By Kate Moffatt
This week each of the Capital Fellows submitted a paper on the book of Daniel for one of our classes. The question prompted us to reflect on why Daniel and his friends chose to conform to the culture of Babylon when they did, and when they did not. Daniel's convictions were confirmed by the Lord as honoring because God continuously allowed him to prosper in exile. Daniel was following the advice of Jeremiah to the Israelites before they went into exile to seek the welfare of the city. A few verses later Jeremiah writes:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11-13
We are left with the question: how are we, as Capital Fellows, supposed to seek the welfare of the community where God has placed us now? It is evident in Scripture that is what God tells us to do, but the “how” is what we get to wrestle with as Fellows. I am grateful for the Capital Fellows program because we are learning to grapple with the application of Scripture.
In one of our summer readings, Visions of Vocation, Steve Garber asks, “Is it possible to know the world and still love the world?” In class, church, and our discussions we get to talk about the ways in which we are learning to “know the world” and “love the world” better. At work and within our communities we become increasingly more aware of the world. Then we bring what we know of it into class or to our community, and think through ways we can better love the world.
While I would love to say that I have found the answer, I can't say that I know the full answer. However, I can say that having a Christian community walking alongside me that is also convicted by God’s Word, has allowed me to have a clearer picture of God’s grace for me and the world. Going into the Capital Fellows program and not knowing who my future classmates were going to be led me to set my expectations low. Now, I see how wrong I was to doubt that the Lord would provide anything but the best. Getting to know each individual I’ve met in the program has allowed me to see just how much the Lord cares for us and how truly good His plans are for us.
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7
Pictures from the Week
Post church hangs with the Capital Fellows fam!
The one where the city Fellows meet up with Martha and the amazing MOOSE!
Post church selfie!!
One more dye war picture because there will never be too many!
Become A Capital Fellow in 2022-23
We are now receiving applications for Season 16 of the Capital Fellows program!
Most fellows work in the marketplace - for companies, nonprofits, government offices. Three Capital Fellows work at our church each year as well. For these roles, we are looking for a worship fellow, a children's ministry fellow, and a missions fellow. These are special Capital Fellows opportunities because the Capital Pres Family not only pays your salary, but also pays your Capital Fellows program fees!!
The Season 16 program year runs from late August 2022 through mid-May 2023. If you are a college senior or recent graduate - or know someone that is - we would love to hear from you!
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
In the coming weekend, the Capital Fellows will trek to North Carolina for the annual TFI Micah 6:8 Conference. Our speaker this year is Ambassador John Richmond, who has worked most of his adult life on the problem of human trafficking. Please pray for traveling mercies and for our Fellows, Ambassador Richmond, and the roughly 300 other attendees as they learn to grow in God's call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Want to pray for the Capital Fellows throughout the year? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
Benefits of The Fellows Initiative
You probably already know that Capital Fellows is one of 32 fellows programs in The Fellows Initiative network. Capital Fellows benefit from our affiliation with The Fellows Initiative in many ways. One of those ways is that all Capital Fellows alumni receive a 33% tuition discount at Reformed Theological Seminary for 5 years. For more information, please contact us.
If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining The Fellows Initiative by launching a new fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.
Want To Read More?
Signup for the Capital Fellows blog email! Emails are sent weekly during the program year. An unsubscribe link is provided in every email.