In this month's Note from Nolen, you'll hear from Nolen about the importance of not missing the will of God!
"Most Christians are so busy doing the work of the church that they miss the will of God".  That is a quote by famous author and scholar, Dr. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily activities, especially when they're related to church work. However, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate goal should be to fulfill God's purpose and plan for our lives, rather than merely staying busy. This requires us to take a step back and truly seek His will for us.

One way to discover God's plan for our lives is through prayer and meditation. Spending quiet time with God allows us to hear His voice and gain clarity on the path He has laid out for us. It's during these moments that we can truly experience God and understand His desires for us.

If you haven't learned how to hear from God, then you'll be delighted to discover this in Session 4, of the GPS Life Journey process.  This is where you'll understand how to hear from God and get directions for their lives.

Another way is by surrounding ourselves with wise and mature Christian mentors who can provide guidance and insight. These individuals can offer valuable perspective and help us navigate the challenges and decisions that come our way. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Seeking counsel from others can help us stay on track and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

Again, the GPS Life Journey process is an excellent opportunity to experience mentorship and guidance in a facilitated small group.  There is plenty of time for discussion and receiving input from others as you discover God's mission for your life.

Additionally, it's important to remember that God's plan for our lives is often revealed through our gifts, talents, and passions. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works, which He prepared beforehand. When we use our unique abilities to serve others and glorify God, we are fulfilling the plan He has for us.

This is why we spend the first three sessions of GPS Life Journey looking at how God shaped you!  You'll discover more about yourself using seven assessments.  This includes: your personality, your strengths, your passions, your values, your experiences, your spiritual gifts and your abilities.

In conclusion, while staying busy with church work is important, it's even more vital that we discover and commit to fulfilling God's specific purpose and plan for our lives. By seeking His will through prayer, surrounding ourselves with wise counsel, and utilizing our gifts and talents, we can experience God and walk in the path He has laid out for us.

GPS Life Journey helps you discover your God-given purpose for the next stage of your life and engage in fulfilling that purpose.  Be committed to fulfilling that rather than just simply being busy!

Check our Events page to register for in person and online via Zoom GPS Life Journey.  We are here to help you get started or unstuck if you're already a GPS Life Journey graduate through our free 1:1 coaching.  Simply Contact us with your questions and we will be in touch.

In this Note from Nolen, you'll meet the youngest GPS Life Journey graduate!  Below is the video transcript.

Nolen - "I'm here with Alex Purdue. He is one of the youngest persons ever to go through the GPS Life Journey here at First Baptist Center City with his brother and his mom.  Alex, tell us how did you feel about the GPS Life Journey? Did you like it? And if so, why did you like it?"

Alex - "Yes, I liked it because it taught me, um, like how I can inspire other people and help them when they're feeling let down or something."

Nolen - "Okay. What did you learn about yourself? You know, we do personal assessments that kind of tell us this is who we are. What did you learn about yourself?"  

Alex - "I learned that, I need to like let stuff, other stuff that's keeping me away from God to cut those things down. Focus on God more in the Bible and listening to God."

Nolen - "Good. And do you remember what your personality type was? Are you an influencer, I think? 

Alex - "Yes."

Nolen - "An I - Personality?"

Alex - "Yes."

Nolen - "All right. Well, may God bless you as you influence and encourage others to follow Jesus Christ.

And we encourage you too, don't we, Alex, to participate in a GPS Life Journey."

Visit our EVENTS page to find out what classes are happening or us the CONTACT page to start a conversation.

In this month's Note from Nolen, we are sharing about our new classes starting soon!  Visit our EVENTS page for more details.

"Who do you know that you can recommend to participate in the GPS Life Journey process?  This fall, we begin a new series of live classes, and of course, GPS Life Journey is always available by Zoom format to anyone, anywhere in the world.  Participating in this process will help an individual better understand how God uniquely created and shaped them for service in His kingdom and to discover the truth.

His special purpose for the next stage of their lives and develop a strategy for fulfilling that purpose.  Why don't you think about who you might recommend participate in one of the upcoming GPS courses or to participate in the online GPS format. By doing so, you will help them discover God's purpose and help them make a difference in the kingdom of God and bring him glory in doing so. 

