Who are The Navigators?

The Navigators is an interdenominational, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people pursue a relationship with God and reach out to others in their lives.  For me, its the group I became involved with in college that showed me what it means to love others and where that capacity of love comes from; knowing God personally. 

What do you do?

I’m on Edge Corps, so I’m an “Edger” at University of California Irvine.  I go into the freshman dorms on campus to start up Bible discussion there in hopes of getting to know those students in the dorm who don’t know much about Jesus or maybe have been burnt by Christians in the past.  Ultimately, through being there consistently and deepening friendships, I most want to share how much Jesus has to offer, how he can really satisfy where other people and things can’t, and HOW to have a personal relationship with him.

What is Edge Corps?

A  1-2 year commitment to being on staff full time with collegiate Navigators.  We fund-raise our salary, ministry expenses, and benefits.  We’re placed at a specific campus somewhere in the United States, trained and mentored throughout the year, and work on campus to show students who Jesus is and why he matters now. 

5 minute video depicting the work of one Edger’s work in a campus fraternity:

http://navigators.gospelcom.net/collegiate/edge/video.html

Do you have a team or anything?

Yes!  Thank-God, I have 4 other teammates; Joni, Alice, Beracah and Chris.  Our campus director is Dave.  Joni and Alice have been on staff for a few years here already, Beracah has been on staff for 2 years in Nebraska, married Rachel (a graduate of UCIrvine who was an Edger at UMD), and moved out here to continue on Nav staff at Irvine.  Chris is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is in the same Edge class as me.  Dave has been working with the Navs at UCI for sometime but this will be his first year as campus director.

Where do you live?

I wanted to have a low of a budget as possible so I could hit my fund-raising mark so I don’t have enough money for an apartment in Orange County ($450 – $550 TO SHARE a room/month) but a friend’s mom in the area has graciously extended her home to me practically for free.  I live in Lake Forest, about 10 – 15 minutes from campus.

How much is your budget?  If I give, where does it go?

$25,880 for the year.  Any donations to me go to the fulfillment of my budget not to ‘Navs General’ or anything like that.  EVERY staff of Navs has to raise 100% of their salary/budget.  Even the international president of The Navigators does not receive a “paycheck” beyond what he personally fund-raises.  There are some people within Navigators that do; professionals necessary for the ministry but not extending services for missional purposes: like attorneys and accountants for instance. 

So have you met anyone?

Oh I have met many many people…but if you mean am I dating anyone, then no, but I’ll let you know if it happens!

What do you do all day?

My week isn’t typical.  My job means late nights (thats when students are most free) and weekends.  I am responsible for doing 3 – 5 hours of Bible study/week, getting consistent time with God everyday, investing time in dorms on campus Tuesday and Wednesday nights, being at and helping with the Nav Night Friday nights, the staff meeting Wednesday mornings, students leadership meeting (Union) Sunday afternoon, and a bi-weekly regional bible study every other Thursday.  I haven’t started mentoring women one on one but probably will soon too.  Those are the “events” but part of my job is being available and pursuing relationships with students which can mean anything from meeting up 1 hour a week to going out for mushroom burgers on campus at 10pm to getting in on the clubs like the cycling club and joining their rides at 8:30 am Saturdays.  Its fun.  Its busy.  A huge part of my job is maintaining a strong relationship with God.  Who could ask for a better job?

Why are you in California?

My favorite question because I ask it ALL the time.  Honestly I have no straight answer.  I believe this is where God wants me for some reason.  I initially moved to California NOT intending to work in ministry at all.  The opportunity came up, God wouldn’t let me forget about it, and after much internal conflict I told God I would go if He worked everything out for me on the way.  He did and I got here.  Couldn’t find a “real” job but made do with a part time job at an OB/GYN office.  Went to Edge Preview – an intro meeting in Colorado – only because the whole trip would cost on $25 or something crazy like that.  While I was there there was a moment I felt God said; ‘This IS what you will do next year.’  So here I am!