I’ve got another wonderful final graduation project to share with you today. It is such a great opportunity that the young people have whilst they are here, to write, record and release their own song. Maddy from Germany was with us from January to September 2019 and she was just 18 when she arrived.
- Which Catalyst stream were you a part of?
I was in the Creative Ministry stream.
- What did you learn from your experience on Catalyst?
I learnt how to worship God in a deep and true way. It was necessary for me to understand that I am not in the centre, Jesus is! All the melodies that I sing are for Him and to Him, because He created me to worship Him.
I also learnt to be confident in worshipping Him. Many times, I wasn’t sure if worship really is my ministry. Sometimes I thought I can’t please Him with my voice. But through the period at Ashburnham Place with many worship sessions, I had less and less doubts and I got to that point that I even wanted to write a song for Him.
Actually, I had not expected to write a song, but deep in my heart it was always a desire.
- What was your final graduation piece about?
My own written song is about faith, it’s called Fearless. God believes in us. His belief to us is unfailing! If a person believes in God, he/she can trust in Him and keep the hope of eternal life. The faith and trust in God can be visualized as a foundation of a house. After the foundation is firm you are able to start with the construction and build on it.
In my opinion, fearlessness is a massive column, which takes time to build. In the end it is worth it, because fearlessness will open new doors.
I think this Bible verse is perfect to demonstrate the essence of my song: “For we live by faith, not by sight.“ (2 Corinthians 5,7 NIV)
- What are you doing now?
After Ash I started University in my home city Berlin to study Journalism. I’m very grateful about the time in Ashburnham Place, because it was a perfect recovering in God’s peace before starting the busy life as a student.
- Any advice or message for future Catalyst members?
I think many ex-volunteers said this before, but try not to be distracted by other things which don’t please God. That time is a GIFT OF GOD.
Thank you Maddy, it was so beautiful to watch you perform your song live at the August 2019 graduation, you touched each of our hearts. God bless you in your studies.
