A Dream Fulfilled
And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21
Jesus said these words to His followers, bringing their attention to the fulfillment of the vision, promise and prophecy of His coming. I share that verse now because on Saturday a vision, promise, and prophecy about my daughter Lauren’s future was fulfilled in your hearing (or reading ;D).
On Saturday, the Greenhouse Arts Center in Harlem NYC opened its doors to cultivate the dreams of the next generation and encourage these little dreamers to make a difference in their world.
After returning from one her many mission trips several years ago, Lauren’s passion for dance and the arts began to develop into something more – a vision for a global arts community. Before going to Uganda, she had wondered what she could possibly bring to the people there that would impact their lives in a positive way. Upon her return, she realized that although she provided meals to those in need and helped to build the local Dream Center, it was when she led them in dance that she saw them experience joy.
She saw a vision for a global community arts center, one where people in comfortable economic situations could support those around the world who wonder where their next meal is coming from. The arts allow people to express and experience their emotions, gifts and talents, and thus a joy that isn’t found in their daily sustenance.
In the years that followed, she dedicated herself to learning her craft and the business of running a ministry. After graduating with her BA and BFA dance degrees from MSU, she spent a year and a half in Australia at Hillsong College learning and serving in dance ministry. Through the prophecy of leaders, God confirmed her vision revealing more and more layers and details daily. She saw it form in her mind, and yesterday she saw it in person. As did people from all across Harlem.
So great was the outpouring of families and students to the grand opening of the Greenhouse Arts Center that they ran out of registration forms and had to add an extra class to accommodate the new students. Her staff of teachers and administrators mingled with the families sharing the love of Jesus through smiles and hugs.
On what she calls her “golden birthday” weekend (turning 27 on the 27th), she saw what was both the fulfillment and the beginning of her dream.
I share her story because she was most unlikely to accomplish all that she has so far. A timid little girl, she actually quit dance class from third to seventh grade because she didn’t have a friend to go with her. Then in college, she didn’t make the cut in auditions to be a dance major. But her tenacity helped her overcome her weaknesses because she sensed God’s calling on her life.
I pray her story encourages you to pursue God’s calling on your life. Even when circumstances seem to thwart your efforts, stand in the confidence that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. All He asks is your obedience to do the next step. And then the next when and as He leads. The completed journey is just one step followed by another.
www.susanpanzica.com
bless you for sharing
Thank you!
Oh Susan, what an amazing story of your little girl. Yes, with God all things are possible. Congratulations to your daughter and the community.
Thanks Iris! I am praying for your dream too.
Hab. 2:3 – “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come.”