NMB Entry 2

Today was filled with blessings though it began a bit rough. I have been feeling very tired lately, partly because of the change of climate and schedules.

This morning worship was incredible! The youth pastor from the Ocean View Presbyterian Church (the one we will be using during the week, and attending on Sundays) has been leading worship until our band is put together (which should be tomorrow).

Really this morning I came in with a bad, irritable attitude and God really put me back in my place about that, as it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31;

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

I realized that its so easy to forget that everything doesn't just mean going through the motions of what is "expected behavior" for a Christian. If I go to church and worship with a poor attitude in my heart, what good does that do? It certainly does not honor God, and it definitely does not bring those around me up.

I continue to pray for God to give me a cheerful spirit in ALL things.

So that was a blessing to my day (and by that I mean God showing me that about my heart's condition).

We had employers from local businesses come in and welcome us to North Myrtle, they told us about how many they were hiring and offered us to fill out applications on the spot.

I have secured a job at Chik-Fil-A for this summer.

But what was really great to see was the fact that all the employers understand that our first priority as witnesses this summer, is just that. They aren't going to take Campus Crusade Students and work us to death during the week but rather give us some flexibility to do what we are truly here to do; and that is to spread the Gospel of Christ's love.

Tomorrow I have orientation for my new job. :)

Then tonight the guys and girls broke up and the guys had a local gentleman named Randy come and speak to us. He was a fighter pilot in China during World War 2, a member of the Flying Tigers and he was used by God while in the military to witness to several people and to play a part in changing their lives for the better (one guy who had received a break up letter while in the service was talked out of committing suicide by Randy).

It's so neat to see how God can choose to use each and every person, no matter what the circumstances, or if we feel like we can or not.

At age 87 Randy still plays a big part in the church that we will be attending and has a lot to do with the relationship between Campus Crusade and the local church.

After that us guys broke up into our small groups and hit the beach for a man relay that involved various tasks and tons of push ups! :)

I find it necessary to point out we were blindfolded as we ran down to submerge ourselves in the ocean, then ran back to our groups to do our push ups.

The whole point was for our brothers to guide us back to the group, and for us to trust and listen to our brothers' encouragement as we did our share of push ups and tasks.

Its so important for guys to have this fellowship experience. So many guys today don't have a solid network of brothers who can be there for them in the highs and lows. Who can have brothers there to rebuke or encourage them, to struggle, strive and conquer things together.

That is what we need more than ever in this country where father is an obscure and distant term and where men do not know how to handle the struggles that come their way. We need men who are solid and grounded in their faith, and who have a brotherhood to come to anytime.

Please keep our project in your prayers as we continue to connect, bond and become a strong fellowship and force in the North Myrtle community in these coming months.

In Him,
Josh