Ana Megrelishvili went by a troubled childhood: her household was poor and in disarray, and her personal father sexually abused her. However, she didn’t let trauma form her id, and he or she ultimately discovered therapeutic and peace after happening a silent retreat. On this episode, Ana joins Tommy Thompson to share how she immigrated to the US, overcame her resentment of God, and is now altering the lives of many after absolutely understanding her objective in life. She talks in regards to the origins of her non-profit Christian Professionals Community Worldwide and the way they’re addressing the worsening state of homelessness within the nation.
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The Transformative Energy Of A Silent Retreat With Ana Megrelishvili
Welcome again to a different episode. We’re in retailer for an incredible story and one that’s not solely going to be an inspiring story to know, however one that’s going to have some unimaginable takeaways for all of us which can be studying. My particular visitor isAna Megrelishvili. Ana and I has simply been attending to know each other. I used to be launched to her wonderful story and the issues that she’s doing by a connection service that we each undergo. I’m excited to listen to in your story. Welcome to the present. I would like you to say hello first then I’ll inform individuals about you.
Tommy, thanks a lot for having me in your present. I can’t wait to share my story along with your readers.
We talked for a little bit bit earlier than we began and felt an actual instant kindred spirit when it comes to why we’re doing this and our coronary heart to hopefully be capable to assist individuals and significantly, you could have an actual message for area for all times so there’s an actual reference to that. Ana is the Founding father ofChristian Professionals Community and the Creator ofDiscovering Braveness to Change.
Rediscovering God And Changing into An Trade Pupil
Her story is wonderful going again to a childhood in Moscow and fairly a troublesome story that we’ll know rather a lot about and never coming from a imprecise background. It’s coming from a really completely different background. I’m excited to find out about all of that. As you got here to a spot of religion, this expertise of how silent retreats have influenced your path and your stroll with God, in order that’s a spot that’s new to so many people and but, has such potential to be life-changing. I’m so excited to find out about that. Ana, I like to have you ever let you know a narrative to start with.
Lots of people who know me now and know what I do are very stunned after they hear the place I come from and what background I come from. All of the ache and all of the struggling that we undergo are meant there to show us a lesson and to make a stronger. This time, I don’t need my ache to be purposeless. I would like it to convey mild and encouragement to others, so I’m thrilled to share my story with you. As you stated, it’s began in Japanese Europe.
My household initially is from Georgia, the nation, however I lived as an immigrant in Moscow, Russia, for over ten years after I was a toddler. That was very troublesome culturally as a result of as an immigrant, you’re very remoted. We weren’t accepted into the tradition again within the ‘90s. Russia was going by this large struggle with Chechnya. Anyone who seemed like they’re from the Caucus Area with darkish hair and darkish eyes would all the time be focused.
I felt very unsafe always. Individuals spit on me and referred to as me names. It was a part of on a regular basis life. Externally, it was very difficult residing in Moscow. There was one other struggle happening. My father was a raging alcoholic and really abusive to me and my mom. He would go on binges the place he would go away us destitute with no cash and hungry for days at a time. At a really younger age, I needed to begin going out and accumulating bottles from rubbish to go and take it to recycling plant to get some cash and purchase a loaf of bread for my mother, me and my little brother to eat.
As you’ll be able to think about, I carried loads of disgrace as a result of I all the time felt like, “I want my classmates wouldn’t see me when I’m digging within the rubbish.” I used to be hungry. I’ve stolen meals from my classmates out of desperation and issues that you just not happy with while you’re rising up. I’ve stolen meals from gardens primarily based on my mom’s directions. It’s simply been troublesome. My father was abusing me sexually since on the age eight. I carried loads of darkness and disgrace for a few years.
If you develop up like that, not solely I didn’t consider in God. I used to be offended with God. My thought course of was, “If God exists and he permits for all these horrible issues to occur to me as a toddler, I would like nothing to do with this God.” I refused the entire notion that there’s this loving God on the market someplace within the sky watching over us. I didn’t consider in that. I by no means went to church and prayed. The tradition in Japanese Europe is Orthodox Christianity.
If you ask lots of people, are you Christian? They are going to say sure, however what which means, it’s cultural Christianity after they simply go to church to bless, let’s say eggs that they put together for Easter with out understanding what it means. My household was like that, too. They’d do sure traditions with out understanding what it meant. I by no means knew who Jesus was or what he did, or why we’re referred to as Christians. None of it.
It’s fascinating as a result of there’s a model, I’m positive you’re conscious of, that in the US, too. Individuals could have a really unfastened connection to a church and they might establish themselves as Christian, but it surely doesn’t make any distinction. It doesn’t inform their lives to any diploma. Not which means that judgmentally in any respect as a result of that that was my rising up, too. It was in Episcopalian Church. Twice a yr, we had been going to church. I’d have recognized myself as a Christian.
