I’ve never blogged about my family members by name so they could maintain their privacy. I’m making an exception today. My youngest sister is leaving South Carolina for California at the end of July. She was accepted to the Biblical Counseling program at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita. Please pray for her as she pursues what she believes God is leading her to do. I’ll let her tell you in her own words in a letter she wrote to friends:
I am in need of your prayers. Let me explain:About nine years ago I was listening to John MacArthur on his Grace To You radio program. He was speaking of their Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling program at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California (near Los Angeles). A seed was planted in my heart concerning being a Biblical Counselor.
A lot has happened over the years and now it seems the time is right to pursue it. Last June I was at a crossroads and asked the Lord which direction to go. “Should I stay here in Charlotte, NC to plant roots for Raven and me or should I pursue becoming a Biblical Counselor?†Soon after that, a part of my department at work was eliminated and that got my attention. So I set out to go through the application process. I was accepted in March! Classes start this August 2005.
At the end of April, I got rid of all my furniture and moved in with my Mom in Rock Hill, SC (about 40 minutes away) to save money. I am still working in Charlotte and Raven is about to finish Kindergarten!
The day of departure is probably July 23, 2005. Raven and I will have to fly because my 1995 Ford Escort is not worth the cost of shipping it there and paying for the parts to make it pass the strict California inspection.
My prayer requests are:
- Housing (either a room to rent or a one bedroom which cost $1000/mo.)
- Transportation (there are car auctions every Tuesday) [Shannon would like to buy a car at auction once she's in California.]
- Childcare (my classes are in the evening, so someone will need to be there for my most prized possession)
- Financial provision (I don’t think I’ll be able to work full-time hours)
I know this sounds insane, but I love the Lord and I believe He is calling me to do this. He is all-powerful and makes the impossible possible. Please believe with me for God’s will to be done. I would not be doing this if I did not believe that God has called me!
Thanks for your prayers and support,
Shannon McCoy
Shannon has applied for loans and scholarships, and she wants to finish the program in a year. With the financial backing, she can pursue the degree full time. If not, she’ll work part time and complete the program in two years.
My sister was a Christian years before I was, and she and her husband prayed for me as I pursued a life as far away from God as possible. She’s the sister I mentioned in this story. Unfortunately, Shannon and her husband divorced.
If you’d like to contribute to the Send Shannon McCoy to California fund I set up with Pay Pal, you may do so by clicking the “Donation” button in the left sidebar. Please e-mail me if you have questions and want more information before you contribute:
