It's been a little while since the last post, sorry! Things have been very busy down here.
The weather has been in the 90's most of the week and very very scattered showers.
This past week was labeled "All for One" week and at first many of us did not understand the concept.
We had just finished "Killing the Giants" week in which all of us were challenged to face our current giant. For some it was talking to their parents about their faith, for others it was to show grace to a difficult co-worker, for yet others (including myself) it was to be more bold in sharing the gospel with members of the same sex. Whatever the giant we learned that faith in Christ can always bring us through. That our "giants" in this life are insignificant when we have the Holy Spirit with us.
Philippians 4:13 states:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
And Romans 8:31 echoes this sentiment:
"What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
In this life all of us will encounter struggles. In this life they will seem overwhelming to us every time unless we have learned to submit ourselves to Christ's power for in Him we have complete and total victory over the darkness!
So coming off the Killing the Giants week it was an interesting transition to All for One.
Staff members were exceedingly elusive when asked about what was going to happen on Saturday (our main group activity night) saying merely; "What one person knows, everyone knows."
But as the week unraveled select members of project received clues about what was going to take place, and in response our project needed to rely on communication amongst ourselves to figure out as a group what our activity was.
The event was a project softball game. Staff versus Students.
We were pretty much left on our own to figure out what it was that the staff was hinting at in the clues as far as rules, and requirements went.
Let me just say this; communication is a LOT tougher than it seems especially when it comes to a project that numbers about 94 students who are all working slightly different schedules full time!
And that was the whole purpose of the week.
The staff will be leaving soon and we as project members will be stepping in and filling the roles for community, outreach, prayer, operations, worship, and weekly meeting teams.
If we do not learn how to effectively communicate with one another and have a unified "heart beat" as a project we will become ineffective in the communities in which we are placed.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 speaks of the body of Christ:
"...The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor... If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Gary, our project director, made reference to this after our game on Saturday. The reason that we as project members need to communicate among each other is not just so that we can co-ordinate student performance at a softball game against the staff but rather so that we can have a good understanding of where each and every brother and sister is at physically, spiritually and emotionally because when one person's walk is not secure it affects all of us (and just the opposite is true; if one person is walking securely in Christ that has an effect on the body as well).
We as believers need to learn to be transparent, vulnerable and honest with one another or we will never be unified.
As far as the game went lets start with the basics:
We needed a team name so...
Our team name was the Hineini Cru (Hineini is Hebrew for "Here am I"), many servants of the Lord say that in the Bible. It is a sign of being completely submitted to God in every way shape and form. Many times people (and I am guilty of this as well) will spend a quiet time with God but they will not really be fully emotionally or spiritually present. As a result they may not experience the closeness that one who is "completely there" will experience in their relationship with God.
God doesn't just want us to be physically present when we spend time with Him, but rather He wants our hearts to be listening for His leading and our spirits ready and eager to carry out His will.
Our team colors had to be different from the staff's black and red so...
We picked blue and white.
We needed to make up team cheers, a banner and come to the game as a team.
Another interesting aspect of this game was that since some project rules on some nights had been broken (ex. being back on project grounds by curfew) by a few people, throughout the game we were given penalties at the discretion of the staff.
This was to illustrate how when one part of the body suffers we all suffer.
BUT, there were also parts of the game in which we were shown grace by the staff and given gifts that we didn't deserve. This illustrated the grace that Christ showed every single person on this earth.
Through the penalties and the blessings our team was to deal with it with a good attitude for this is what disciples of Christ are called to do in all things.
At the end of the game I'm proud to say that Hineini Cru won with a score of 21-16. :)
Now for work updates.
I am also happy to say that despite the economy our project students (expanded from the original 60 to a project of about 94), have all found jobs that offer full time hours!
Praise Him!
I continue to work at Chick Fil A which has been a great experience! The employees there are just like a family; for example in the kitchen we work with Miss Hattie who pretty much looks after us like a mother hen, and Fred the GM looks out after us like a father, the other co-workers we have are like brothers, sisters, cousins, you name it! They get together outside of work and many of our day crew has come to our Thursday night meetings.
This is not to say that work is easy all the time.
Chick Fil A does more business in 6 days than other businesses in our area do in 7. Thousand plus dollar hours are the norm and the kitchen gets very hot and the environment can become stressful...if we choose to let it.