Counter to your state of affairs, I did consider in God, however I didn’t have any substance behind it. I don’t suppose there are lots of individuals, my guess, even many individuals that learn this present that may relate to the extent. of trauma and issue that you just had rising up. I’ve hardly ever heard a narrative, that destitute. I can’t even start to think about how.
If I began going into a few of the tales, it’s loopy what I’ve gone by. To the purpose the place you’d suppose that it’s some film that’s occurring. Once I summarize my household, you’ll be able to summarize it by saying, each single one of many ten commandments have been damaged in my household, together with homicide. Each single one. That offers you a perspective of how my household has been for technology after technology. That’s what I speak about in my e-book, how historical past repeats itself when there’s that sample of trauma that simply will get handed on from father to daughter to so on.
Once more, resented thought of God was very offended. I need to share one story, despite the fact that I had this resentment feeling, God has performed a big position in my life after I was 12 or 13. I didn’t notice that it was God till now that I do know him, however I convey this for instance. Even when we hate and resent and reject God, he’s nonetheless loves us and is there for us even after we don’t notice. What occurred was after I was twelve, my household lastly moved again from Russia to Georgia.
The rationale why was we had been on the verge of turning into homeless. We haven’t paid hire in months. The owner was threatening to evict us. Lastly, my grandmother needed to promote all of her golden jewellery to have the ability to afford to purchase us practice ticket to come back again to Georgia, as a result of she had a one-bedroom condominium that we had been capable of reside in, so we moved again. I began going to new faculty. I don’t have loads of recollections from my childhood. It’s a typical trauma response for individuals who expertise traumatic childhood.
This explicit reminiscence is so vivid that I can nonetheless keep in mind all the pieces. At this second, I used to be exterior my faculty. It was a break in between lessons and out of the blue, it appeared like all the pieces quieted down. Virtually just like the world was in sluggish movement. There was this voice that stated, “You’re meant for greater than this life.” That was the message. Again then, I assumed it was me speaking to myself saying like, “I meant for greater than this life,” however take into consideration logically. I used to be rising up in an setting the place I felt like I used to be nothing.
I used to be all the time instructed that my future is to be any individual’s spouse and mom. I’d not quantity for something. As 12 or 13-year-old, why would I’ve this message that will out of the blue pop like I’m meant for greater than this life? That’s simply not logical. Second, if I had been speaking about myself, I’d have stated, “I’m meant for greater than this life,” however the message was, “You’re meant for greater than this life.” Clearly, that was the primary time God has spoken with out me even realizing it was him.
Even when we hate, resent, and reject God, He’s all the time there for us even when we don’t notice it. Share on X
That second remodeled my life. There was this shift that occurred inside me that I out of the blue felt, I’m meant for greater than this reside. I’m going to do no matter it takes to get out of my circumstances and have a greater life. At that time, what that meant for me, was wealth acquisition. I used to be like, “I’m by no means going to be hungry once more. I’m by no means going to endure. I’m going to get away so far as I can from my household.” That was the one thought course of.
I began investing in my schooling. I took any alternative to go on further faculty Olympics for various arithmetic or chess or no matter it was. Once I was fifteen, there was this competitors that if you happen to received, you bought to go to the US as an change scholar for an entire yr. I used to be going by this course of on my own with out telling my dad and mom as a result of I knew they might not permit me to proceed, then I received to the finals, the place at that time, I needed to get my household contain as a result of I used to be a minor and so they needed to log off on issues.
At fifteen, I used to be good sufficient to know the one approach my father would let me go if we performed on his ego. I first spoke with my grandmother and my mom. I instructed them how we would have liked to play this, and so they approached him. The way in which they supplied this data was, “Think about how individuals would react that your daughter goes to the US. They are going to suppose you’re such an incredible father and you’re paying for this.” We performed my father at a younger age but it surely labored.
You’re very good, too.
Wanting again, this was very manipulative at fifteen to have the ability to mastermind this complete factor with my household however I did it. I got here to the US and God locations me with this wonderful Christian household. That is my first instance ever of being a wholesome household the place there’s love, respect, and ladies has a voice within the household. I used to be like, “That is wonderful.” I see how within the US, there’s a lot alternative. As a lady, you will be no matter you need and obtain no matter you need. I stated, “I’ve to do no matter it takes to come back again.”
The place had been you within the US?
I used to be in Denver, Colorado.
What a good looking place.
It’s wonderful. My household was unimaginable. They had been a lot older. They had been near retirement age. I used to be there thirteenth change scholar. They confirmed me a lot of the US. It’s been an phenomenal expertise. I used to be sobbing after I was returning again to Georgia. I didn’t need to go away.
Did you inform them? Did they arrive to know your story of the place you of your life?
No. It’s quite common when individuals who skilled youngster sexual abuse, they bury that secret on common between 20 to 25 years from the time it occurred earlier than they’re capable of vocally say that has occurred to them. I used to be no completely different. I used to be already in my twenties when for the primary time was capable of inform any individual that has occurred to me. At that time, no one knew I used to be carrying all of that secret on my own with out cheering with anyone.
