Networker Experiences

We would like to share with you what God has done and continues to do in the lives of previous and current Networkers. May these stories be a blessing and testimony to God's faithfulness and how he is at work today.

Networker 2010

A Beginning of Transformation by Meagan Bergem
As I sit here, almost two years since I participated as a Networker, I am blown away with where God has brought me. I came here to Fresno, CA with some apprehensions. Why would God be calling me to do ministry so far from home? I know this may seem like a silly question considering I was only committing to a ten week program at the time, but something within me knew that if I went to Fresno for the summer this is where I would end up after graduating. God was already softening my heart for the relationships to come even before I stepped foot in California. 

The summer of 2010 God blessed me with the opportunity to be a Networker at First Presbyterian Church of Fresno. The program stretch and strengthen my relationship with Christ by pushing me outside of my own desires to selflessly serve others. The emphasis on discipleship and worshipping God daily was refreshing. I am still processing what I learned from that summer of growth and development. God used this program as a catalyst for spiritual strength, relational growth, and blossoming of seeds planted previously. My passions for teaching where watered each week, my desire for working with students and helping them created a strong foundation of faith continued to expand, my potential was called out, and my weaknesses exposed. This experience was the beginning of a life changing transformation in my life. 

The Johnson's My Host Family

After completing the ten week program, I walked away a different person. Lifetime relationships were established, Christian community created, and a sense of leaving my "home" behind overwhelmed me. I started my senior year at Taylor University shortly after departing Fresno. A piece of me was still there and a strong desire from God to continue doing ministry in the city. Therefore, through several God divine timings and events I was able to complete my degree in May and move to Fresno in July. 

Since July, I have moved into a big house across the street from the church and am participating in Urban ministry. While volunteering as a Jr. High advisor at First Pres, God has blown a flame of urgency to share the Gospel message with these young teens in a way that transforms their whole lives. As I continue to learn more about myself and how God is shaping me to do his work, I am grateful for the relationships established that summer. These people have helped me adjust to a new place, find a community where I can grow and be challenged, and use my gifts to bless others. I would not be able to stand before you today as I am, if it wasn't for the incarnational work of the body of Christ here in Fresno. I am overwhelmed by God's grace and provision for others and myself as we are obedient to his call in our lives. Although the goal of First Pres is to equip and send out, I am thankful for God's calling on my life to serve in Fresno.