“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
1 Thessalonians 2:8
And just like that, our nine months as Fourth Fellows has come to an end — months full of new jobs, friendships, grief, joy, lots of snow, and many meals shared together, wrapped up neatly with a bow.
This class has been characterized by their thoughtfulness, their eagerness to celebrate one another, and their outward facing nature (as Tanya says). We all came into this year as extremely different individuals, and I hope that the best bits of each of us have rubbed off on the others.
The way that Selby asks sincere questions, the way Alice hosts a party, the way Andra waits for the last person in a group. Maddie’s heart to worship, Sally’s care for the earth, Jason’s inclination to seek out the simple joys. Mary Frances’ gift of baking your favorite treat, Rafa’s quickness to sing and dance, Zach’s passion to share how the Lord has transformed him. Amidst our differences, we have grown in Christlikeness together, which is the sweetest gift to rejoice in.
There is a quote I love from Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. As we enter into whatever season of life the Lord is calling us into next, I imagine that these words will slowly become more true to us. When reflecting on our Fellows year, while we hopefully maintain some fun memories and quotes that impacted us, what will remain is the sweet taste of living alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. I might not remember the way that my friends volunteered to do the dishes after roundtable, or the intimate details of our carpools to Cornerstone each week. I may not recall all the reasons we laughed together, or what the Lord showed me during a spiritual formation session.
Although I would love to remember all the good and beautiful parts of the year, I think this lack of recollection works in favor of God’s glory. Every good thing I have experienced in my friendship with another is fruit from what the Lord is doing in their life. That is simple and true, so that I cannot point back to my friend’s righteousness but where that righteousness comes from. It has been an honor to be a Fourth Fellow among my nine friends and receive this insight to the work of God’s mercy in their hearts.
Thank you to everyone who has made this year possible. Mentors, bosses, host families, church members. Whether we interacted with you once or each week, you have impacted this group of fellows greatly.
The fellows on their closing retreat!
About the Author
Christiana Hewlett is a member of the Fourth Fellows Class of 2025-2026. She is from Hollywood, Florida, and is a graduate of Samford University. This year, she is working for Rockville Women’s Center.