They didn’t know even the opposite ranges of dysfunction inside your loved ones. They didn’t know that a lot. You simply came visiting as a clean slate for them.
Sure, I did. In a while, my host mom instructed me that she had suspicion that I’ve gone by some abuse however they by no means satisfaction and requested me something that I didn’t need to share. They knew my father was an alcoholic. At that time, the mentality in my tradition was, “You don’t take issues out of household,” so that you don’t share something that occurs inside your loved ones. It’s simply culturally acceptable, so I didn’t share with anyone what’s been happening.
Most individuals who skilled youngster sexual abuse bury that secret on common between 20 to 25 years from the time it occurred earlier than they’ll vocally speak about it. Share on X
Getting A School Scholarship
You made this household. You’re uncovered to a radically completely different world of not solely the US, however a loving, supportive, and sort household. What was subsequent?
Think about, that is the primary time I’m seeing what the household is meant to appear like as a result of all examples round me was additionally dysfunctional household a technique or one other. I’ve by no means seen something completely different. In my younger thoughts, it was the place to be. I t was like the top of milk and honey. I needed to come again it doesn’t matter what. Primarily based on my visa requirement, I needed to go away and I used to be not allowed to come back again to the US for 2 years.
I went again to Georgia and I went to a college there for 2 years, however I all the time knew I needed to come back again. When my visa requirement was finished, I utilized to just one faculty which I knew if I received in, would pay 100% of my tuition, my room, and board which was the one approach I may afford to come back to the US. By God’s will, I received in. That’s how immigrated into the US again into 2008 alone as a result of I received scholarship to go to school.
It’s referred to as Berea School, and it’s a small liberal arts faculty in Kentucky. That is an fascinating factor. I get matched with the second host household. This time, I’m not essentially residing with them however they turn out to be my adopted household within the US. My host father was a Baptist pastor at a Baptist Church and my host mom labored for worldwide mission board. In addition they gently all the time attempt to introduce me to Jesus. I’ve gone to church with them a few occasions, however I used to be not receptive to any thought of being spiritual. I used to be very damage by that God and I used to be like, “No.”
They’ve been the household who prayed for me for over ten years to search out Jesus. It was fascinating as a result of as soon as I did, my host mom stated, “I used to be dropping hope that our prayers would ever be answered since you lived this lavish life.” I had this lovely profession that I made some huge cash in. I traveled the world, had enjoyable, and he or she’s like, “Why would she have relieved this?” There’s a purpose why God positioned us collectively. Not only for me to obtain their prayers, however for them to see an instance that typically prayers take ten years, however they do get answered.
That’s such a such an vital message. It’s vital one for me to listen to as a result of we do simply lose hope for these conditions that from all exterior perspective don’t look like they’ll by no means change. Whether or not it’s with certainly one of our personal youngsters or somebody that we’re praying for that’s sick. There’s so many conditions like that. In our personal understanding, we will’t perceive why the prayers take so lengthy and but yours is an instance. We referred to as to persevere and we could not ever know why it takes so lengthy. That’s wonderful.
Listening to A Direct Message From God
God’s timing is his timing. His methods usually are not our methods. After I graduated faculty, I went and received my MBA, then I simply began my profession in gross sales as a result of for me, wealth acquisition was my God. I knew I needed to make some huge cash. My dream was to purchase a good looking rental within the large metropolis. That was how I needed my American dream. I did that for years. I used to be climbing the company ladder. I’ve traveled 44 States and over 20 nations with work. I used to be residing my dream at that time.
I achieved my dream of buying my rental in March of 2020. I bought it in Atlanta, Georgia, and I spent hundreds of {dollars} renovating it as a result of I needed it to be excellent. I transfer in in my fantastically renovated rental and a month goes by, I’m sitting on my sofa ingesting espresso and this thought comes by, “Now what?” I understood that I’ve labored so exhausting to attain this dream that I assumed goes to make me completely happy, and it solely made me completely happy for 30 days. Now, I’m once more again to feeling this, “One thing is lacking,” which, at that time, I didn’t understand it was God who was lacking.
This hole I used to be making an attempt to fill with experiences, being busy, touring, and shopping for issues, I used to be like, “That is on sustainable. If I simply personal my life and work exhausting for years at a time to purchase the following large factor solely to really feel fulfilled for 30 days then really feel the identical hole once more. I can’t try this. That is non-sustainable,” then COVID hit. We lastly have all this free time, so I made a decision I’m going to begin going to hypnotherapy. I’ve finished loads of remedy all through my years, which was wonderful to heal my previous however I needed to do one thing even additional.
I had loads of suppressed anger towards my father that I didn’t notice I had till I began going to hypnotherapy. That helped rather a lot with the therapeutic course of. One expertise that I’ve had is, I had virtually an encounter one thing that I knew was past me. At that time, it wasn’t like clearly God or something. I used to be like, “Do one thing.” That opened up one thing in my thoughts. A couple of months go by, after which October of 2020, I out of the blue get awoken in the midst of the night time and it’s 3:00 AM and I’m like conscious, which is tremendous uncommon. I often sleep by the night time. I’ve by no means prayed in my life, however that night time, I really feel compelled to hope.