Something that God has really been teaching me is to appreciate these experiences and to look for the lessons in each one. Sometimes I have struggles relating to co-workers (whether it is the way they choose to speak to me, or things that they do that I personally don't like), sometimes I have struggles with a complaining heart.
But Christ wants us not only to endure these times but to praise Him and glorify Him in the trials.
This is something I've been working on a lot lately.
We as a fellowship need to encourage those around us in all things and to bring each other up.
About the tongue it says in James chapter 3:
"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
If I profess to be a Christian, then in all things that I do I must strive to tame my tongue.
This is a huge work in progress in my life right now so bear with me.
And when workplace stress was mentioned I also found in James chapter 4:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it."
Prayer Requests:
Please keep my best friend in your prayers as he faces the loss of his mother. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give him peace and comfort in this trying time.
Please pray that the rest of my support will come in (About $800 is still needed).
Please pray that God would continue to work in the project members' lives and continue to grow our unity and our ministry among the high school students and residents of North Myrtle.
Most Humbly in Christ,
Josh
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
NMB Entry 5: A Little Bit of Background on North Myrtle
It occurred to me the other day that I never really wrote about the environment we have been placed in to share the gospel, or the reason that we are here so I plan to do so in this update.
North Myrtle Beach is a HUGE tourist area and at the beginning of each and every summer it is literally overrun with freshly graduated High School seniors who come down for the "best week of their lives" which involves a LOT of underage drinking, getting high, among other things. Essentially what society views as "living it up".
Just the other day as a caravan of teenagers moved in to their beach house location and broke out the beanbags and booze they were busted by some police and had to pour out about 21 cases of alcohol and a fridges worth of liquor. I'm pretty sure that they received hefty underage tickets as well.
But this does not stop the thrill seekers who are looking for a good time because come nightfall that same night large groups of students were out walking to other houses in search of parties.
These nights often end in hangovers, waking up with someone you don't know, in some cases (though pretty rarely reported) rape of young women and so on and so forth.
This is the reality of North Myrtle Beach's party season. This is why we are here, to share the gospel with as many people as possible.
However, despite this dynamic of living in the moment we have also seen over 30 students trust their lives to Christ, and literally hundreds have been presented with Christ's message of grace and forgiveness, praise Him!
I had the privilege of presenting the gospel with two such individuals and to see them choose Christ over the temporary world!
At Chick Fil A (where I am currently working) God has blessed our relationships, we have an incredible staff to work with and what's more encouraging is that a little over half our daytime staff are going to be coming to our weekly Campus Crusade meeting along with many who have trusted Christ from our outreach, yet another place where they can hear the truth and power of Christ.
I will be sharing my story for the project at this week's meeting and am very excited for that.
Please keep me in your prayers for my support raising as I face the reality of being sent home early due to only partial support being raised.
My Support Currently: $1,450
Needed Support: $2,490
I am praying that God's will will be done regardless of if I will be staying the entire time or not. It is in His hands.
Also please keep our project in your prayers as we reach out to the students of this community.
Most Humbly In Him,
Josh
North Myrtle Beach is a HUGE tourist area and at the beginning of each and every summer it is literally overrun with freshly graduated High School seniors who come down for the "best week of their lives" which involves a LOT of underage drinking, getting high, among other things. Essentially what society views as "living it up".
Just the other day as a caravan of teenagers moved in to their beach house location and broke out the beanbags and booze they were busted by some police and had to pour out about 21 cases of alcohol and a fridges worth of liquor. I'm pretty sure that they received hefty underage tickets as well.
But this does not stop the thrill seekers who are looking for a good time because come nightfall that same night large groups of students were out walking to other houses in search of parties.
These nights often end in hangovers, waking up with someone you don't know, in some cases (though pretty rarely reported) rape of young women and so on and so forth.
This is the reality of North Myrtle Beach's party season. This is why we are here, to share the gospel with as many people as possible.
However, despite this dynamic of living in the moment we have also seen over 30 students trust their lives to Christ, and literally hundreds have been presented with Christ's message of grace and forgiveness, praise Him!
I had the privilege of presenting the gospel with two such individuals and to see them choose Christ over the temporary world!
At Chick Fil A (where I am currently working) God has blessed our relationships, we have an incredible staff to work with and what's more encouraging is that a little over half our daytime staff are going to be coming to our weekly Campus Crusade meeting along with many who have trusted Christ from our outreach, yet another place where they can hear the truth and power of Christ.
I will be sharing my story for the project at this week's meeting and am very excited for that.
