By Wells Armes - Class of 2024
I am extremely blessed that God brought the Charlotte Fellows program into my life.
Throughout college, I experienced great friendships and memories in both Athens, GA and Chapel Hill, NC. However, I was not devoted spiritually during that period of my life. My relationship with Jesus was not my top priority. During my senior year, I was looking for answers as to why I felt empty and began to realize my deep need of Jesus. Nearing graduation and looking for Christian community and spiritual growth, one of my mentors in Chapel Hill, Madison Perry, encouraged me to look into Fellows programs and I am so grateful he did.
A few weeks ago, Aaron Ingle, a Pastor at Hope Community Church, preached on Mark 2. He focused on God’s scandalous grace. In verses 13-17, Jesus calls one of the most conspicuous sinners, Levi, to follow him. As a Jewish person working for Rome, Levi was hated and despised by his people because he left them behind for his own financial gain.
Despite this, Jesus threw a party for tax collectors and sinners (including Levi) who were regarded as some of the worst enemies of the people of God. Many wondered why Jesus did this and he responded “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17 ESV)
For Jesus to meet and love Levi exactly where he was, provides great hope that Jesus can meet us where we are in our lives today.
And Jesus has met me here. He has put the right people in my life during this program as I grow in my pursuit of Him. Through my boss at work, mentor, fellow fellows, host family, and others, I have been poured into and experienced the love of Christ. I am leaning into the truth that my acceptance by Christ is not based on “getting better” or proving myself. I am who the Father says I am, a loved son of God seen through the eyes of grace.
As this journey continues, I am excited to see what God has in store and praise Him for what he is doing in my life and in the lives of others!