I don’t know the right way to pray at that time, so I simply stated one thing like, “God, if you happen to exist why do I really feel this fashion? Why do I really feel like one thing is lacking? What’s my objective on this life?” All of a sudden, I hear an audible voice. Not inside me however exterior of me. There’s this voice that speaks and says, “Go to the shop. Put together meals and feed the hungry.” That’s it. That’s the message. I’m freaking out like pinching myself, like, “Am I sleeping?” No, I’m awake. This occurred. One way or the other, I pressured myself to fall asleep and stated, “I’m going to simply take into consideration this within the morning.”
I fall asleep and the following morning I get up, I do know in my intestine one thing has occurred. I referred to as into work and I inform them, “I would like to non-public day. I can’t are available in.” I’m going to the shop and purchase up provides. I come residence and ready 24 luggage of lunches. I pack them up in my automotive and at that time, I do know that I’ve seen loads of homeless within the downtown space of Atlanta, so, I simply drive there. Each time I’d see any individual on the street, I’d cease. I say, “I’ve lunch. Would you want some lunch?” I began giving them out.
About an hour goes by, out of the blue I come throughout an entire group of homeless hanging out collectively. I parked my automotive and counted them. I depend the luggage I’ve left and I’ve actual quantity left. I used to be like, “That’s bizarre.” I get this complete large bag and walked over there. I stated, “I made some lunches.” I gave all of them the lunches out. I used to be like, “I’m finished for the day. I fulfilled what I used to be requested to do.” I used to be about to get within the automotive and out of the blue one of many homeless women calls me. She says, “Honey, come over right here.”
I wakened over there. She seems to be at me and says, “I’ve a present for you.” I used to be like, “Okay.” She seems to be in her large bag of all of her belongings and eventually, she pulled out this little fowl product of clay. She fingers it to me with a smile. I take it and it’s a sparrow. On its chest, it was written, “Now, in God’s fingers.” That second, I burst into tears. I really feel like one thing struck my coronary heart. I used to be embarrassed and received in my automotive. I’m sobbing. The one message in my head is, “God is actual.” I get residence and I order my Bible on-line from Amazon.
I’ve by no means heard a narrative like this. He gave you this voice. You don’t actually have a relationship with God, however you hear this voice. You don’t even know what you probably did. You simply do it.
I don’t know if ever skilled one thing that’s supernatural in your life, however when it occurs, it’s so simple that it’s important to determine it out. I don’t understand how individuals expertise it then rejected. God is aware of how he must method completely different individuals. I used to be so hardened by life that he needed to do one thing that drastic to snap me out of it in order that I’d observe it and be like, “I’ve to determine this out.” At that time, and I’m nonetheless am, a really logical particular person. I think about myself extremely mental, then out of the blue one thing like this occurs and also you’re like, “No, this occurred. I’m not loopy. I’ve not made it up, so I’ve to see what occurs with this.”
In some unspecified time in the future, you’ll have to return a number of episodes as a result of for the primary time I shared my story and testimony which had an expertise again after I was in eighth grade. That was as wild, loopy, and supernatural as what you described. Actually, my life previous to that was not within the slightest what you’ve skilled, but it surely was God reaching down in an surprising supernatural technique to say.
I may virtually describe it with the very same feeling, “God is actual.” It’s unmistakably that have. It’s unbelievable while you hit the purpose that turns into simple to you. On the identical time, along with your story and even with mine, he cares sufficient to interrupt and to step in in that non-public away is unbelievable. It’s a good looking story.
I needed to hit at that time in my life the place I needed to begin realizing there must be one thing extra to life than working and shopping for extra issues. That’s when He intervened, as a result of most likely earlier than that second, possibly I’d not have been so receptive. He discovered that hole and He crammed it on the proper time.
That was just a few years in the past.
Going On Silent Retreats And Writing A E-book
This was in October of 2020. It’s been unimaginable. I’ll get again to the shop. There’s a purpose why He helped me discover salvation by a homeless girl, so we’ll get again to that. Let’s put a pin on that one as a result of there’s a good looking craftsmanship with the story. After this complete encounter, I purchased my first Bible. I began studying it, then I simply googled the church and began going to church primarily based on google evaluations. I began learning, after which rather less than a yr later, I used to be baptized. I drove again to Kentucky and my host father was the one who baptized me.
It was a really emotional baptism for each of us in entrance of his church. We shared the story, how I used to be a part of their household for over ten years and he was the one who lastly baptized me. We had been each crying. It was very highly effective. I simply was so grateful that it was him who did it. That total time, since I had the counter with the homeless ladies and thru me realizing what it meant to observe Jesus and baptism. I had this rising feeling of dissatisfaction with my life. I felt like I had to make use of my abilities for one thing completely different than simply gross sales. I felt like It’s pointless.