Please keep me in your prayers for my support raising as I face the reality of being sent home early due to only partial support being raised.
My Support Currently: $1,450
Needed Support: $2,490
I am praying that God's will will be done regardless of if I will be staying the entire time or not. It is in His hands.
Also please keep our project in your prayers as we reach out to the students of this community.
Most Humbly In Him,
Josh
Saturday, June 6, 2009
NMB Entry 4: Back to the Grind
This whole week we (the project students) have been working our way into our jobs, and learning completely new skill sets. For me its been filleting chicken! :) A little clarification before I say anything else, Chick Fil A's mascots are cows, NOT chickens because it would be kind of weird to have a chicken advertising chicken sandwiches. I mean come on, these are his brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. The cows are trying to get more people to eat chicken so THEY don't get eaten. Saavy? No, but seriously, our crew is a great crew to work with, everyone is very polite down here and they talk with the craziest accents!
Part of our integration into this working class also involves forming relationships with many of the employees (this is not at all hard to do because they are great people! :) and to find ways of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, or at least to start spiritual conversations.
Something that I've realized after taking a year off after high school, is that the workplace is probably one of the most challenging places to share your faith in. Oftentimes its so fast-paced and people don't really talk except for the "workplace" language, and you certainly don't have time to deeply discuss the idea of what eternity holds for each and every person. However, I'm learning that each and every Christian CAN be a witness no matter where they are in two ways; firstly being to set a Christ-like example. No matter how well you can present your message, if you're a slacker at work, or do a sloppy job with your tasks it reflects upon what sort of a person you are. WE are Christ's ambassadors to the world. WE need to act in a Christ-like way towards those at our workplaces, and that includes; not complaining, doing your best in every task, and being cheerful.
Sure this description sounds like a company orientation pamphlet for new-hires, but it's so very true. I find myself many times forgetting this. If I go in for work and I'm having a bad day, I really tend to lose sight of the fact that the shift is temporary, and that in all things I need to give thanks to God above; for a job, for a great crew, for steady business that pays my checks...for EVERYTHING. Even the rough days at work teach us something.
Enough on that.
Secondly the way each Christian can witness at their workplace is inviting co-workers to environments that CAN foster and sustain deep conversations about life, and no, church isn't the only place where you can do this. A group of co-workers meeting up and grabbing breakfast or coffee, or a softball game at the park, or (if you have one handy) a trip to the beach to relax after work.
There are all kinds of places in which God can (and will) use His witnesses to share His truth.
I was looking at our Quest surveys the other day (Quest surveys are quick 5 question surveys that we use to initiate conversations on the beach) and I realized that at this point in the trip I have been able to approach 30 people about Christ, and for about half of those I have been able to explain the gospel with them.
I don't say this to place numbers on people, but to encourage anyone who might read this who experiences hesitation about sharing their faith with others. More people than you might think are very open to the idea of Christ, and so long as they see that you are genuinely interested in them, and that they aren't just a number to you.
We have about 100 students on this project.
If I have had the guts to tell 30 people about Christ (which by the way is all God because I would have never been able to do that on my own), just imagine how many people have been approached with the good news in these last couple weeks. :)
We have had many people choose to dedicate their lives to Christ already, and we continue to encourage those who are believers in the area to stand boldly and to not be ashamed of their beliefs.
That is something that has been pressed upon my heart a lot lately. This whole concept of Christ's sacrifice, and the way we hide Him in our lives still blows my mind today.
This man who had done no wrong to anyone, was ridiculed, humiliated, tortured and murdered all to save the people who had done and are still doing wrong to Him today.
And we in America are too afraid to say anything about Him.
I am very guilty of this myself. I do not take every opportunity to tell others about Him, though I should. But when you think about it, shouldn't we as believers WANT to?
I mean think about this; one day this world will pass on. All the parties you went to will be gone, the friendships that you've worked for will break and distance, the crazy things you did when you were young are going to be distant memories.
People say Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Why do they say that? Because those that say it often do not have any hope for new life. They do not realize that the best is yet to come. They just think that they have to "live it up" while on earth because when we die it's all over.
I used to believe that.
The reason I smile now, is because I know that there is more to this life than temporary experience.
That is why we are here (on summer project), so that more people may experience this joy.
Paul writes in Ephesians 3:7-9:
"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things."
But it SHOULDN'T just happen on summer project. If you read this, I would urge you to ask yourself this...
