In what ways has equip impacted on your relationship with God?

It's hard to describe how equip has changed my life because so much of what I learnt on equip is now so integral to my way of life that I take it as 'normal'.

My relationship with God is vastly different: before I did equip I thought that if I could just get the answers to my questions everything would be right - I thought that if I could just get my theology sorted, believe the right things, pray the right prayers and do the right stuff then I would be ok. In doing equip I realized that it's not about that stuff, it's all about relationship with God - that relationship is what he created us for and that he works with us in our situations - even in the mess of our imperfect lives and our imperfect world to bring about transformation as we are drawn closer in knowing him.

How has equip impacted your working life?

Equip had a huge impact on my work. Through experiencing the community and relationships amongst the equip team, particularly on our mission trip to Romania, God gave me a vision for what all of life should be like. On mission we looked out for each other and cared for each others needs, so I set out to do the same in my work situation. Even though the atmosphere there wasn't good and the relationships shallow and functional I took a stand in relating personally: I asked how people were doing, and tried to express care for them as whole human beings, not just for what they could do for me. God used that, and over a period of months he completely changed the atmosphere in my office - so that there was more banter and life, and colleagues related to each other more personally.

Any other advice for anyone considering equip?

Go for it! Be prepared for God to move things inside you and be open to being changed.

In what ways has equip impacted on your relationship with God?
I went to be fixed but left equipped: I wanted to be sorted so that I could then be accepted by God and others. My attitude has changed to "it's ok to be a mess!" - Father accepts us just as we are, we're all on a journey.

How has equip impacted your working life?
Improved my self-awareness and awareness of the dynamics going on with people at work.
What my issues are.
Freedom to fail!
You can do it! Go for it. I have been applying for many jobs I never would have thought I would.

Any other advice for anyone considering equip?
Are you hungry? This is a space and opportunity to experience God and fall more in love with Him.

Don't ask why, ask why not!

In what ways has equip impacted on your relationship with God?

One of the major things from my year on equip was that I learned much more about hearing God’s voice. This was something I was really keen to get better at, as I felt it was so crucial in following God, to know what He is saying to me. Through teaching, journaling & practising as a group, I really feel I made great progress in this area. I was more able to focus on God, without getting distracted, and more confident to go with what I thought I was hearing. I have become more excited and expectant to go into God’s presence, knowing I have things to say to Him, and things to hear from Him that will affect my life.

This in turn became part of the other big thing God did for me during the year. The content of so many of the words I received was about how much God loves me. There were words of acceptance & encouragement, and God revealed a lot to me about how He had been with me in difficult times in my life.

For much of my life, I have felt like I didn’t belong anywhere – at school, work and church, I was often out-of-step with those around me. This had led to a feeling (and an expectation) of being rejected. Through words I received from God (directly and through others), through the teaching we had (especially Lorna’s session on personality types), and mostly through the “family” we became as trainees, I am convinced that this rejection was broken once and for all! I have learned to accept myself as I am, as God has created me. I consequently find it much easier now to know, for example, what ministries I should be involved with, as I know what fits in with who I am and where I can be effective. I still have doubts sometimes, but I have a truth to counter these thoughts, and a new assurance of God’s love for me as an individual.

My relationship with God is closer now than it was before equip. There is more honesty in communicating with Him, as I am assured of His love. I have a higher level of trust in His purposes for me, as He has revealed how He has led me up to this point.

How has equip impacted your working life?

I have been more aware of God’s presence with me at work. I have been trying to consciously step back into that presence whenever I need to, and I have felt His peace overwhelm me when I needed it. I have also asked for His wisdom to help me in decisions I need to make – often quick decisions – and have heard Him speak in the moment, to give me good ideas and solutions.

I invited some of my colleagues to the graduation ceremony, so most of the people I work with know I am a Christian. I have been a bit bolder to offer to pray for people’s needs, and more confident to expect God to act. Even when an offer of prayer would not be understood or appreciated, I have been able to ask God what He wants to say to someone, then say it in non-religious language, just as an encouragement. I feel God has given me a “default setting” to build up, lift up and cheer up whenever possible, so if I am always looking for opportunities to say or do something positive, and avoid putting anybody down. I hope that blesses everyone in my workplace.

Any other advice for anyone considering equip?

If you would like to do equip, but see a lot of barriers in your way, do not be discouraged. I had all sorts of reasons why I would never have the time, but my boss allowed me to change my working hours (without reducing them, so I still got paid the same!) and my family made allowances for me being out 5 days a week instead of 3 or 4. God obviously wanted me there, so all the barriers fell, and I was so glad to be able to do equip. The year really changed my life – I feel like a computer that has had a total upgrade! So my advice is, if you want to do equip – go for it!

Once you get there, I would advise you to be as open as you can to what God wants to do in you. equip is a safe place to be. The more you let God in to the sore points in your life, the more He is able to heal them. You can trust God with these wounds. Also, you can trust the equip leaders to be wise and sensitive to where you’re at in your relationship with God.

It’s not all hard work though. equip is a lot of fun! We had some great days being together as a group, watching each other grow into the people God made us to be. So make the most of it and enjoy the amazing opportunity you have!