Contact us and we'll tell you when the new classes are coming up or where you can participate.  We hope that you'll recommend someone to be a part of the GPS Life Journey process." 

This month's story was written by Haven of Hope International back in November, 2020.  It showcases how volunteers helped to make a difference in the lives of three young women and used the Spanish translation of GPS Life Journey.
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"Haven of Hope International’s vision is to change the destiny of orphans around the world. We are doing this through strategic partners, like GPS Life Journey who provides programs that equip young people to succeed and find purpose. GPS stands for God’s Plan for Success and the program helps participants write a personal mission statement for their life, taking into consideration: personality, strengths, life experiences, skills and passions.

We believe God created each of us with unique gifts and abilities and has a plan for our lives to make a difference.  Its a beautiful process watching the children discover how they are uniquely created, realize they are fearfully and wonderfully made and to begin to dream about how they can positively impact their world.
HOHI’s founder, Alice Skaff, sat on the steering committee for the development of GPS Journey curriculum many years ago. The process and coaching from Pastor Nolen Rollins, was instrumental in helping her take next steps in founding HOHI.

Why Orphans Need GPS Life Journey Training

We know that 99.5% of orphaned children never get adopted and without life skills education and vocational training 70% of girls in adulthood will turn to prostitution.
Human trafficking is a serious problem in Bolivia where our flagship home is located. An investigation has found that human trafficking goes largely unchecked and 71% of the victims that are rescued do not receive attention or protection from the government. Sadly this makes Bolivia a source country for human trafficking.  

We are making sure our children have what they need and in less than 90 days, we equipped three university students from Haven of Hope Bolivia with resources that will help guide them using GPS Life Journey. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ( Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Volunteers Made GPS Life Journey Possible
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Two volunteers from the United States helped these three young women learn more about strengths and weaknesses and gain a better understanding of others. Emily Miller provided facilitation using a program developed by Pastor Nolen Rollins.  Beth Webley donated her time and resources towards the cost of printed workbooks in Spanish.  Cathy Trentini de Guevera, HOHI’s onsite program coordinator, translated.
Importantly, we helped to equip Luz, Carlota and Fernanda to:

• Understand how God has uniquely created and gifted them
• Discover and engage in His special purpose
• Find ways to serve others
• Strengthen their sense of self-worth and significance 
• Begin their journey leaving a legacy of impact for others

We are proud of their efforts to pursue their dreams and they are already doing great things.  Please join us in praying for them to continue doing their best with their studies. We also pray that others will volunteer to help equip our orphans. If you’d like to get involved, please click here.

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (John 17:4 NIV)
Our role remains – setting a new standard in orphan care."

If you would like to learn more about GPS Life Journey in Spanish then please contact us for more information.

In this month's Note From Nolen, find out why leaders need GPS Life Journey!  Here's what Nolen Rollen's has to share from his experience.

"Leaders need to know what is God's purpose for the next stage of my life.  I have noticed over the years.  That the groups of people who are less likely in churches over these 20 years plus that I've been doing GPS,  the groups of people who are less likely to participate in GPS Life Journey, to discover God's purpose for the next stage of their life. Are the top leaders.

 Not sure why that is, but church staff, elders, deacons, Sunday school leaders, teachers, small group leaders, these are the ones less likely to take the time and energy to discover how did God uniquely create me and what is His purpose for the next stage of my life. 

If you are a leader in one of these categories, let me encourage you.  Don't feel like you have it all together and you know, all there is to know, take time, be committed to finding out what is God's purpose for the next stage of my life and know for sure that you're bringing great glory to Him by fulfilling the purpose He puts you here on earth to fulfill."

You can learn more about EVENTS where you can participate in GPS Life Journey or CONTACT us to discuss further. 

Did you know that you can now do GPS Life Journey online via Zoom? Here's a transcript of what was shared in this video.

"Hi, I'm Emily Miller. I'm the director for Southwest Florida and also the lead on GPS Life Journey via Zoom. We offer group opportunities.  Available Tuesday night, Eastern time, and we have all the details on the website. So please click here to go check it out to find out when the next group is happening.

For a limited time, we have available 1 to 1, that's where I will be able to guide you through the GPS Life Journey online using Zoom.  It's scheduled at your convenience. So if that group option isn't convenient for you, then know that you do have the availability of doing this process at a time that works best for you, subject to my availability. 

