june 1, 2010

So since my last update a lot has happened. God is definitely stirring hearts in Ocean City, and it is so cool to see!

Since the week we have been here, over 35 people have come to know Christ. It wrecks my mind to think about people who haven't even had the chance to hear the gospel or gotten the opportunity to know who Jesus is. But it is so encouraging to see God using the students and staff on project to reach out to people. It's also awesome to see relationships forming as a result of this, and the investment people are putting into complete strangers lives as a result of the Holy Spirit.

God has also been showing me a lot about serving others. Living with 110 people definitely provides the opportunity to serve others. I have seen sooooo many different examples of this, from lending or sharing things, to the amazing staff that has been doing so much in so many different ways for all of the students on project.

Something else that I am taken aback by is how brotherly the boys here on project have been. I am definitely not use to it, but it is so sweet. As a rule on project girls can't go alone anywhere without a boy after dark - just for safety reasons. And the boys definitely make sure that the rule is stuck with, no matter what the distance or amount of girls in the group is. It's something I'm not used to and was kind of offended about at first, but I've come to see it as something sweet and can appreciate. (They do tons of other stuff to, the point I wanted to make is just that it's cool to see the community really treat each other like brothers and sisters in Christ).

So as much as God has been showing me, something I really want to work on this summer is what He is telling me, or teaching me in my quiet times. And so one of the things recently that I think He has revealed to me is pretty sweet, and I thought I would share it. [ with probably five people who will read this. hah, and myself for future reference]

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5

I can't say that I rejoice in my sufferings consistently, or often, but it is something that I am going to try to remind myself daily. I think that if I were to approach a trial I am facing, or a struggle, with this scripture in mind my entire outlook on life would be completely different. I want to be a follower of Christ who is thankful for my sufferings, and see them as blessings. I know that this is going to be challenge, but I know by leaning on Christ He will help me. Prayers would be appreciated and helpful as well. In addition to this scripture I remind myself that God has transformed me the most when I am broken and lost. When things are going bad, or tough it is the times that He redeems me and is glorified. (His glory and what I am learning about that is a whole other post;] )

Well I am definitely at the point of rambling so I am going to wrap it up with a quick prayer.

Dear Heaven Father,
Thank you that you are not a God that is concerned about the words in my prayer but the attitude of my heart. I want to thank you so much for providing this opportunity for me. I am so blessed to be able to be here and I thank you so much for all of the people who helped support me financially and prayerfully. The support of my family has been incredible and I thank you so much for that. Please Lord bless my family and friends as I am away from this summer. You know what is going on in the hearts and minds and I just pray that would would surround them with your love and compassion and that they may find comfort in you. I also pray that you can help relationships stay strong, and in tact. Thank you again for the amazing experiences I am having in Ocean City. I am so thankful for all of the people here and I know it is all because of you. Thank you.
I pray all of these things in you perfect and holy name, Amen.