Are you living a life for Him or a life for the temporary world?
On another note, I will be meeting with the youth pastor down here (Walt) and we will be discussing an idea of mine to get the youth of the North Myrtle community involved in 24/7 witnessing.
I will essentially be beginning a study of the Bible that is open to anyone (whether Christian, Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, Muslim, or any other faith). The concept is to present what the Bible actually says, rather than these common misconceptions drawn in the mainstream media and in movies and such.
I pray that God will bring non-believers to the study in hopes that they will be able to discuss what they believe in a non-threatening environment.
(Romans 14:1)
The second aim of the study is to encourage the middle and high schoolers to begin their own Bible studies even after the project leaves, so that Christ may be shared year round among the youth.
Please pray that if it is God's will, that He would bless that outreach.
Please continue to pray for our beach and workplace outreach down here in North Myrtle and that God would continue to bless our project members.
Please pray for all the members' safety, and that those who we are able to share with will be able to experience God's working in their lives.
Please pray for God to provide the rest of my support
(I'm at $1,450 right now, so I will need another $1,200 roughly)
In Him,
Josh
Part of our integration into this working class also involves forming relationships with many of the employees (this is not at all hard to do because they are great people! :) and to find ways of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, or at least to start spiritual conversations.
Something that I've realized after taking a year off after high school, is that the workplace is probably one of the most challenging places to share your faith in. Oftentimes its so fast-paced and people don't really talk except for the "workplace" language, and you certainly don't have time to deeply discuss the idea of what eternity holds for each and every person. However, I'm learning that each and every Christian CAN be a witness no matter where they are in two ways; firstly being to set a Christ-like example. No matter how well you can present your message, if you're a slacker at work, or do a sloppy job with your tasks it reflects upon what sort of a person you are. WE are Christ's ambassadors to the world. WE need to act in a Christ-like way towards those at our workplaces, and that includes; not complaining, doing your best in every task, and being cheerful.
Sure this description sounds like a company orientation pamphlet for new-hires, but it's so very true. I find myself many times forgetting this. If I go in for work and I'm having a bad day, I really tend to lose sight of the fact that the shift is temporary, and that in all things I need to give thanks to God above; for a job, for a great crew, for steady business that pays my checks...for EVERYTHING. Even the rough days at work teach us something.
Enough on that.
Secondly the way each Christian can witness at their workplace is inviting co-workers to environments that CAN foster and sustain deep conversations about life, and no, church isn't the only place where you can do this. A group of co-workers meeting up and grabbing breakfast or coffee, or a softball game at the park, or (if you have one handy) a trip to the beach to relax after work.
There are all kinds of places in which God can (and will) use His witnesses to share His truth.
I was looking at our Quest surveys the other day (Quest surveys are quick 5 question surveys that we use to initiate conversations on the beach) and I realized that at this point in the trip I have been able to approach 30 people about Christ, and for about half of those I have been able to explain the gospel with them.
I don't say this to place numbers on people, but to encourage anyone who might read this who experiences hesitation about sharing their faith with others. More people than you might think are very open to the idea of Christ, and so long as they see that you are genuinely interested in them, and that they aren't just a number to you.
We have about 100 students on this project.
If I have had the guts to tell 30 people about Christ (which by the way is all God because I would have never been able to do that on my own), just imagine how many people have been approached with the good news in these last couple weeks. :)
We have had many people choose to dedicate their lives to Christ already, and we continue to encourage those who are believers in the area to stand boldly and to not be ashamed of their beliefs.
That is something that has been pressed upon my heart a lot lately. This whole concept of Christ's sacrifice, and the way we hide Him in our lives still blows my mind today.
This man who had done no wrong to anyone, was ridiculed, humiliated, tortured and murdered all to save the people who had done and are still doing wrong to Him today.
And we in America are too afraid to say anything about Him.
I am very guilty of this myself. I do not take every opportunity to tell others about Him, though I should. But when you think about it, shouldn't we as believers WANT to?
I mean think about this; one day this world will pass on. All the parties you went to will be gone, the friendships that you've worked for will break and distance, the crazy things you did when you were young are going to be distant memories.
People say Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Why do they say that? Because those that say it often do not have any hope for new life. They do not realize that the best is yet to come. They just think that they have to "live it up" while on earth because when we die it's all over.
I used to believe that.
The reason I smile now, is because I know that there is more to this life than temporary experience.
That is why we are here (on summer project), so that more people may experience this joy.