What I’m doing makes some huge cash, however I’m not serving to. I began desirous about taking sabbatical, however I used to be planning it to do months later down the highway. That unhappiness was rising and rising after which an surprising factor occurred. This was in January thirty first of 2022. I wakened and my telephone is blown up of messages and calls. My household again in Japanese Europe finally ends up being a nationwide information. I open up and my 82-year-old grandfather stabbed his personal son 30 occasions with the knife in his sleep. That’s my uncle. Within the information, I see my grandfather in handcuffs.
Prayers typically take ten years, however they do get solutions. Share on X
I see loopy interviews of him telling the police how my uncle abused him. This was the fruits of my grandfather used to abuse his youngsters after which abused grew to become abuser. That’s how the culminated on this horrific accident. I stored considering like, “What a life he will need to have been residing that it was higher to kill his personal son and take this sin in your soul then proceed residing the best way he did?” I couldn’t take it anymore. I went in and gave my two-weeks discover. I give up my job and I stated, “Lord, I’m going to do no matter you need me to do.”
I put that fancy rental up on the market and stated, “Lord, I’m keen to relocate anyplace. You’re taking me the place you need me to go.” I began by going to heal my relationship with Georgia, the place I’m from as a result of I felt like I can’t settle for myself except I settle for the place I’m from and reconnect with my tradition. I did that and that was therapeutic. I went to Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. I needed to go to all of the holy locations. At that time, I visited like twelve completely different nations with associates and reconnected with associates.
All through the six months that I’m touring, my rental will get underneath contract after which it folds on the closing desk. The second time, the identical factor. Lastly, the third time, it falls, and this had three completely different consumers. At that time, I’m like, “Clearly, Lord, you need me again in Atlanta.” I pulled my rental off the sale and off the market and transfer again to Atlanta. At that time, I made a decision I need to go on a silent retreat. I’m going on my first silent retreat to a monastery in Kentucky. It’s 5 days. You’re in silence. There isn’t a electronics and mobile phone. No person can attain you. I’m fasting, praying, and meditating. It’s this unimaginable expertise.
How did you get the concept for a silent retreat?
My host father. That’s one thing that he has finished. He shared his expertise and this was the time for me to do one thing like this throughout my sabbatical. I fell in love with the apply to begin with. Second, an unimaginable factor occurred. I rolled my e-book in two days at that silent retreat. Discovering braveness to alter got here from that and it was very fascinating. I used to be praying about like, “Lord, is that this simply the therapeutic for me or is that this one thing that must be printed?” God spoke, “No, this must be seen by others.”
I stated, “Lord, I do know nothing about publishing. What am I purported to do? Do I like to determine the right way to publish myself? Do I ship it to publishers?” The message was, “How about choice C? You don’t must do something simply inform individuals about it. I’m going to ship you any individual who’s going that will help you to publish it.” Actually months go by, I’ve a espresso with a enterprise acquaintances sharing this story and he or she says, “We’re going to this networking occasion. I’m going to introduce you to my buddy. She helped me publish my e-book. She might help you as a result of that’s what she does.”
Positive sufficient, I didn’t should do something. An individual got here to me. An incredible expertise and really inexpensively, I used to be capable of publish my e-book with out doing any further effort by listening to what God needed to say. It’s wonderful. The title of the e-book got here from God. The duvet got here from the imaginative and prescient that God gave me. Every part simply got here. I do know this isn’t a typical expertise for writing books, but it surely was unimaginable.
It’s the top of the yr, so my sabbatical is coming to an finish. It’s December of 2022. I’m going on one other silent retreat to a unique monastery. This time, the purpose is particularly, “Lord, my sabbatical is coming to an finish. I nonetheless don’t know what you need me to do. Inform me what you need me to do.” I’m praying and the entire time God is quiet. I don’t hear something. Nothing. It’s the final day. My final prayer session earlier than I fall asleep and the following day, I go away. I’m praying and I stated, “Lord, I haven’t heard something from you. I assume I’m going to return to gross sales and wait on you and see what doorways you open or closed.”
All of a sudden, it appears like this wave or tsunami. I’ve talked to individuals who’ve skilled visions too, and so they all describe it. It’s like this vitality that’s very exhausting to explain that feels simply hits you. All of a sudden, I see this imaginative and prescient like a marketing strategy virtually. It’s like this image. Think about within the ‘70s when slideshows had been proven and also you modified the slide within the projector. That’s the way it was. It’s like one image and one other image. It was all about fixing homelessness in the US by this explicit approach.
I see this newspaper clippings that say, “This group solves homelessness in the US.” I see myself talking in entrance of hundreds of individuals, describing the way it began and I pulled down on my knees sobbing once more. I’m like, “God, how am I supposed to simply know? I can’t do that. I’m no one. I don’t know anyone. I don’t have energy and cash. I can’t do it. That is an excessive amount of.” I’m sobbing. I’m going residence the following day and I referred to as my host father. I inform him in regards to the imaginative and prescient.
