so this will be my last post for my epic hawaii summer project blog. it's been such a great journey, from deciding to come, to raising support, raising more support, and through all the struggles that have been endured on this trip. God has been working through our team in ways that we never expected. we've all grown in such unique ways, ways that could not have been predicted. God truly is unique. ask me more about it, and i will tell you more in person.
kevin and i are packing right now. its not as bittersweet as i imagined, more sweet than bitter. the banquet was such a good ending to our summer. after praying over each and every one of our teammates, there was a sense of resolution and commissioning as we are all sent out towards our home cities across the US. as much as i am sad to leave, i am just as excited to continue God's work in my own home and campus at UT this fall.
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(next morning)
so we're about to head to the airport in about an hour. i've been reading facebook notes of people in hawaii on how we have impacted their summer, and it is such a blessing to hear and see how they felt about us in such a loving way. if you want to check them out, go here and here. not sure if you guys have access to their stuff, but if you can, then it is so amazing to see how God has been working through us to impact those around us.
so today i will be flying to lax and im staying at a friends place for a night, then they are taking me to the airport at like 5am the next morning. i'll be in houston by 12 on saturday :) i am excited to see all you houstonians again!
here is a video i made of our last three weeks:
Friday, August 7, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
purpose prevailed
i will try as hard as i can to pour as much thought as i can into this entry..something i havent quite done yet on any of these posts (sorry!). we are currently on our last week here, and so much has happened. lives have been changed within our group and outside our group, and lessons have been learned all across our epic team.
last night some locals that we are friends with here took us out and drove us around the city in the back of a truck. its a common thing here since its not illegal. we love riding in the back of the trucks, although it gets a little scary on the highways. good thing most people dont drive over 60 mph here. while i was sitting in the corner of the truck on the way home from northshore, the sound of the wind kept me from hearing any conversation that was even a foot away from me. i gave up trying and just listened to my own thoughts formulate in my head. i was watching the sun set while in the back of a truck going 60 mph on a highway, and i was thinking about all that has happened up to and throughout summer project. multiple instances i have shared that i could leave now and feel completely at peace knowing that God is in control. i could leave, not out of laziness or lack of energy, but because i know that we have planted seeds here that i cant even comprehend or see. whether i see fruit or not, i know Gods purpose will prevail throughout it all.
when i think about what we did here and ask if it was successful, i can say with no doubt that we were. just the number of people that accepted Christ and rededicated their lives to Him alone make this trip worth it. i've seen how God works in ways that we cant even imagine. if God had sent all 16 of us with the purpose of sharing the gospel to just one person, i would still then consider it worth it.
on this trip, ive watched people change their lifestyles in a matter of less than 6 weeks. i've seen God transform hearts and turn them from their past ways of life. whatever successful is, i know God has been working in the lives of people here, and i know for a fact that lives were touched.
it's so crazy when i share the gospel with someone here who has never heard it before- someone living in america, a "christian nation", yet has not heard the gospel before. for me to be a part of his first exposure to the gospel makes me feel significant and blessed to be a part of Gods purpose.
one of the biggest spiritual lessons i have seen is God's prevailing purpose. i have seen how our team has been flustered and distraught by lack of back ups, lack of plans, lack of safetys, and even a lack of energy. there have been times where we cannot see the point of something, yet the purpose becomes clear after. we experienced failure when we planned and planned for things to go our way, but disappointed to see it stray from plan. we've experienced failure in our eyes, then saw success in God's. its a tough process that requires trust and reliance on God. we learned first hand that we have many plans, but the purpose of the Lord will always prevail.
so going back to texas i am a little nervous and a little excited. excited for Gods unseen plan unfolding for me as i go to a new school, and nervous for that very thing, the uncertainty of my new surrounding in austin. so with just 5 more days, i look forward to making the most out of these days and preparing for 100 degree weather in houston, tx. alright, shoots!
last night some locals that we are friends with here took us out and drove us around the city in the back of a truck. its a common thing here since its not illegal. we love riding in the back of the trucks, although it gets a little scary on the highways. good thing most people dont drive over 60 mph here. while i was sitting in the corner of the truck on the way home from northshore, the sound of the wind kept me from hearing any conversation that was even a foot away from me. i gave up trying and just listened to my own thoughts formulate in my head. i was watching the sun set while in the back of a truck going 60 mph on a highway, and i was thinking about all that has happened up to and throughout summer project. multiple instances i have shared that i could leave now and feel completely at peace knowing that God is in control. i could leave, not out of laziness or lack of energy, but because i know that we have planted seeds here that i cant even comprehend or see. whether i see fruit or not, i know Gods purpose will prevail throughout it all.
