The Holy Spirit Is at Work in GPS!

GPS Life Journey Graduate Story by Mary Smith

My husband Chuck and I were seeking a mission-oriented family of believers as we had
moved. To a new city. Immediately following our first visit to a new church Nolen Rollins
noticed and approached us. He invited us to breakfast where we could get better
acquainted.

I remember one pointed question that Nolen asked, “Where are you called to serve?”
We replied almost simultaneously, “Everywhere, wherever God has us at the moment.”
We shared with him that we were running a church planting ministry in India. We
listened to him share how God put it on his heart to plan a new church sponsored by the
church we were attending. This new plant was to be a mission focused church, which
would help mobilize believers to reach the world. My husband and I agreed that if God
wanted us to plant churches in India why wouldn’t he also have us do that at home? We
committed to being on the founding team of Legacy Church in Estero, Florida.

Nolen arranged for all of the leadership team to be part of a home group, GPS Life
Journey. We each took turns hosting a session as Nolen facilitated our lessons. It was a
great time of bonding and learning how to respect and admire each other, each with
different callings and giftedness. What an adventure it was to see how God was at work
in all our lives!

Since completing GPS Life Journey and becoming a GPS Life Journey Facilitator, I’ve
helped to facilitate online classes, couples’ classes, family classes and blitzes in
communities and churches. I’ve been blessed to conduct classes in the USA and in
India.  Although not every attendee has been a believer at the beginning of GPS,
several saw God at work and surrendered to Him before they completed the GPS Life
Journey. The Holy Spirit is at work in GPS!

There are many aspects I love about GPS. GPS is about relationships. GPS is not
something you can do alone by reading a book, watching some videos and answering
some questions. It’s interactive. We need each other and that is very clear throughout
the GPS process. 

Relationships are key to successful GPS, both in the group settings and following up in
people’s lives.  During my preparation for this essay today I received a message from a
former GPS student. I could tell from his message he needed more than just a quick
text reply. A 48 minute phone call later, after reading scripture, praying with him and
reminding him of his GPS mission statement, I believe he was encouraged to stay
strong in the faith and arrange his life in order to fulfill God‘s purpose for his life.

When I first went through GPS it helped me to focus and continues to help me refocus
my activities on His purpose.

I encourage you to clearly understand and engage in God’s purpose for your life
through GPS Life Journey!

May Jesus bless you! 


Mary Smith, GPS Facilitator & Servant of Jesus