Creating A Christian Neighborhood And Addressing Homelessness
I stated, “What do you suppose?” He stated, “Nothing about it tells me that this not come from God. That is very Godly. You’re purported to do it and if God confirmed you, which means it’s a finished deal. It’s important to begin strolling towards that course.” I stated, “Alright, if this was a five-year plan, how would I do it? I must develop my Christian circle.” I’m an Atlanta, Georgia, and I’m googling Christian meetups and Christian networking organizations, and I couldn’t discover something that met persistently each month. I stated, “I’m going to begin my very own.” I began Christian Professionals of Atlanta.
A variety of homeless individuals returned to homelessness inside 5 years as a result of they lacked Jesus as their basis and the group to belong to. Share on X
I begin the group, and out of the blue all this Christians come collectively. Enterprise professionals who simply need to meet different Christians and we meet each month. We centered on philanthropy. I featured it for a non-profit. We do loads of volunteer work and so forth. All through this complete time, I’m additionally learning homelessness as a result of, belief me, if I had been to select a subject for me to serve, it could not have been homelessness. I knew nothing about it. I’m keen about serving to youngsters.
This was actually one thing that God simply placed on me like, “You had been supposed to do that.” I’m learning this and I’m studying that the primary purpose why individuals turn out to be homeless is what’s referred to as relational poverty. Relational poverty is lack of real connections in any individual’s life, then it’s begins clicking. I used to be like, “Okay, Lord.” I began taking a look at how shelters function and so they concentrate on the bodily wants of the homeless, which is essential.
That piece of non secular and the communities missed. A variety of homeless returned to homelessness in inside 5 years, then it began clicking, like, “Lord, I perceive. They want Jesus as their basis and so they additionally want group.” All of us do. The second yr, I used to be on the point of rebrand our group as Christian Professionals of America as a result of in my imaginative and prescient, I’ve seen this because the US broad group.
I began to rebrand all the pieces however then first request to begin a brand new chapter got here from Brazil. I stated, “This isn’t purported to be simply America.” The rebrand occurred, however the brand new identify finally ends up being Christian professionals Community Worldwide. I’m on the point of begin new chapters, however then earlier than I’m going and do one thing, I nonetheless go on silent retreats and see God’s knowledge. I’m going on a silent retreat and this time, God speaks and He says very poetically prefer it’s rhymed. He says, “Now isn’t the time to begin the enlargement. Now’s the time to begin the inspiration.” It’s like, “Actually? Now? Okay, Lord.”
I’m going in and I begin the inspiration. Inside a month, we’ve nonprofit standing and inside two weeks, we saved IRS approval, which is extraordinary. If that was not God’s favor, I don’t know what’s, so we began. Now, we had networking piece and the nonprofit piece. With the nonprofit piece, we’ve a mentorship program for the homeless. We pair Christian professionals with any individual who’s experiencing homelessness. We now have partnered with current organizations in Atlanta coming in and having that further useful resource. We’ve confirmed this in Atlanta.
Our purpose is mainly begin increasing the identical factor in different cities and begin rising in the US. Let me get again to that story of how I got here to know God. God has introduced me to a homeless girl as a result of my objective in life is to assist the homeless. The purpose is, any individual who’re societies thought of to be on the underside of our societal pyramid who we regularly disregard. She saved my soul. In return, I’m doing all these work for God’s glory and to assist. It will not have been potential if not for any individual who society considers to be a no one.
All of us are His youngsters made in His picture. He loves us and He doesn’t need his youngsters to be residing underneath the bridge, forgotten, chilly, and hungry. To me, this was this fantastically crafted story that He did. Within the US, we love good tales. He crafted it simply this fashion in order that all of it got here collectively and that is what I do now full-time.
I adore it. I believe God loves good tales. I don’t know if anyone else has made this connection. Perhaps I’m reaching in an enormous approach, however as you described your story of being in that silent retreat and God calling you to the homeless, then the slide present. It made me consider Joseph within the Exodus and the way God gave him the imaginative and prescient, the power to interpret Pharaoh’s imaginative and prescient but it surely was Joseph who put collectively the marketing strategy.
It doesn’t say God instructed Joseph the right way to repair the issue. God gave him the you already know capacity to interpret the imaginative and prescient after which Joseph put collectively the marketing strategy. It is sort of a marketing strategy that saved individuals who was ravenous. The parallels, to me, soar off the web page of God gave you the imaginative and prescient, however then you definitely’ve been executing a marketing strategy round that imaginative and prescient. It’s fairly wonderful and it’s definitely astounding to me to think about what it sounds such as you’ve achieved in 2 or 3 years. That’s wonderful.
Happening a silent retreat has been proven by Jesus many occasions within the Bible. Christians must expertise it at the very least as soon as of their lifetime if not yearly. Share on X
I’ve by no means had anyone in comparison with that story, however thanks. That’s lovely. I typically get in comparison with Saul on the Damascus Street as a result of they’d this resentment of God and had surprising encounter, then now I’m doing all this work for His kingdom. I’ve heard individuals examine my testimony of how I got here to know God extra of the Saul, however I’ve by no means thought from this attitude with Joseph and the marketing strategy.
