StartStories
Stories about STARTers!
Music // Tim Fisher
Tim Fisher Start Experiment was more than just an experiment for me. I had a dream in my heart late in 2011. When I got the chance to sing onstage with a well-known band, I jumped on it immediately. Someone encouraged me later to use my gift; soon after, a family member discouraged me, as I was already getting a degree. This past February, I finally made the decision to pursue singing, as I met with several friends who support each other’s goals and keep each other accountable by meeting every two weeks. I took small steps. When Start Experiment came along, I knew I had to join. I didn’t know what it was, but I thought, hey, if it’s something motivational, it will be great for me. The daily advice, as well as the network of support, has been incredible. It really came down to one piece that Jon wrote where he asked, “Are you working every day to achieve your risk?” That hit me and stuck, and since then I’ve put in the effort to work everyday, whether it’s practicing or just gathering songs. The daily communication with Jon and others has been key. I’m so thankful for Start Experiment (Round 1 and Round 2), and I really feel it’s a going to be a key component in helping me connect with others who will help me achieve my...
Read MoreWomen’s Ministry // Andrea Lowe
Andrea Lowe In starting this experiment, my goal was clear. My desired outcome was clearly marked and ready to be achieved: Women’s ministry. I had the women selected that I would contact to learn from. I knew these were the very women who would help guide and direct me in fulfilling one of my heart’s desire. However, as I began taking steps, risking, and sharing my heart, I began to discover that my vision for ministry is not mine at all. I admire women in leadership positions for various reasons, but in truth, I just expected to start where they are today, and some have been in ministry for as long as I have been alive. How am I going to help encourage, equip and empower others to fulfill their dreams if I cannot even clearly envision my own? As round 1 of the start experiment continued, amazing things started happening. I was asked to take on new leadership roles at my church. These roles would allow me to be creative in developing the gifts and talents in others. Amazingly, my leaders know me well, even when I don’t, and continuously challenge me to step out of my comfort zone and refine the gifts and talents in me. So, has my passion changed? No. My vision has been enlarged and I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy as I continue to take steps, strides and leaps of faith. The unknown can be scary, but I am finding great comfort in knowing that a risk taken is much more fruitful than a fear...
Read MoreMoving abroad // Kaylei Ward
Kaylei Ward Ginger. It’s the smell that can bring up a thousand emotions. It’s the smell that can take me back faster than any other smell. It races me back to a faded pink building and black hair snuggled against my neck. It races me back to alligator tears, finger paint, and fits of giggles. Ginger races me back to China. I have read “God calls you where the world’s deep hunger and your deep gladness meet” I just always questioned what that would look like for me. When I joined the Start Experiment, I knew that my gladness was not meeting the world’s hunger. I was stuck in a job that focuses on first world problems, was a dead end, and I knew that it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I told my group that I just wanted to find the next step. With that God opened the door, the large door to change my life. The day after the experiment I received an email asking me to come and move back to China and help out. Excuses were futile, and fear was pointless. Any time I wanted to talk myself out of it, Jon’s email would show up first thing that morning. I was invited to go back to the place that stole my heart five years ago. To walk back into the faded pink building and snuggle with the unloved and the unwanted. To share a love so much deeper than one I could ever show on my own. In one month I will fly to China and be the hands and feet of Christ in the best way I know how. I pray to be broken and drained of anything that is me and only reflect Him. My gladness is loving the orphans of the world. My audacious goal is to put orphanages out of business and to find a home for each child. I’m beyond excited to START and take that next step, loving and holding one child at a time....
Read MoreMusic Ministry // Jonathan Fortenberry
Jonathan Fortenberry The Start Experiment was a lot of things for me. It was a giant can opener on bottled up dreams. It was huge fly swatter against fear. It was the first time at a family reunion where I felt like I’d known everyone my entire life. While slightly disappointed that I needed neither my machete nor my passport, I’m confident that the seeds planted during this time will ultimately lead there. Twenty-four days is really the perfect length of time for this sort of thing. It’s just long enough to accomplish small tasks that lead to a big goal, but not quite long enough to feel like you had enough time. I long for Round1 to still be going so that I can still be brand new at this. However, one of the greatest joys is being in a 2nd round and helping other STARTers find their place. A month ago, I had a small vision of writing worship tunes one day and helping musicians develop themselves. Today I stand confident in my craft, I’ve launched a blog, published a tutorial video, and applied for a position in full time ministry. I owe all to God for inspiring Jon to pull this great community together where I developed true friends that are committed to seeing each other change the...
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