before and have met with some small success, but it was never the right time and nothing much came of it. But that’s OK, because God’s timing is perfect.
A lot has changed since my last post. Sometimes I get too busy to update everyone. Some people around me know what I’m up to now, but most of you don’t. So here it is.
I re-entered Global Awakening Theological Seminary (GATS) in late August. I’m pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree. It will take me until the spring of 2025. Some people might think I’m crazy to do this. Don’t I know how old I am? 2 Corinthians 5:13 reads “If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God…” The Lord showed me this verse when I asked Him to show me something from scripture for a sort of “justification” to pursue this degree.
I’m nearly done with my first semester, and I’m loving every minute of it. Our Intensive is this week. It’s where we all come together for 4-1/2 days for more learning and meeting each other in person. We have small groups to help us get to know a few others. I have an advantage – I already know three other women in my degree program. There are 20 doctoral students, nine of us are D.Min. students. The others are Th.D. I’m looking forward to seeing those I know and getting to know new people.
Also, we were encouraged as doctoral students to join a ministry network called the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening (ANGA). To do this, you need to “have a ministry” of some sort. In early October, I applied to ANGA to see what would happen. They let me in! Refreshing Streams is now a bona fide ministry and we will begin events next year.
God is good. So much has happened this year – it’s amazing. I’m doing two things I wasn’t sure I would ever do – go for a doctorate and actually formally start a healing and equipping ministry. But I’ve learned to do it anyway. I’ve battled mentally with doing each of these things. It’s not easy to start something totally new and different at my age. People tell me all the time they can’t believe I’m as old as I am and that I look younger. Sometimes, I do feel younger. Sometimes, I feel really old.
But I will always follow the Lord – no matter what. I pursue, like the apostle Paul, the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:14.
Donna L.H. Smith 
I’m so proud of you, Donna!
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Thank you, Dorothy! 🙂
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