Paul writes in Ephesians 3:7-9:
"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things."
But it SHOULDN'T just happen on summer project. If you read this, I would urge you to ask yourself this...
Are you living a life for Him or a life for the temporary world?
On another note, I will be meeting with the youth pastor down here (Walt) and we will be discussing an idea of mine to get the youth of the North Myrtle community involved in 24/7 witnessing.
I will essentially be beginning a study of the Bible that is open to anyone (whether Christian, Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, Muslim, or any other faith). The concept is to present what the Bible actually says, rather than these common misconceptions drawn in the mainstream media and in movies and such.
I pray that God will bring non-believers to the study in hopes that they will be able to discuss what they believe in a non-threatening environment.
(Romans 14:1)
The second aim of the study is to encourage the middle and high schoolers to begin their own Bible studies even after the project leaves, so that Christ may be shared year round among the youth.
Please pray that if it is God's will, that He would bless that outreach.
Please continue to pray for our beach and workplace outreach down here in North Myrtle and that God would continue to bless our project members.
Please pray for all the members' safety, and that those who we are able to share with will be able to experience God's working in their lives.
Please pray for God to provide the rest of my support
(I'm at $1,450 right now, so I will need another $1,200 roughly)
In Him,
Josh
Monday, June 1, 2009
NMB Entry 3: Teachings, Bonding, Iron Chefs and such
The last few days have been pretty packed...
On Saturday our first day session was about finding our identity in Christ, and this hit very close to home for me because the up till that point on the trip I found myself worrying about fitting in constantly. I felt like everyone else had their own cliques and almost felt abandoned by some of the friends that had come down with me.
But upon hearing that message God spoke gently to my heart once again reminding me to relax. Reminding me that I am down here for one purpose and that is to draw closer to Him, and that if I remain faithful in that regard, then all else will take care of itself.
Popularity & acceptance, these are temporary things that the world tells us are important and necessary. But they really aren't. I am who Christ made me to be, and in Him I can find all the contentment I need.
The second session in the morning was all about learning to Share our Story. Essentially God has given every single person on earth a story to tell, throughout this life we are constantly making corrections to this story, adding things, taking them away but no matter where we go our story is being constantly shaped.
Each and every person's story is important and significant whether they believe it or not, your story can impact those you least expect. So in all things be prepared to share that.
That night we did this Iron Chef-esque sort of competition between our Impact Groups (an Impact Group is comprised of a guys and girls bible study put together, ours is about 11 students and two leaders). We had to go out shopping and put together a creative meal with a budget of $30 and the judges picked the best plate out of all the Impact Groups.
Our group put together delicious breakfast burritos, with tater tots green onions, cheese, salsa and sour cream as sides and for dessert we made cinnamon rolls with caramel drizzle on top.
We didn't win first place, but the food was delicious! :)
The rest of that dinner period along with eating our prepared meal we were allowed to go sample the other group's entrees and desserts. :)
Now for Sunday...
Sunday was a pretty significant day for the project and myself. It was our first time as a group attending an actual church service at Ocean Drive Presbyterian, and let me just say that what I expected and what I experienced were two completely opposite things.
We were asked to bring dress clothes for church and to "think conservative" and from that description I was a little apprehensive that it would be a very traditional church where hymns were the norm and the average age is 65+. However, I was pleasantly surprised because it was not at all like that. The average age WAS older, but these were some of the coolest old people in the world! ;)
They had a band, and everyone was very friendly.
Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with traditional worship, in fact its very satisfying and fulfilling for some. Its just not my cup of tea so to speak.
The pastor spoke on the book of Acts and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Oh and another note, I was able to meet the youth pastor, his name is Walt and today (Monday) we are going to be getting together and talking about a small group study that I want to start among the youth of the North Myrtle Beach community.
That afternoon was spent primarily on the beaches, soaking up sun, tanning (or burning in my case), playing Frisbee and making sand castles.
This part of my day was very significant however not just because of the fact that I was on a beautiful beach, but because I had the opportunity to share my faith with several people.
Now I know what some readers may think is that sharing of faith = preaching to people and force feeding them Jesus.
Not the case at all.
This trip is not about converting people to Christianity. Its about sharing something we feel is very important, that has changed each and every one of our lives. Some will choose to accept this message, some will turn away, but the point is not to gain converts because so often people think that if you "pray this prayer" or if you "take this communion" they will be saved and it is their "fire insurance".
But that is not this case.