Why Christians Ought to Go On Silent Retreats
You ought to return and take a look at that, as a result of I simply sense unbelievable parallels. You even take into consideration Joseph’s life and being thrown in to slavery by his family. Anyway, that simply jumps off the web page to me, however so wonderful. What I additionally love and it matches so properly with the present, you’re clearly a go-getter. You’re not afraid of doing and stepping out in extremely daring methods and but what has been foundational to you is that this apply of silent retreats, which is so counterintuitive.
It sounds prefer to me too, you’re wiring as somebody who may be very profitable in gross sales to go away and simply be silent to hear. There may be such a message to me for nearly all of us. That even when silent retreats is intimidating, scary, and also you don’t know what’s going to occur, and to be keen to step into that void to hear for God’s voice. That’s highly effective. Not that you just simply did it as soon as, however you can proceed to do that. It’s a strong non secular apply, and I couldn’t agree extra. It’s been one I’d to not put the label silent retreat on, but it surely’s been an enormous apply in my life.
I’ve a doctored it. I’ve gone to on 7 or 8 retreats up to now. I’m going about each 4 months. This apply has been proven by Jesus many occasions within the Bible, so I do consider that, we, as Christians, must expertise it at the very least as soon as in our lifetime if not yearly. I hear typically individuals say, “I don’t have time for it.” I inform them is, “I don’t have time to not have it as a result of the rationale why I’m capable of do issues so quick.” I can go from A to B meandering and moving into all types of the way and ultimately getting there, however God permits me to bypass all this meandering and go extra straight line towards what his imaginative and prescient is and His purpose is.
Whereas I’m going away for 5 days and I can’t work or do something, I’m working. It’s an energetic relaxation the place I’m replenishing myself. I’m looking for God’s voice and see what He needs me to do. Each retreat is totally completely different. I’ll offer you an instance. In my final retreat, I went particularly once more to hunt what He needs me to do subsequent with the group. I take a look at all the pieces that I do, it’s His group. I’m simply right here shepherding it. I’m simply right here to satisfy His imaginative and prescient.
On this explicit retreat, He was quiet about something in relation to the enterprise or the nonprofit. What he spoke about was my character. He confirmed me one thing the place I’ve heard my employer by residing so unexpectedly. The story the place I gave my two-week discover. He confirmed me how a lot I damage that enterprise by leaving so unexpectedly. Years later, I’ve reached out to the proprietor to apologize for my conduct. I used to be like, “I didn’t see how a lot I’ve damage your online business.” They deserved my apology for doing it as a result of I disrupted it. It wasn’t the Christian like conduct.
I didn’t give them extra superior discover to rent. I simply left, and there was another issues that he confirmed me the place I must develop my character as a pacesetter. He centered on that reasonably than extra everlasting or extra pressing issues for me, which was enterprise associated. Each retreat, God goes to take you the place he needs it to take it. You don’t know the place it’s going to go. It’s not essentially your agenda. It’s His agenda.
The factor I’d need to add in a way to what you’re saying that might be useful for individuals is God meets us in my expertise in very completely different distinctive private methods. It feels like and maybe popping out of the depth of the trials and difficulties you’ve had. God has met you in a really direct unmistakable approach many occasions in your life. It’s been my expertise and for others, God communicates, but it surely’s extra delicate. There’s a way, a leaning. It’s extra of a nudging than it’s anything. I’d need to give individuals the permission to not enter into one thing like that with an expectation for the clouds to open and voices to thunder down that God does meet us in such private particular person methods. But on the identical time, He calls us to the braveness to step out.
You’re proper. I’ll show this by sharing an expertise of what occurred on my third retreat. Once I went on my third retreat, the rationale why I went and I didn’t notice it then. I used to be craving that large signal that God has given me the primary two occasions that I’ve gone. Once I went the third time, I didn’t get any something. Nothing was coming. I used to be sitting in a prayer backyard praying quietly sitting in meditating. All of a sudden, there was this quiet voice that got here in and stated, “No extra indicators will likely be given to you. Now, your religion is powerful sufficient the place you must search my voice in quiet locations.”
I used to be like, “You’re proper, God. I got here right here as a result of I used to be craving that indicators and wonders that you’ve been given me.” Right here’s the message that he gave me. The rationale why he did it with me as a result of my face was not sturdy. I would like these indicators to know that he’s actual and to snap out of my earlier life. In that second, he stated, “Now your religion is powerful sufficient. No extra indicators will likely be given to you.”
That’s so fascinating as a result of it’s counterintuitive. We expect that it’s as a result of somebody’s religion is powerful God meets somebody with such large methods. That’s such knowledge and it take braveness to step into quiet. I applaud your self-discipline in making this common apply of it. That is one thing that I’ve inspired to loads of enterprise individuals to do even exterior of the non secular realm. All of us want area in our lives.
