Sherita
by:John
It was June 2002, myself and three female friends decided to go on a mission’s trip across the United States. We packed our bags and headed west on I-40. I had no idea the adventure that lay ahead of me…
I knew that God wanted to show me something. He wanted to take me to a place where my heart would come alive. San Francisco was that place, Prodigal Project was the vehicle. I ended up at prodigal after a brief connection with someone in San Francisco.
After a roller coaster week during my second visit to San Francisco in February 2004, a friend took me to a bible study at a house located on Haight St. The minute I walked through the door I felt like I was in a familiar place. Seconds later, I found myself embraced by the presence of God. It was everything I desired. The people group was diverse. There were all sorts of nations represented in the room. People were banging passionately on hand drums and singing praises to God. I felt like I was in a dream. This was my heart.
After my visit to SF and then to Prodigal Project I knew I had to go back. There was something about the fellowship God led me to. I knew it was the next place for my own personal spiritual growth. In December of 2003, after 5 years of serving in the field of social work, I quit my career job and bought a ticket to SF. This was the first time I’ve ever stepped out in faith like this. With no job and only a little bit of money I was on my way back to the place my heart felt alive.
I knew very little about the Prodigal Project. I knew that I felt comfortable around the crew. I knew that they had a heart for the lost. It was all I needed to know to make my decision about where I wanted to be. Once again, I had no idea of the adventure that lay ahead.
Crash courses in hippie culture and philosophy often took me for spin. I learned quickly that I was not a hippie. The culture was a lot more intense then I first assumed. My first introduction: a rainbow gathering! For one week and half I camped in the middle of the Shasta mountains observing a people group living counter to the American culture. I was in awe of the ability of a people group determined to get back to the basics of living. Respect, simplicity, and creativity ran ramped in this place. I saw African dancing, free style philosophy, and worship circles all in the same location. I saw people feeding one another and exchanging deep thoughts. It was one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever had. It changed my way of thinking.
After the rainbow, we camped near a beautiful river. I felt inside the desire to jump in a swim. I wanted to forget about all of the reasons I should not. I wanted to forget and so I did. I let go of all of my reservations and gave into the freedom God was offering me at the moment. I dove into the clear blue water, screaming and laughing all the way. That day I became the person I always dreamed of being. Free.
God has used the prodigal project as an instrument to show me how to live. He’s trained me in my gifts and surgically removed my dependency on “Babylon.” I have God to thank for this experience. I have Prodigal to thank for being the vehicle