Without the commitment of the heart there is no point. If (and only if) there is a willingness to give up the things that you hold onto in your heart such as anger, resentment, malice, lust, or what have you then Christ will be able to come into your life and change you into the person He truly wants you to be. But it has to be a choice you make.
It is made clear in the Bible that there is nothing we as humans can do to achieve eternity by ourselves. No amount of good works (though they are good to do), no amount of ritualistic actions, no amount of wealth that you accumulate in this world can get you into heaven.
But I digress, as far as the sharing went...
In one instance, in the group of women I happened to be talking to there was a girl who believed in reincarnation, but she really didn't know anything about what the Gospel said or what Christ had to offer. We had a really nice conversation in which I was able to lay out the good news for her. Now, I'm pretty good at telling when people are listening and when they are just being polite, but these ladies were very engaged and showed genuine interest.
I'll share another instance with you, that same night a group of us were standing outside our housing complex, just chatting by the road because we didn't want to go in right away. We were approached by about 5 guys who were down here in North Myrtle on a party bus with their senior class. They were very inebriated to say the least, but we struck up conversation with them and were able to find out that they came from Ohio and that they were down here for a week.
Two of the guys went over to talk to some of our ladies, and the rest stayed and talked to the guys. In the guys' area they began a spiritual discussion that got into some theology. One of the Ohioans was a pastors son but wanted nothing to do with his father's beliefs, one was an atheist, and one of them didn't identify with any belief system. I only heard bits of the conversation because I was over with the two other guys.
Their names were Will and Remington (or Remi as his friends called him). These guys both said that they were Christian but that they didn't feel like they acted like it most of the time. They felt like they needed to go out and have their fun, but Will said something like "I'm sure God's gunna punish me good when I get back...".
My heart just went out to these guys, because you could tell just by talking to them that they both had great hearts, and that they felt very strongly about helping fellow humans.
Me and my group members who were talking to them tried to explain a bit more clearly that God isn't about judgment, punishment, and wrath, but forgiveness and grace.
I mean hey, if God punished ME for every time I screwed up I don't think He would have time to do anything else!
We are ALL just human, and while we strive to follow Christ's example, we are ALL going to mess up, but that is why the grace of Christ is so important! He came to us so that we did not have to be punished for every wrong we ever did.
Christ himself had done absolutely NO wrong and He was falsely accused, and crucified and He still did it WILLINGLY because He knew that without that sacrifice we would not have a chance to be with our Father in Heaven.
It is still very difficult for me to grasp that much love. I know how difficult it is to forgive someone who has done me wrong in even the simplest way, much less to show them love and compassion?
Our conversation with Will and Remi ended with us praying over them to be safe this week and that they may experience Christ in a very real and powerful way this week.
We will be trying to get these guys to come to Project events that we are holding this week, but for now it is purely in God's hands to work in these guys' hearts.
So please pray for these guys and the Project as we continue to share our faith.
On Saturday our first day session was about finding our identity in Christ, and this hit very close to home for me because the up till that point on the trip I found myself worrying about fitting in constantly. I felt like everyone else had their own cliques and almost felt abandoned by some of the friends that had come down with me.
But upon hearing that message God spoke gently to my heart once again reminding me to relax. Reminding me that I am down here for one purpose and that is to draw closer to Him, and that if I remain faithful in that regard, then all else will take care of itself.
Popularity & acceptance, these are temporary things that the world tells us are important and necessary. But they really aren't. I am who Christ made me to be, and in Him I can find all the contentment I need.
The second session in the morning was all about learning to Share our Story. Essentially God has given every single person on earth a story to tell, throughout this life we are constantly making corrections to this story, adding things, taking them away but no matter where we go our story is being constantly shaped.
Each and every person's story is important and significant whether they believe it or not, your story can impact those you least expect. So in all things be prepared to share that.
That night we did this Iron Chef-esque sort of competition between our Impact Groups (an Impact Group is comprised of a guys and girls bible study put together, ours is about 11 students and two leaders). We had to go out shopping and put together a creative meal with a budget of $30 and the judges picked the best plate out of all the Impact Groups.
Our group put together delicious breakfast burritos, with tater tots green onions, cheese, salsa and sour cream as sides and for dessert we made cinnamon rolls with caramel drizzle on top.
We didn't win first place, but the food was delicious! :)
The rest of that dinner period along with eating our prepared meal we were allowed to go sample the other group's entrees and desserts. :)
Now for Sunday...
