During my senior year of college, I knew that I wanted to serve after graduation. After prayer, I felt as though God was leading me to go somewhere I had never been before. Somewhere out of my comfort zone. As a child of God, I am called to be a light. Light does not hide in one spot. It radiates outward reaching every corner driving out darkness. So I decided to join MVC, pack my things, and move to Detroit. I told myself that this year of service would be a year of servitude, humility, and walking more in my identity as a child of God. I won’t lie, I was terrified at first. I was afraid I was making a mistake. I was afraid that I wouldn’t find a church home. I was afraid that being in a new environment all by myself would be detrimental to my physical, mental, and spiritual health. I thank God that I decided to ignore my fears because moving to Detroit was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Moving to Detroit, I was completely stepping into the unknown. It forced me to put my trust in God, and just trust that He would guide me on this journey. Without a doubt, this year of service has strengthened my relationship with Christ. I have grown spiritually in a way I would never have if I stayed at home near the comfort of friends and family. In Detroit, I’ve had the opportunity to strengthen my faith without distractions. I was able to find a church home in the city and it has allowed me to mature in God. By growing closer to Christ I’m learning just how much He loves me. This, in turn, allows me to love others. Every day, I work towards carrying the love of God in all that I do. This includes carrying the love of God in my service site as well. God has commanded us to love one another as we love ourselves. Every day, I strive more and more towards this beautiful command. Through finding my identity in Christ, I’m learning to find my identity in the world and in my service site.  

Through God, I discovered my reason for being in Detroit. He constantly tells me to go out and exude His love, mercy, grace. So I continue to work towards His glory being shown through me in my service site and in my community. As God shows me love, I must also show love. As God shows me mercy, I must also show mercy. As God shows me grace, I must also show grace. The things God has shown me while in Detroit have changed me forever. This year was such a pivotal time in my life. I did not expect to grow spiritually as much as I did. But then again, this whole year has been full of surprises. God has definitely shown me that He is a God of surprises. Detroit taught me that I must continuously live a life of servitude and humility to God and others. I pray that even after this year of service, I will continue to grow in Christ and spread His love everywhere I go.

Precious Ndukwe: Detroit