when i think about what we did here and ask if it was successful, i can say with no doubt that we were. just the number of people that accepted Christ and rededicated their lives to Him alone make this trip worth it. i've seen how God works in ways that we cant even imagine. if God had sent all 16 of us with the purpose of sharing the gospel to just one person, i would still then consider it worth it.
on this trip, ive watched people change their lifestyles in a matter of less than 6 weeks. i've seen God transform hearts and turn them from their past ways of life. whatever successful is, i know God has been working in the lives of people here, and i know for a fact that lives were touched.
it's so crazy when i share the gospel with someone here who has never heard it before- someone living in america, a "christian nation", yet has not heard the gospel before. for me to be a part of his first exposure to the gospel makes me feel significant and blessed to be a part of Gods purpose.
one of the biggest spiritual lessons i have seen is God's prevailing purpose. i have seen how our team has been flustered and distraught by lack of back ups, lack of plans, lack of safetys, and even a lack of energy. there have been times where we cannot see the point of something, yet the purpose becomes clear after. we experienced failure when we planned and planned for things to go our way, but disappointed to see it stray from plan. we've experienced failure in our eyes, then saw success in God's. its a tough process that requires trust and reliance on God. we learned first hand that we have many plans, but the purpose of the Lord will always prevail.
so going back to texas i am a little nervous and a little excited. excited for Gods unseen plan unfolding for me as i go to a new school, and nervous for that very thing, the uncertainty of my new surrounding in austin. so with just 5 more days, i look forward to making the most out of these days and preparing for 100 degree weather in houston, tx. alright, shoots!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
update
we have less than two weeks left, and we are definitely feeling it. i love everyone here, but i am really missing my friends, family, and church back at home.
we've been getting to know the people who live here and have been hanging out with them. they are a cool bunch. they are mostly from a pentecostal church called assembly of God. we went to a worship night at their church the other day, it was definitely a refreshing experience.
our project directors decided that a couple days of rest would be needed for us to keep us from burning out, or just to give us a break in general. its definitely something that i need, and i look forward to spending these next two days with the Lord.
haha sorry for such a short update. bye bye
we've been getting to know the people who live here and have been hanging out with them. they are a cool bunch. they are mostly from a pentecostal church called assembly of God. we went to a worship night at their church the other day, it was definitely a refreshing experience.
our project directors decided that a couple days of rest would be needed for us to keep us from burning out, or just to give us a break in general. its definitely something that i need, and i look forward to spending these next two days with the Lord.
haha sorry for such a short update. bye bye
Monday, July 20, 2009
bus evangelism
yesterday we had bus evangelism. it was pretty cool and exciting. we went in groups of 6 and distributed ourselves across the bus and just started conversations with people on the bus.
melanie and i worked together and talked to this one lady. she did the small talk while i attempted to lead into spiritual stuff. turned out the lady was a catholic who went to church occasionally. it was really hard to do it with such a loud environment, but after waiting for the opportune moment, i whipped out a spiritual question and asked her how her relationship with God was. i asked her to describe it in 3 different words. she couldnt do it, so i showed her a "satisfied" booklet that asks that question and gives a list of adjectives.
long story short, she accepted Christ (!!!) and it was the most genuine conversation i've had in awhile. i went through the Knowing God personally booklet and satisfied. you could tell her heart was aligned with the words on the page when she read the prayer out loud with me. it was such a divine moment.
one thing i was reminded of through this experience was the missional lifestyle that we all need to have. even though we are on a missions trip and we do evangelism everyday, it's easy to get into a mode of "i'll only share when im at the beach or on campus." by sharing on the bus, we were forced to take an everyday situation and turn it into a spiritual one. the most challenging thing was that you couldnt escape. you sit next to someone, you ask them a question, they reject you, and then it becomes awkward. theres no walking away like on the beach or on campus!
melanie and i worked together and talked to this one lady. she did the small talk while i attempted to lead into spiritual stuff. turned out the lady was a catholic who went to church occasionally. it was really hard to do it with such a loud environment, but after waiting for the opportune moment, i whipped out a spiritual question and asked her how her relationship with God was. i asked her to describe it in 3 different words. she couldnt do it, so i showed her a "satisfied" booklet that asks that question and gives a list of adjectives.
long story short, she accepted Christ (!!!) and it was the most genuine conversation i've had in awhile. i went through the Knowing God personally booklet and satisfied. you could tell her heart was aligned with the words on the page when she read the prayer out loud with me. it was such a divine moment.
one thing i was reminded of through this experience was the missional lifestyle that we all need to have. even though we are on a missions trip and we do evangelism everyday, it's easy to get into a mode of "i'll only share when im at the beach or on campus." by sharing on the bus, we were forced to take an everyday situation and turn it into a spiritual one. the most challenging thing was that you couldnt escape. you sit next to someone, you ask them a question, they reject you, and then it becomes awkward. theres no walking away like on the beach or on campus!
