Like Cattle to Water
by Rebecca K. Grosenbach, Staff Writer
Aimee Doerksen, who works with The Navigators in Denver, Colorado, heard an illustration that challenged her understanding of how God works in people's lives.
"In the Australian Outback, ranchers dig wells to shepherd their livestock rather than build fences to contain the animals," she says. "The ranchers found that their livestock were drawn to what they needed instead of wandering until a fence stopped them. In the same way, Jesus is a life-giving source for people, showing His heart of gracious provision. Whether we wander or draw near, He offers freedom rather than confining us to what we can and cannot do."
Aimee works with The Navigators' b2g Ministry, short for "better2gether." Aimee says, "Three things sum up what b2g is about: 'twenty-somethings' experiencing spiritual transformation, living out the values and practices of Jesus and His Kingdom where they are, and connecting with like-hearted friends.
"I wrestle with the 'well digging' concept because I am used to the 'safety' of boundaries," Aimee says. "I often find it easier to build mental fences in regards to people's spiritual journey than to trust Jesus to draw them to Himself. Yet, meeting people where they are is tremendously freeing, refreshing, and fulfilling. I want to 'journey' with people as they are drawn to Christ.
"Integrating this concept into my life and helping others do the same is an ongoing process. It requires intentionally offering God's love and hope, through Jesus Christ, to everyone and then pursuing natural lines of relationship."
Aimee has embarked on a journey with a woman named "Teresa." They were introduced by a mutual friend, and from the beginning Aimee knew Teresa was hungry for friendship. They began talking on the phone, meeting for lunch, and eventually Aimee invited Teresa to a b2g meeting.
"Teresa is a single mother-the only parent in our b2g group-and everyone was very accepting of her. She's the only Christian in her family and I don't know if she's had much help to grow spiritually.
"Recently, over lunch, Teresa opened up and told me about her life, and my heart just cried out for her and all she's been through. I pray for her often and ask myself, How do I journey with Teresa? What does that look like?
"I've learned that journeying with someone isn't all one-sided. I learn from the people I journey with, too. For example, Teresa is a very loving, devoted mother, and I admire the way she wants to do what is best for her little girl."
Aimee says, "As we journey through life, it is my prayer that we will choose to head toward Jesus Christ - who gives our souls worth and our hearts hope."
Learn more about the b2g ministry.
Aimee Doerksen, who works with The Navigators in Denver, Colorado, heard an illustration that challenged her understanding of how God works in people's lives.
"In the Australian Outback, ranchers dig wells to shepherd their livestock rather than build fences to contain the animals," she says. "The ranchers found that their livestock were drawn to what they needed instead of wandering until a fence stopped them. In the same way, Jesus is a life-giving source for people, showing His heart of gracious provision. Whether we wander or draw near, He offers freedom rather than confining us to what we can and cannot do."
Aimee works with The Navigators' b2g Ministry, short for "better2gether." Aimee says, "Three things sum up what b2g is about: 'twenty-somethings' experiencing spiritual transformation, living out the values and practices of Jesus and His Kingdom where they are, and connecting with like-hearted friends.
"I wrestle with the 'well digging' concept because I am used to the 'safety' of boundaries," Aimee says. "I often find it easier to build mental fences in regards to people's spiritual journey than to trust Jesus to draw them to Himself. Yet, meeting people where they are is tremendously freeing, refreshing, and fulfilling. I want to 'journey' with people as they are drawn to Christ.
"Integrating this concept into my life and helping others do the same is an ongoing process. It requires intentionally offering God's love and hope, through Jesus Christ, to everyone and then pursuing natural lines of relationship."
Aimee has embarked on a journey with a woman named "Teresa." They were introduced by a mutual friend, and from the beginning Aimee knew Teresa was hungry for friendship. They began talking on the phone, meeting for lunch, and eventually Aimee invited Teresa to a b2g meeting.
"Teresa is a single mother-the only parent in our b2g group-and everyone was very accepting of her. She's the only Christian in her family and I don't know if she's had much help to grow spiritually.
"Recently, over lunch, Teresa opened up and told me about her life, and my heart just cried out for her and all she's been through. I pray for her often and ask myself, How do I journey with Teresa? What does that look like?
"I've learned that journeying with someone isn't all one-sided. I learn from the people I journey with, too. For example, Teresa is a very loving, devoted mother, and I admire the way she wants to do what is best for her little girl."
Aimee says, "As we journey through life, it is my prayer that we will choose to head toward Jesus Christ - who gives our souls worth and our hearts hope."
Learn more about the b2g ministry.