I look forward to helping you discover God's plan for significance in your life at this stage. God bless." 

Contact us or check out the Events page for upcoming opportunities to participate in GPS Life Journey.

Ronnie Rollins had been in a transition stage of his life for well over a year when he became aware of the GPS Life Journey course.

Ronnie shared, “I had struggled significantly seeking to find direction and purpose for my life. I had been forcibly retired from my profession by new management. It did not take long for me to discover that retirement was not for me.”

Ronnie enrolled in a GPS Life Journey Small Group with seven other individuals. “GPS Life Journey was the answer to my dilemma. I immediately came to an understanding of myself better than ever before in my life. I saw clearly how God had uniquely shaped me with gifts, passions, experiences, personality, abilities, and strengths. I knew what direction in life was best suited for me,” Ronnie explained.

For the first time in his life, he knew his purpose in life. He now has a personal mission statement that he is passionate about. He sees clearly how fulfilling his mission can bring a sense of significance to his life and be a blessing to others he serves.
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Perfect Fit
“Now I am pursuing a new profession after retirement that perfectly fits who I am.” Ronnie became a part-time maintenance man for his local church. His supervisor at his new job declared, “Ronnie is a God-sent blessing to me and the entire church. We have benefitted tremendously from his skills and his desire to serve others.”

“I am also fulfilling my God-given life purpose of serving others through the gifts and abilities that God has given to me. It is so rewarding to know that God has shaped me to make a difference in the lives of other people by simply doing what I do best.”

Recently the Pastor of Ronnie’s church asked the congregation, “How many of you has Ronnie Rollins helped build or repair something around your house?” Over twenty hands went up of grateful friends whom Ronnie had helped. Most of them were widows and needy members.

Ronnie highly recommends the GPS Life Journey for everyone who wants to know and fulfill his or her God-given purpose in life. Each of us can and should make a difference in life. Each of us can and should leave a legacy that impacts the lives of others.

Ronnie Rollins was a retired Property Manager in Kingsport, Tennessee and a retired Church Maintenance Man in Estero, Florida.
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(Story written by Nolen Rollins)  

In this Note from Nolen, you will hear how there are 3 reasons to pursue your God given purpose!

"If you have been through GPS Life Journey, you should know what God's specific purpose is for the next stage of your life. The  question is, why do you pursue fulfilling that God given purpose? 

Reason #1 to Pursue Your God Given Purpose
Now, it may be obvious  to think, well, it's because "That's what God created me for, and it brings me a sense of significance, a sense of, I'm making a difference in the world, at least that part of the world where God has placed me." 

Reason #2 to Pursue Your God Given Purpose
Well, that's a good reason.  Another good reason is we really do make a difference in the world. It's amazing what God is doing all around the world through GPS Life Journey graduates and spreading the gospel and meeting the needs of humankind.  

Reason #3 to Pursue Your God Given Purpose
But really, that's not the primary reason why you should be engaged in fulfilling your God given purpose in life. Jesus said, in John 17:4, "Father, I glorified you here on earth by completing the work you sent me here to do".  Does it not make sense that you will bring great glory to God if you complete the work that God gives you for each stage of your life? 

Know God's purpose for the next stage of your life. Be faithful in fulfilling that purpose, and by doing so, you will bring great glory to God. 

That's what it's all about."

If you have not yet discovered your God given purpose then we invite you to participate in the GPS Life Journey process.  We have facilitators around the world who can help you either in person or online via Zoom.  Check the events page or contact us for more details. We look forward to helping you bring great glory to God.

In this video, you'll hear from Nolen Rollins, the founder of GPS Life Journey and others about what the benefits are from participating in the GPS Life Journey process.

In John chapter 17, verse four,  Jesus, God, the son is talking to God, the father, and he says, I have glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work you sent me here to do.  [Nolen Rollins] "My question for you is this, have you glorified, or are you glorifying God because you're engaged in faith, fulfilling the specific work that God has for you to do here on earth?" 

GPS Life Journey will help you discover your purpose here on earth and the good works that God has created you to do to bring Him glory.

Loreen Robertson says, "I love participating in GPS Life Journey. It really gave me a sense of purpose and focus for my life.  I definitely would recommend GPS Life Journey because it will just give you a more focus and significance for your life."

