PBA Dancer Rediscovers Calling in the U.K. Mission Field

Bethany Wolek is a Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) senior who spent her summer serving in the U.K. with the Alliance for Transatlantic Theological Training (AT3). AT3's goal is to send young interns interested in church leadership to the United Kingdom. During her time in Stockport, England, Wolek had several surprising revelations about her own personal calling in the mission field.

A Lifelong Passion and a Dream to Move People to Christ

Wolek is a dance major with a concentration in ministry and a minor in English. For as long as she can remember, Wolek loved dancing. At the age of fifteen, she discovered her passion for combining dance with ministry. Even though she was just a teenager, Wolek felt sure that dance ministry was her divine calling for many years. She spent the past three years as an active member of the PBA Dance Department, dedicating constant hours in and outside the studio to prepare for a career in this field.

"I am thankful that PBA gives us so many opportunities to connect with different ministry programs and international ministries," Wolek shared. "The faculty and staff here are overqualified and extremely well-connected in their respective fields. I thank God every day I get to be on this campus."

After years of pursuing her career in dance ministry, Wolek started having doubts about whether this was a viable career path for her because it seemed opportunities in the field were limited. She decided to take a break from dance and travel with the AT3 summer internship, hoping she would receive some much-needed clarity for her future.

God Opened Doors she Didn't Know Existed

Much to her surprise, once she arrived in England, she was suddenly surrounded by people using the gift of dance for God's glory. She attended several classes by believers who combined movement with ministry efforts. Wolek was stunned by the impact of dance ministry in the U.K. Initially, she expected the summer to be a time of reconsideration regarding her calling; instead, it turned out to be one of confirmation. Wolek felt like God was telling her not to doubt all the unique and wonderful plans He had for her future.

"Dance expresses the grace and the love of God in a way that touches hearts and souls," Wolek said. "I've seen the Lord work powerfully and change lives through this art form, and I saw it again this summer. I wasn't expecting it, and I wasn't ready."

To Go Where God has Called You

Without the influence of the Holy Spirit, Wolek doesn't know if she would have considered taking the internship. However, this summer taught her to continually chase after the things God puts on her heart. She hopes other students can truly allow God to use their summers or breaks during the school year.

"He might be calling you to go somewhere unexpected, and you won't regret following His call," advised Wolek.

To learn more about PBA's dance programs, visit their website.