A Glimpse Into the Forge 2024

Our first semester here at the Forge is wrapping up, and it’s hard to believe that these four months have flown by so quickly! From monthly trips, to biblically rich classes, to the deep community we live in, the Forge has already made lasting impacts on the lives of my classmates and I. 

When I first pulled into the gates of the Shores on move-in day back in August, I remember feeling equally excited and nervous. Having friends that had done the Forge before me, I knew how transformative this program would be, but I also knew that it would come with moments of discomfort and challenges. However, in reflecting on my time here, I can now confidently say that this is the most worthwhile investment I have made for my faith and my identity as a follower of Christ. 

Thirty-two other people, a majority of whom were complete strangers to me, have now become my family. My time at the Forge has shown me what a rich Christian community looks like as I walk alongside my Forge siblings who continually love me despite seeing me at some of my lowest moments. I am surrounded by people who are quick to celebrate and quick to call out sin. I genuinely wake up every day excited to go to class and continue to do life with my Forge brothers and sisters! 

Each of our classes are intentionally prepared to deepen our love for the Lord and His Word. Much of our first semester has been spent learning more about the Old Testament, which has furthered our understanding and appreciation for the New Testament. Our time in class equips us to better know our faith so that we may then share it with other people and remind our own hearts of Biblical truth. I’m really thankful to be able to learn from the wide variety of teachers we have had. 

I would say one of the biggest things I have learned during my time in the Forge is how patiently and steadfastly the Lord pursues me even though I am so prone to wander. As we learned about the Israelites throughout the Old Testament and how often their hearts wandered despite the evident provision of God, I found myself thinking about how foolish they seemed. The Lord then very quickly reminded me of how I am exactly like them—the goodness of God has been so evident throughout my life and yet I continually allow my affections to be directed towards His creation rather than the Creator Himself. 

My time in the Forge has made me more aware of my sin than I feel like I have ever been—I see firsthand how my sinful thoughts can be harmful towards both myself and those around me. Yet my Forge siblings meet me in both love and truth, calling me higher while also being such a safe space for me to navigate these struggles. I am often reminded that the Lord accepts me just as I am but in His love, He does not allow me to stay there. Instead, through His goodness, He makes me more into the image of His Son. I don’t need to clean myself up when I go to Him! His love towards me is not dependent on how well I can love Him but is His perfect character as Abba Father on full display.

The transformation that has come through the Forge looks different for each of us. Here are what some of my Forge brothers and sisters have to say about their time so far! 

“This first semester of the Forge has reminded me that my faith and walk with Christ has to be my own! It’s not up to anyone to have it for me! The Lord has blessed me with incredible leaders, teachers, and friends who help grow and equip me for my walk with Christ, but at the end of the day it’s about my desire to pursue the Lord above all that is going to strengthen my understanding of Christ’s love for me and for those around me!” – Kyndra Samaniego 

“This first semester has stretched my body, mind, and soul to go deeper in God’s word and with community in a way that has taught me the true value of intentionality with my walk and others. Not only has this semester been one of the most memorable seasons of my life, it has been one of the most healing in so many ways.” – Eli Creasy 

“The Forge has taught me so much about the power of introspection. There is such value in sitting silently before God and letting Him teach you about the way He made you!” – Justice Crutchfield 

Throughout these four months, I have seen the Lord answer the prayers of my Forge brothers and sisters. I have seen the Lord’s sovereignty in bringing 33 different people together and unifying us through His Spirit. I have been cared for and seen in ways that really just bring me to tears when I think about it. My time in the Forge has been a picture of us running the good race together, continually cheering one another on in the hard moments and celebrating each other in the good. Wow am I grateful for this sweet life that we get to live together in Tyler, Texas!

– Bright “Baker Slayfield” Qiu, Forge Class ’24