Being a Nazarene has its benefits; we have the best youth conferences (NYC) and some of the best camps to go to while growing up. Okay, yes I am a bit biased because all I have known is what it means to be a Nazarene. I will tell you the fun does not stop at just summer camps and the once in a lifetime experience we call NYC. As we grow in our faith and continue with the plan God has for us it can take us to places we would never dream on going.

This January I and three other classmates from Ambrose went on a journey that I know has shaped my future. In order to go, I first had to be attending Ambrose. Secondly, I had to be in a ministry degree (I’m in inter-cultural studies). And lastly, I had to be a Nazarene. 

I never dreamed I would be qualified to take part in what is called Third Wave. This event takes place once every four years, and each time it is in a different part of the world. This event is planned by NYC, university students and upcoming leaders within the Nazarene church all join together from places as far as Japan and Russia.

This year Third Wave was in Costa Rica! While in Costa Rica I learned what it meant to be a leader and how to disciple others who are coming up behind me in the church. God has been speaking to my heart about discipleship for the past couple of years and this was the cherry on top to fully understanding what true discipleship means.

In our opening supper, I sneezed and five people turned to me and said ‘Bless You’ all in different languages- how cool is that! While at Third Wave there were 40 different regions and over 10 different languages represented. The place was filled with the Holy Spirit as we worshipped together.

The days in Costa Rica were not filled with sessions where we listen to people talk- even though this was one of my highlights. We also got to serve people in local churches, we made connections with pastors and leaders globally, we went sight-seeing, and we even got to go to the beach.

Third Wave was an amazing experience! This is only one event that the Nazarene Church (as a whole) puts on. I encourage you to look to see what is out there and to get involved in these kinds of experiences- that WILL change your life. Check out the Nazarene website to learn more about what is coming up next! Just maybe I will see you there! www.nazarene.org