Sunday was a pretty significant day for the project and myself. It was our first time as a group attending an actual church service at Ocean Drive Presbyterian, and let me just say that what I expected and what I experienced were two completely opposite things.
We were asked to bring dress clothes for church and to "think conservative" and from that description I was a little apprehensive that it would be a very traditional church where hymns were the norm and the average age is 65+. However, I was pleasantly surprised because it was not at all like that. The average age WAS older, but these were some of the coolest old people in the world! ;)
They had a band, and everyone was very friendly.
Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with traditional worship, in fact its very satisfying and fulfilling for some. Its just not my cup of tea so to speak.
The pastor spoke on the book of Acts and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Oh and another note, I was able to meet the youth pastor, his name is Walt and today (Monday) we are going to be getting together and talking about a small group study that I want to start among the youth of the North Myrtle Beach community.
That afternoon was spent primarily on the beaches, soaking up sun, tanning (or burning in my case), playing Frisbee and making sand castles.
This part of my day was very significant however not just because of the fact that I was on a beautiful beach, but because I had the opportunity to share my faith with several people.
Now I know what some readers may think is that sharing of faith = preaching to people and force feeding them Jesus.
Not the case at all.
This trip is not about converting people to Christianity. Its about sharing something we feel is very important, that has changed each and every one of our lives. Some will choose to accept this message, some will turn away, but the point is not to gain converts because so often people think that if you "pray this prayer" or if you "take this communion" they will be saved and it is their "fire insurance".
But that is not this case.
Without the commitment of the heart there is no point. If (and only if) there is a willingness to give up the things that you hold onto in your heart such as anger, resentment, malice, lust, or what have you then Christ will be able to come into your life and change you into the person He truly wants you to be. But it has to be a choice you make.
It is made clear in the Bible that there is nothing we as humans can do to achieve eternity by ourselves. No amount of good works (though they are good to do), no amount of ritualistic actions, no amount of wealth that you accumulate in this world can get you into heaven.
But I digress, as far as the sharing went...
In one instance, in the group of women I happened to be talking to there was a girl who believed in reincarnation, but she really didn't know anything about what the Gospel said or what Christ had to offer. We had a really nice conversation in which I was able to lay out the good news for her. Now, I'm pretty good at telling when people are listening and when they are just being polite, but these ladies were very engaged and showed genuine interest.
I'll share another instance with you, that same night a group of us were standing outside our housing complex, just chatting by the road because we didn't want to go in right away. We were approached by about 5 guys who were down here in North Myrtle on a party bus with their senior class. They were very inebriated to say the least, but we struck up conversation with them and were able to find out that they came from Ohio and that they were down here for a week.
Two of the guys went over to talk to some of our ladies, and the rest stayed and talked to the guys. In the guys' area they began a spiritual discussion that got into some theology. One of the Ohioans was a pastors son but wanted nothing to do with his father's beliefs, one was an atheist, and one of them didn't identify with any belief system. I only heard bits of the conversation because I was over with the two other guys.
Their names were Will and Remington (or Remi as his friends called him). These guys both said that they were Christian but that they didn't feel like they acted like it most of the time. They felt like they needed to go out and have their fun, but Will said something like "I'm sure God's gunna punish me good when I get back...".
My heart just went out to these guys, because you could tell just by talking to them that they both had great hearts, and that they felt very strongly about helping fellow humans.
Me and my group members who were talking to them tried to explain a bit more clearly that God isn't about judgment, punishment, and wrath, but forgiveness and grace.
I mean hey, if God punished ME for every time I screwed up I don't think He would have time to do anything else!
We are ALL just human, and while we strive to follow Christ's example, we are ALL going to mess up, but that is why the grace of Christ is so important! He came to us so that we did not have to be punished for every wrong we ever did.
Christ himself had done absolutely NO wrong and He was falsely accused, and crucified and He still did it WILLINGLY because He knew that without that sacrifice we would not have a chance to be with our Father in Heaven.
It is still very difficult for me to grasp that much love. I know how difficult it is to forgive someone who has done me wrong in even the simplest way, much less to show them love and compassion?
Our conversation with Will and Remi ended with us praying over them to be safe this week and that they may experience Christ in a very real and powerful way this week.
We will be trying to get these guys to come to Project events that we are holding this week, but for now it is purely in God's hands to work in these guys' hearts.
So please pray for these guys and the Project as we continue to share our faith.
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