Friday, July 17, 2009
update
i am bad at updating you guys. im sorry! well yesterday was our 3rd large group. because of complications, we couldnt have a room, so we had to be outside. it actually went really well, and we were able to get like 6 people to come who happened to be passing by.
our staff left on wednesday. it was a bittersweet departure. sad because of the friendships and bonds that were formed, and sweet because of the excitement of the new responsibilities that we all hold. every student has a leadership role to replace the ones of the staff.
God is moving big time in our group. its hard to see at times, but we know God is among us, teaching us, and molding us to follow him and rely on him. we have seen multiple people come to Christ through fruitful conversations and relationships.
tomorrow we are doing something new. we are going to do bus evangelism. we're going to just sit on the bus and start spiritual/gospel conversations with people on the bus. im kind of nervous, but really excited as well. we have met like 5 people through conversations on the bus, and we hope to keep that up.
alright, gtg, bye guys
our staff left on wednesday. it was a bittersweet departure. sad because of the friendships and bonds that were formed, and sweet because of the excitement of the new responsibilities that we all hold. every student has a leadership role to replace the ones of the staff.
God is moving big time in our group. its hard to see at times, but we know God is among us, teaching us, and molding us to follow him and rely on him. we have seen multiple people come to Christ through fruitful conversations and relationships.
tomorrow we are doing something new. we are going to do bus evangelism. we're going to just sit on the bus and start spiritual/gospel conversations with people on the bus. im kind of nervous, but really excited as well. we have met like 5 people through conversations on the bus, and we hope to keep that up.
alright, gtg, bye guys
Friday, July 10, 2009
spiritual warfare at a tangible level
the other day was my first time to share the gospel and see people accept Christ. it was an amazing feeling. i dont say that to be self-righteous, but to share how awesome it is to see God move in peoples lives.
today was our 2nd large group meeting. it went pretty well. we had about 10 people show up. we had an icebreaker, josh's testimony, tim share about crusade's vision, then worship. we ended with pizza where people just conversed outside of our room.
one thing that blew all of our minds is what we found out after the meeting. josh, our leader, had been talking to two people who seemed to be really teachable and kind hearted. he told us later that they are a cult (christians on campus) and they are trying to convert christians to their cult by coming to our meeting. not only did they come to our first meeting, but they are here for the exact same reason we are: to start a campus ministry. the reason why its so crazy and almost scary is because it shows spiritual warfare at a tangible level. we see people's lives being fought over, and students seeking for truth and finding it in the wrong areas. there is a battle between the God of above and the one below, and we are right in between.
suddenly it feels so good to have God on our side. it feels good to have the God of the universe with us. not only did He defeat sin, he rose from the dead on the third day.take THAT satan!
but of course, this mindset of mine isnt really that beneficial. its not just a battle against the devil, its an opportunity to shower Christs' love towards the lost and needy. i need to have that mindset. instead of just viewing people in cults as devilish, i need to see them as God's creation.
well now that i'm caught up with you guys, i plan to update more. that way i can write less and write about the littler things in my life that i currently enjoy.
today was our 2nd large group meeting. it went pretty well. we had about 10 people show up. we had an icebreaker, josh's testimony, tim share about crusade's vision, then worship. we ended with pizza where people just conversed outside of our room.
one thing that blew all of our minds is what we found out after the meeting. josh, our leader, had been talking to two people who seemed to be really teachable and kind hearted. he told us later that they are a cult (christians on campus) and they are trying to convert christians to their cult by coming to our meeting. not only did they come to our first meeting, but they are here for the exact same reason we are: to start a campus ministry. the reason why its so crazy and almost scary is because it shows spiritual warfare at a tangible level. we see people's lives being fought over, and students seeking for truth and finding it in the wrong areas. there is a battle between the God of above and the one below, and we are right in between.
suddenly it feels so good to have God on our side. it feels good to have the God of the universe with us. not only did He defeat sin, he rose from the dead on the third day.take THAT satan!
but of course, this mindset of mine isnt really that beneficial. its not just a battle against the devil, its an opportunity to shower Christs' love towards the lost and needy. i need to have that mindset. instead of just viewing people in cults as devilish, i need to see them as God's creation.
well now that i'm caught up with you guys, i plan to update more. that way i can write less and write about the littler things in my life that i currently enjoy.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
momentum shift
Today was HUGE for our team. it was huge because so many things happened in our team that were much needed. I was humbled before God in a couple of ways. Today (July 4th) five new people accepted Christ after out beach outreach (the beach is packed with people who come to see the fire works. people even camp out there for the whole day). To back track a little, let me explain how the day’s events went.
