I will share some of the highlights of the past month or so. A couple great worship times that come to mind are IXth hour, for hundreds of youth in the Northeast area. It was a great time of worship, talking about our identity in Christ. We all need to be reminded that what others think of us doesn't really matter; certainly not as much as what God thinks of us. And He loves us. He died for us. He offers abundant life for us. The other worship time was the Forum, which connects churches from around the area in worship, prayer, and fellowship. It was great to get outside of our own church walls, and interact with people from around the area... people with the same passion for Christ. We learned how God's people can be compared to a stream. Each of us on our own are nothing but a drop... but as we draw together, a tiny pool forms... then a little trickle... then a stream... and eventually, as we work and love and serve together... a mighty river. Oh, that we would work together for the purposes of God.
I have also been encouraged by my time in the schools. It was great to give my testimony in Joseph Swan school, to three classes. I am now working in small groups with two of the classes, talking about the basics of Christianity, moral decisions, and simply building relationships. I was also privileged to share my testimony in Emmanuel College, a very strict and religious (maybe too religious) school. Some people have shared how it feels like the Gospel is shoved down the throat of students there. In any case, I shared about my own struggles, through high school and growing up. I focused on the difference in my life from saying the 'sinner's prayer' to really living in relationship with the Living God. It took a long time for me to understand that Christianity is relevant on every day of the week, not just Sunday.
Well, I am still learning and growing a lot. I thank you for your prayers. The excitement is growing, as my parents are coming to visit in a couple weeks! Please pray that they make it here safely and have a great time. I am here for less than 2 more months, so also pray that I will make the most of every opportunity as the day for my departure approaches. Grace and Peace be with you all.
