why I'm leaving Arkansas.

Dear Friends,

As some of you may know, this is my last semester at the University of Arkansas. I am both saddened to leave such incredible people behind, but elated to jump on the plan for my life that was destined for me before I was even know by my parents.

God has really been at work in my life throughout the past year, and challenging me and taking me places I never even dreamt I would think about going to. However, this journey has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.

At the University of Arkansas, I was majoring in Criminal Justice/Psychology, and I honestly had no clue why. God really got a hold of me and said "I KNOW your plans, I KNOW what you're going to be doing 5 years from now, stop selfishly determining your future, and let me handle it." So, I realized how stubborn and spiritually immature I was becoming, and gave my future up to my Father.

For those of you that know my past, it wasn't unicorns and rainbows. And I firmly believe, more so now, that was given to me for a reason, and that reason involves my future. I have always had a passion for the precious children of God and I yearn to include them in my life in some aspect.

After praying continuously for direction, I have never felt more at peace, and more accountability at any campus in America than I felt at Biola University. Biola is a private school in Los Angeles, CA and is where I will finish out my Undergrad/maybe some Grad studies for College.

I know what you're thinking, LOS ANGELES?? That place is sketch and dark and gross. To that I respond, bring on the uncomfortable, if I let Jesus flow out of every part of me the result would be nothing less than unbelievable.

So, what are your plans now, Lathan? My plan is still being determined, but I am deciding between two different majors, or potentially another double major, but my future is as follows: I firmly believe God has given me a gift, a gift of communication, and a gift of interacting in a Spiritual way with many people that cross my paths. SO, I plan to go to Seminary and pursue a degree in Pastoral Ministry or Youth Ministry and also become a certified Counselor so I can spend some of my time as a Child/Trauma Counselor with the God's precious little ones.

You're going to be a Pastor? How are you going to make a living? To that I respond, money is an object, although a necessity of an object, it's an object. Experiencing Christ and being able to talk about Christ to the Church on a weekly basis, is more than enough "money" than I would ever need and God promises that He provides.


I am going to genuinely miss the friendships that I have built in the beautiful land of Fayetteville, and I am incredibly excited about what the future holds for me and my walk with Christ.


I whole-heartedly say that I was living for my selfish desires and what I wanted, and not what Christ wanted and there is a verse in the Word that I have been chewing on ever since this whole roller-coaster of a journey began and it is what I will leave you with:


"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by FAITH in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20


and, one more...

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way YOU think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you , which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2




God bless each and every one of you.