GPS Life Journey consists of eight facilitator led sessions: 
 
1.  Discovering My Personality
2.  Discovering My Experiences, Abilities and Strengths
3.  Discovering My Passions, Spiritual Gifts and Values
4.  Discovering How to Get Direction from God
5.  Developing My Personal Mission Statement
6.  Developing My Personal Vision
7.  Developing My Priority Action Steps and Venues
8.  Developing Margins in My Life

Janine Bateson says, "God has placed me exactly where he wants me. He is having me do exactly what he wants to have done and I would not have known."

Paula Mills says, " It is an absolute joy to know that I'm living God's purpose for my life. It takes a lot of stress out of my life. It gives me great happiness and I love watching other people find their purposes in life.  It's just a win win situation."

There are several formats for participating in a  GPS Life Journey group , from an eight week small group to a two day intensive Blitz format. There is a format that will fit your schedule. 

Pastor John Hunn says, "GPS Life Journey has been an amazing benefit to our church here at First Baptist Lenore City.  It has been an absolute godsend, so much so that we made it the year of mobilization. Over 200 of our members have discovered their life purpose and we loved it so much. This year is our second year of mobilization."

We encourage you to join over 20, 000 people. in over 30 countries of the world who have discovered their God given missions for the next stage of their lives.  By doing so, you too will bring glory to God by accomplishing the work that He has for you to do while here on earth.

Please contact us for a list of all upcoming GPS life journey opportunities and discover your specific God given mission for the next stage of your life.  Or check out the events page.  We look forward to facilitating your GPS Life Journey. 

This month's GPS Life Journey Story is from Glenda Haendschke.
"I moved to East Tennessee five years ago having left a very large non-denominational church in Florida where I truly found my home. The move to Florida initially was God-driven but not without some personal strife. It was at that church I was first baptized by immersion and truly felt the Holy Spirit take over my life. It was there where I began to learn about what a relationship with God really meant. I found fellowship with fellow believers and discovered the beauty of studying God’s Word. It was where I found the meaning of God’s Church outside the four walls where services were held. It was where I learned that God does really speak to me
… if only I’d listen.

… And then I did! I was visiting my family in Tennessee and heard the strongest message – so strong I did not think before asking my siblings what they thought about me moving to Tennessee. The rest as they say is history. I sold my house in Florida to a friend from church who had been struggling for months, trying to find the right home for herself, her mom, and her dad. I then moved to North Carolina where I also had another home to sell. God sent a family who was being displaced from their current home to buy it.

Having left a church where I was born again and planted in my spiritual journey, I began my search when I arrived in Tennessee to find the same … and was HARD! I’d go to one church then another church then and still another church before I gave up for a while. I never quite felt welcome or fulfilled. Then, four and a half years later I was led to First Baptist Church, Lenoir City (FBCLC).

I sat in the front of the church and was greeted by a couple who lived near me. They introduced me to a couple of other people and then I heard and met Pastor John Hunn. I left that day feeling like I had finally found my home! My next steps were trying to figure out how to get connected and I found a display table in the foyer that spoke about this GPS Life Journey class. Fast forward a few weeks and I get an email saying new classes were starting up again and asked which timeframe worked best for mean. And thus my GPS journey began.

While I was familiar with and in agreement with the findings of the assessments we took for the class, the jewel really was putting into writing my mission and vision statements. With the guidance of Paula Mills, my facilitator, I was able to focus on my spiritual gifts. I discovered how I could use them not only for the benefit of people in need but also to fill my tank with God’s love so that I could continue being the light God intended me to be.

Setting specific goals and thinking about how and when I could fulfill those goals was a tremendously helpful exercise.  Through those goals I identified certain mission areas that I believe will be great fits for me within FBCLC and enable me to truly become a part of this church family. I feel like I’ve finally found my home.

Thank you, Nolen Rollins, for putting this study together. Thank you, Paula, for being my guiding light through this journey and encouraging me to write these thoughts down. But most of all I am so thankful to God for reminding me once again that He has a plan for me and I just need to listen and obey!"

If you would like to participate in the GPS Life Journey process then please check our Events page.  We offer in person and online via Zoom.  You can learn more about us here.  We look forward to helping you discover God's Plan for Significance in your life.