"Learning and Impact: How The Start of Pittsburgh Fellows Changed My Perspective on Both" by Andy Lynch
I have always loved the Bible Verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, and it has always served as a focal point in my love of learning and desire to make an impact. Before finding Fellows, I often sat with it on my mind, questioning what exactly Christ wanted from me. As I sit in prayer, and reflect on the last two weeks, I can only begin to comprehend the opportunity that God has granted me. Through Christ, I can continue to learn, and make an impact on the communities around me, all through His strength.
While I have already learned so much, two moments stand out to me. The first is that according to my Clifton Strengths 34 results, my top rated strength is learning (who knew?)! Learning about my own strengths, and the strengths of the other Fellows made me realize something. We have been blessed with many strengths, and despite them being different, they allow us to come together to better serve Christ, our work, our communities and ourselves. It was here that things started to truly click into place for me, about how I can learn, make an impact on my community, and strengthen my relationship with Jesus.
It wasn’t until the first week of work, however, that things fell into place for me, or as in place as they can be for a Pittsburgh Fellow of approximately two weeks. I started my work at PGT Trucking, and began to learn a whole new field. I saw how the actions of a few people can impact the entire United States. A safe, efficiently run trucking route can bring needed supplies or materials to someone in need, complete a necessary project, and provide work for a great many people. But it can’t happen if you aren’t willing to learn how to work with others.
That point was driven home that night during my service at Light of Life, where myself and a few other Fellows are blessed with the opportunity to assist with child watch. Here I saw the importance of learning how to help the children feel welcome and at home, something that in many ways, was something we were learning at Fellows as we have moved in together. Beyond that, I saw the impact that just over an hour of my time could have on others, and it made me excited. Excited to make an impact on my communities through my gifts the Lord has given me, and excited to learn how to better use them in service of God and others!
-Written by Andy Lynch, Class of 2027
Andy attended Duquesne University and works at PGT Trucking as a Pittsburgh Fellow.
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