God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the Called!

The title, “An Amazing Adventure,” perfectly describes my team experience thus far, however, another word describes it as well; surreal. I constantly find myself reflecting on everything that had to, “fall into place,” for me to be here, and sometimes it all seems like a dream. I never thought I would be on Captive Free. I graduated from Hartwick College in May, and believed I was hospital bound. I took the fast track to my degree and graduated a year early, for the sole purpose of going on to medical school. Well, since I’m on team, we can all get an idea of the success of my plans.
God shows me each and every day how my plans falter under His. I possessed little musical talent before coming on team; aka I sang in my H.S. Choir. Oh and I can’t read music. I thought that I couldn’t offer anything to Youth Encounter. Through the fall, I sat at home scouring the internet for jobs, praying I could just get an interview; believing if God gave me an interview, I would get the job. That may sound pretentious, but I am trying to become a Doctor. I had no success in finding a job in any hospital within 45 minutes of home. I expanded my search to Oneonta, New York, the town of my alma mater. While I applied to jobs, I sat at home playing Mr. Mom for my younger sister. I cooked, cleaned, and drove her to and from school and sports (soccer and basketball) practice. My plans were crushed. Sure, I want to be a father some day, and those responsibilities will come, but as a 21 year old college graduate I expected more. A job, an apartment, and preparation for medical school seemed like my next “logical” course of action. God had other plans. You may notice on the website I look eerily similar to a young man by the name of Nickolas Meier, my twin brother. He performed a program at Hartwick in November. I anxiously awaited CFEL’s (Captive Free East Lakes) arrival at school. Nick and I had gone to the same college. We completed 16 years of schooling together and even graduated with the same degree. We had never gone so long without seeing each other. Not long after arriving, the East Lakes team told me about the troubles of the Central Plains team, and encouraged me to join. I had been out of work since August, and the thought of doing more than cooking, cleaning, and working out enticed me. I also had my doubts. How could I ever help the Central Plains team? I have no musical talent and without the time for training I questioned what the staff could possibly teach me. Life got interesting over the next few days.
The team left on a Tuesday morning, and left me the office phone number. I called and asked when my application would be due, if they even needed me. I was told that very same day, November 16th. So I sat in my college buddy’s town house for 2 hours, and filled out the application. I submitted the application that night, once again thinking how in the world would I help this team? I prayed, often. Maybe I would finally get the chance to put God first, and not have Him on the back burner behind school and relationships. I kept my mind open and assured the office I was willing to do anything to help, but the plausibility was a different story. I was excited, what did God have planned for me? Then my phone rang. I had a job offer from a hospital in Cooperstown, New York. Everything I had hoped for was in one phone call. I’d finally had the job offer I’d been waiting months for. Yet, something had changed, or should I say someone changed me. God had acted on my heart and suddenly waiting to hear back from Youth Encounter ranked first on my priorities list. About a week later, I received my letter of call to be the team sound technician, and immediately faxed the signed copy back. I’d worked in the technology center at school and thought to myself, perfect fit. The phone rang the next day, and I was informed that Kevin would be the sound tech. and I would be the bass player. With fake confidence I expressed my joy for the position change. When I hung up, the confidence faded. How would I play an instrument? I can barely hit the correct notes while singing in the car and shower, and I don’t have to learn how to use my voice, in theory. When God wills there is truly a way. Nick brought home his team’s bass, and I eagerly began plucking away. Two weeks later, I flew out to Minnesota, and my team adventure began. Looking back, the entire experience is humbling. God truly does amazing things! He equips the called, and He definitely equipped me. Without Him, I would be working in a hospital in Cooperstown, NY, and missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.