Lives Changed Forever

Recently, a Forge Resident shared this with us and I would love to share on this blog,


"As we began the Forge Residency, the books we read started to make us think differently. Our paradigms were changing as to whom we were called to and what our purpose in life was. As our coach began mentoring us and talking through life with us, our eyes were opened. We began to see everything through a new set of eyes. We humbly and honestly admit that when we began the Forge residency we would have said that the people that have value to add in our lives are those older than us and those that have the same beliefs as us. We now look at that same statement and cringe with shame...we are thankful we serve a God of mercy and grace who has opened our eyes to the beautiful value that every person has...not just those that believe what we believe, but the mom next door, the little girl across the street, and the elderly couple that shows off their handmade quilts. When we stop and take time to talk, get into our neighbor's worlds; whatever it may be (playing poker, swapping mom stories, or walking together on walks) we found a whole new beautiful world. This new world is one that is filled with broken people just like us. When we opened up about our own struggles and imperfections, we found that we are not alone, and together, regardless of age or beliefs, we can love each other and make our neighborhood look a little more like heaven...

God has truly transformed our hearts, our lives, & our neighborhood. We now live with such a deeper purpose, a love for each person we come into contact with, and with an intentionality that makes life much more beautiful. Our lives are now forever changed and we can't help but to share the incredible paradigm changes in our lives with the ones we love. Our families tease us now about loving on our neighbors so much, but honestly, it's the biggest compliment ever that they have seen the transformation in our lives...

We couldn't be more grateful to Forge for the opportunity to have our lives forever changed."

Forge Dallas Resident Story - Shawn

At the time which Shawn joined the Forge Dallas residency, he was considering starting a Christian centered support group for alcoholics and addicts. For years he had attended both AA groups and other Christian recovery groups but as of recent had only been attending the Christian ones. As Shawn walked through the Residency, he began to ask the question, “God where are you at work and in light of my gifts and resources, how can I join you?” From this, he began to realize that God was already at work in the traditional non-religious AA meetings that he once attended. As a result, Shawn decided to join God in His redeeming work by participating regularly in local AA meetings. Since this, Shawn has built many relationships and friendships with those in AA who are broken and hurting. He continues to ask what the good news of the Gospel is for these people and how can he continue to show the love of God to those he meets with. Shawn has said,

“The beautiful thing about AA is that it is a group of people that are brought together by their brokenness to help one another. Being connected with AA groups has given me the opportunity to connect with people, learn from others, and has given me the opportunity to bless and help those who are hurting who might never walk through the doors of a church building.”

Forge Dallas Resident Story - Tony

Tony decided to participate in the Forge Dallas Residency and has since been on a journey to understand his calling to follow Jesus in daily mission. After a time of reflection, Tony realized he had been spending most of his time in church activities and had very few friendships with people outside the church who might be far from God. Knowing he would need to invest relationally in those outside his Christian circles if he was to follow Jesus into daily mission, Tony joined a local fitness program/gym and now exercises with the same thirty people five days a week. Instead of relying on inviting his friends at the gym to church activities as he might have in the past, Tony is asking God where and how He is at work in the lives of gym members, how God is calling him to join in God’s mission, and what the good news of the Gospel is for the people he now sees five times a week. These questions have led Tony to join other members of the gym in regular outings, to share meals with the owner of the gym, and to introduce his new friends to God by inviting them to participate in social justice projects in which he was previously involved.