It started off after breakfast where Josh talked to us before we went out to spend the whole day evangelizing at the beach. He ranted a bit about filling out stats, but more importantly, reminded us to stretch ourselves and passionately serve Him. Just like a pep talk before a football game, Josh reminded us why we are here and what our mission was. That was much needed for our team.
While waiting at the bus stop, Josh challenged us to NOT use soularium. That meant that we had to initiate spiritual conversation without our most effective tool, and that we also needed to find our own ways of spurring spiritual conversation among strangers, instead of relying on the pictures that we normally use. That was scary for me. I was humbled when Josh asked us to raise our hands if we weren’t comfortable with that. Me among four others raised our hands. I looked around and honestly felt a little ashamed. The night before, I asked God to humble me…and He did.
I paired off with David, my discipler, and went off towards the beach and talked with a couple people. I soon realized that it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, and it was really cool because we could go straight into the Gospel…without wasting time..jk. I’ve gotten so comfortable with soularium, that I don’t really get nervous anymore. By taking away my comfort in using soularium, I was able to be stretched in a way that I haven’t been in a while. Today I had 2 gospel presentations and 2 spiritual conversation.
There are a couple things I learned through this experience. For one, soularium is a tool, and that is all it is..a tool. Sharing the gospel can’t be dependant on any single tool. By sharing without soularium, I was able to see how it can be done in any type of setting. When I had used soularium in the past, it had been through a set up event/time where soularium was the main tool used. Without it, I was able to see a clearer picture of how evangelism can be done in any setting, at any time, and through any conversation.
Today’s events were a huge momentum shift for us because we were all blown away at what we saw. We saw God move in big ways and surprise us all. I have gained more courage to talk to strangers, and I have become more anxious to share my faith. On the bus home, I even decided to talk to two strangers. The conversation didn’t really go anywhere besides me hearing their agnostic and atheist beliefs, but talking to them is something I wouldn’t have done before today. So praise God for reminding us how to rely on Him and leave the results up to Him. And praise God for our five new believers!
It started off after breakfast where Josh talked to us before we went out to spend the whole day evangelizing at the beach. He ranted a bit about filling out stats, but more importantly, reminded us to stretch ourselves and passionately serve Him. Just like a pep talk before a football game, Josh reminded us why we are here and what our mission was. That was much needed for our team.
While waiting at the bus stop, Josh challenged us to NOT use soularium. That meant that we had to initiate spiritual conversation without our most effective tool, and that we also needed to find our own ways of spurring spiritual conversation among strangers, instead of relying on the pictures that we normally use. That was scary for me. I was humbled when Josh asked us to raise our hands if we weren’t comfortable with that. Me among four others raised our hands. I looked around and honestly felt a little ashamed. The night before, I asked God to humble me…and He did.
I paired off with David, my discipler, and went off towards the beach and talked with a couple people. I soon realized that it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, and it was really cool because we could go straight into the Gospel…without wasting time..jk. I’ve gotten so comfortable with soularium, that I don’t really get nervous anymore. By taking away my comfort in using soularium, I was able to be stretched in a way that I haven’t been in a while. Today I had 2 gospel presentations and 2 spiritual conversation.
There are a couple things I learned through this experience. For one, soularium is a tool, and that is all it is..a tool. Sharing the gospel can’t be dependant on any single tool. By sharing without soularium, I was able to see how it can be done in any type of setting. When I had used soularium in the past, it had been through a set up event/time where soularium was the main tool used. Without it, I was able to see a clearer picture of how evangelism can be done in any setting, at any time, and through any conversation.
Today’s events were a huge momentum shift for us because we were all blown away at what we saw. We saw God move in big ways and surprise us all. I have gained more courage to talk to strangers, and I have become more anxious to share my faith. On the bus home, I even decided to talk to two strangers. The conversation didn’t really go anywhere besides me hearing their agnostic and atheist beliefs, but talking to them is something I wouldn’t have done before today. So praise God for reminding us how to rely on Him and leave the results up to Him. And praise God for our five new believers!
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