Why Gap Matters.

“Father, I know you’re not done with me here yet. I want to walk alongside young men and woman as they make decisions to model their lives after you and not the world. As they chose to be awakened to real love in the Kingdom. I love being beside people in that process. I know you’re good and I ask to be led further on this path of growth. In your name I pray. Amen”

I had graduated from college in 2016 and went directly into the missions field in 2017. I completed an 11 month mission trip called the World Race. I remember deciding, “I will no longer allow the world to tell me who I should be, or what I should be doing. Jesus is the only one who can tell me WHO I am.”

I learned how Jesus looks in cultures all over the world, and I learned that we have much more that brings us together than draws us apart. I learned the true value of gratitude and choosing to love others when it’s difficult. From my time on the race I was able to be a leader of my team and I learned to step into those spaces that I’m most afraid of because the Lord has already triumphed over them.

After praying to have another opportunity to stand alongside young men and women as they recognize and walk in their full potential in Christ, I wanted a chance to lead by serving young men and women in everyday life in the US. It wasn’t until 6 months later that I got accepted to Denver Gap Year. I believe Gap Year Programs are important because they exist to come alongside those generations that come behind us. Our heart is to lift generation on our shoulders to receive the love of Jesus. They are designed to awaken and initiate young men and women before they step into adulthood. If they are provided with a space to cultivate Christ within them, we believe they are set up for a future that is aligned with Jesus and His Kingdom, not the world and it’s systems.

I’m so excited to be on staff with Denver Gap and I’m honored to serve a city that I never thought I would have the opportunity to be apart of! I grew up in Alaska and then attended the University of Northern Colorado for four years where I ran track and field. I’m thankful for the opportunity to plant long term in a state that I love, doing the work that is so dear to my heart. I completely believe that a Gap Year can challenge and change the systems of the world by offering up a Kingdom option for young people to take ahold of. We live in a time where people are looking for something real, and authentic. We believe in seeking out the authenticity within each person and drawing Christ out of people so that the world can indeed be changed. If you or anyone you know is looking for something other than the “status quo” Denver Gap Year is the place for you.

With love,
Alisha