The place And How To Begin Going On Silent Retreats
It’s out of the area that readability and focus occur. Even simply from a private progress or a enterprise standpoint or associated to your loved ones, however definitely, in relationship to God, this apply of stepping out. My brother calls it getting off the freeway. It’s such a strong apply. Thanks for sharing that. There’s a lot extra we may speak about and I need to guarantee that individuals have a approach of connecting with you. For those who may give one or two sensible suggestions for somebody who’s by no means thought of the potential of doing a silent retreat. You can say, “Right here’s only a couple. This can be a start line. Right here’s what I’d counsel for you.” What would you provide to somebody?
Initially, don’t do it at your own home as a result of the entire level is to get exterior of your regular routine as a result of even if you happen to determine, “I’m not going to look at TV or be disconnected.” You’ll nonetheless discover issues to do round the home, so don’t do it. Know that you just don’t should be a Christian to do silent retreat. Nor do it’s important to take part if you happen to go to a Catholic monastery or Jesuit monastery. They don’t require you to take part of their companies. It may be fully self-guided.
It doesn’t matter in what state you’re situated. You may simply Google monasteries round me and also you’ll be stunned. I used to be shocked to learn the way many there are in each single state. Lots of them function on donation foundation. You mainly pay what you’ll be able to afford and so they give you your personal room, rest room and a pre-made meals 3 times a day you can absorb silence. It turns into very straightforward since you don’t have to fret about cooking or something.
You shut all the pieces off and it’s simply you and God and commune with him as soon as you identify your apply. I’ve finished it the place I rented a spot on the seaside as a result of seaside is my completely happy place. I precooked all my meals and turned off my telephone. It was a good looking expertise for me. I didn’t need to come again. I’d solely advise so that you can do it by yourself at a unique place. When you expertise extra structured place the place you’ll be able to go as a result of loads of them will do lectures at the start while you verify in that will help you understanding what the apply is. You may attend it or selected to not, but it surely’s useful.
That’s nice. I needed to encourage everyone who’s studying to maneuver on this course. One other chance that I’ve inspired some individuals to do is to interrupt it down into a little bit bit extra of child steps bite-size you can select to simply say, “I’m going to go away.” Even begin a half a day. Go away someplace. As you go away, make sure that all the pieces’s turned off and spend that point. Even that, it’s such a strong step in the appropriate course.
That is so useful. You’re performing some lovely work. I can’t wait. We’ll should have you ever again on in some unspecified time in the future down the highway. Perhaps a yr while you’ve modified the world. It’s wonderful story. Thanks a lot for sharing I, Ana. I’d love to go away individuals with how they are often linked with Christian Professionals Community and with you.
All the data is on our web site, together with our group, our basis, and my e-book. For those who go to CPNWorldwide.com, that’s one of the simplest ways to attach and keep in contact with us.
Ana, this has been a pleasure and a privilege to speak to you. Thanks for simply sharing your coronary heart and for being so open along with your life to alter. Listening is one factor. A bang after you hear is one other factor. I’m inspired and impressed by your story. For these nonetheless with us on this present, that is an incredible story that wants lots of people to know. I hope that you’ll be inspired to share this episode with different individuals. Ana, bless you for the entire good work that you just’re doing and for being a part of Area for Life and for God connecting us. It’s been only a pleasure to be with you.
Thanks a lot. It’s been such a pleasure.
Thanks, everyone, for studying. We will likely be again with one other episode. God bless you all. Thanks. Bye-bye.
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About Ana Megrelishvili
Founder, Christian Professionals Community Worldwide (CPNW) | Creator | Speaker | Neighborhood Chief
Ana Megrelishvili is the visionary founding father of the Christian Professionals Community Worldwide (CPNW) in Atlanta, Georgia, a dynamic platform that bridges skilled progress with purpose-driven influence. Keen about fostering constructive change, Ana leads CPNW with a singular method that blends enterprise relationships with Christian values, igniting a world motion for group transformation.
As a mission-driven chief, Ana ensures that CPNW serves as a collaborative hub, uniting leaders to advance societal betterment by actionable initiatives. Her dedication to group engagement is obvious in CPNW’s month-to-month networking occasions, which not solely foster skilled connections but in addition spotlight native non-profits, offering them with a platform to encourage and provide hope to others.
Along with her work at CPNW, Ana serves on the board of Present-Wrapping Stars for Youngsters and chairs the Saprea gala committee, the place she applies her management and experience to uplift weak communities and assist these in want.
A best-selling writer, Ana shares her private journey of resilience and therapeutic in her e-book, Discovering Braveness to Change, and co-authored Highly effective Feminine Immigrants: Quantity 3, the place she chronicles her inspiring journey from Georgia to the US. Ana’s work as a co-author in Success Redefined, with famend writer Jack Canfield, earned her recognition as an Amazon Greatest-Promoting Creator.
Ana’s journey is a strong testomony to the transformative energy of religion, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to creating an enduring influence on the world.