I can say for certain there has only been a handful of times that I have not been able to follow tradition for the 4th of July. This is one of those years and this happened three years ago when I was in New York for the summer. It is a little disappointing to not be able to follow tradition; going back to the area my father grew up and spend time with my parents and my best friend’s family. However, there is a reassurance in being away as well. I know I am supposed to be here and today has not been bad, just different. This morning we went to church then I ate lunch with my group and discussed the speaker I mentioned before, Sy Rogers. Since returning from lunch in Central Park, I have been relaxing in room until I leave for the next adventure. Getting some rest in before this next week of serving is good too. I am hopeful that I WILL see fireworks tonight. My sweet best friend has been sending me text messages today as they do our usual 4th activities so that I can enjoy it vicariously.
As said before, I plan on discussing some things that I heard and learned from Sy Rogers (I believe you can learn more about him on syrogers.com). But, before I forget, I want to mention some sincere and beautiful moments we had with the children this week. Although children can be disobedient they have redeeming times (just like us adults, imagine that!) One of the boys who fought and ran a lot also braided my hair on Wednesday. At one moment, I had three children braiding my hair and soon after that two other girls on my team were having their hair braided as well. It was nice to see the children delight in some simple things like playing “Miss Mary Mack” (you know the patty cake rhyme? “Miss Mary Mack Mack Mack, All dressed in black black black…”). Also, they were very excited about going to the park the last day we were with them.
Now back to Sy. Just a forewarning, some of the topics I discuss may be sensitive or controversial in some arenas, but I want to be free to share them for the sake of honesty and genuineness. I have nowhere near the space to reiterate Sy’s story nor in the best way, so if you are curious about his life story I will direct you to the website in the previous paragraph. He is a very capturing man with quite a story. He spoke to us for almost ten hours this week (in split segments). Here are some quotes and thoughts on what he said:
- He often mentioned that everyone is sinful. People are quick to rank their self above others when it comes to behavior. However, no matter an individual’s behavior, if they are not reconciled to God through Christ, they will not get into heaven. Sy speaks up a lot about sexuality because it has a lot to do with his past. He said, “Both straight people and gay people can go to hell [if they have not been redeemed by Christ].” I think this reminds people to remove their self from pedestals; they are not better than another. He said further, “People struggle because they are human”. God knows this, He knows our struggles, and He wants us regardless of their existence. I think this is beautiful and reassuring (even though I knew it previously).
- People often define sin as bad behavior, distasteful behavior. Well, certainly that can be true. Sy went further and said sin is to “not do what God wants; to miss or fall short of the standard of God’s intent or design”. We could never meet all the marks, but Jesus reconciled that; He never failed. Sometimes we try to meet the standard, but fall short.
- It was also explained that there are MANY reasons why we sin. Yes, human nature has a big part of it, but that is not the only reason. These reasons explain our sin, but do not excuse them. Yet, as many times as we mess up, we can continue to return to God and ask Him to clean us and we will not be rejected.
- There is this perception that being a Christian solves all of life’s problems and makes it easier. This is not so. Christians still struggle, but instead of attempting those struggles on their own, they have Jesus. We still have temptation and sin in our lives. This realization means we can recognize when we are failing to “miss the mark” and turn to God. Additionally, since all humans struggle with different desires we are to love one another regardless of behavior. This is not to be accepting of behavior, but rather to love like Christ. God is the judge of the person, not us (“Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.” Deuteronomy 1:17). As Sy said, “I don’t have to be perfect for God to love me”.
- I especially was hit by Sy’s statement: “Love is to value someone”. It is so simple and Jesus showed it in the scripture so many times. He spoke to people and LOVED them, when society did not. This is true today. And so, even though I may not always agree with what people do or I miss the mark myself, I can turn to God and submit that downfall and trust in Him to work in me.
Sy gave so much information that I cannot include it all! I will just say God used him to impart a lot of information and wisdom to me. I am hoping that this creates transformation in me and the others who heard Sy. Also, by sharing I bet it will it give you all many things to think about. I’ll leave with this verse:
“So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith”. 1 Thessalonians 3:7.
Ohh, and Happy Fourth of July! Lots of love and remember to take at least a moment to think about the many sacrifices that have been made by individuals for the USA.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Fun, Rehoboth, and Lessons
I had been hoping to update my blog more often, but time just seems to slip away from me. At night when I return from our ministry sites or an activity, I usually want to journal and check my email—that’s it. Contrary to this, is my desire to blog. So, instead of blogging consistently, I guess I blog in huge chunks. Since last time…
This past week has been full of experiences, wisdom, and information. I don’t want to jump to the most recent, although it would be exciting to write about! Now that I think about it, so much has happened since I last wrote. Let me break it down (now).
Friday June 25th:
This day was busy, but laid-back as well, if that makes any sense. I got up that morning to do laundry which was actually a pretty frustrating experience. After doing laundry, I had some one on one time with my discipler over lunch. I told her a little bit about how my experience had been going and some about my personal life. After about an hour, another girl joined us and we discussed our previous weeks and did a bible study. We talked about what love really is and referenced Romans 12:9-18 to consider love. Love is sincere, full of zeal, rejoice, patience, and many other things. Later that night, the whole project went to the Mets vs. Twins baseball game. It was fun to all be together, to enjoy each other’s company, and to watch some baseball!
That weekend I did many fun things (since weekends are generally free time). On Saturday, I got to visit my dear cousin in the Upper West Side. Getting there took me about an hour from where I am living and I was late! Whoops. She was gracious about it. I enjoyed delicious whole wheat pancakes, peaches, and blueberries with her and some of her friends. After her friends left, we were able to spend a couple hours together before she needed to start studying for her test. It was some sweet time since I rarely see her. Afterwards, I hopped on the train again and headed back home to wait for a friend. My friend and I went to a coffeeshop to journal and talk about our first week and what God has been doing. Then, later that night we went to a woman’s apartment (who had previously been on the same project) to eat dinner.
It was a fun time with some of the other girls; laughing, sitting on the roof and staring at the skyline, and enjoying home cooked food. I really enjoyed the time there and seeing the faith the woman had that God wanted her in New York. The next day (Sunday), we went to a church called Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem. The church service was so joyful, upbeat, and honest. One of the main messages was that God will use my past to reshape me and to bless others. I thought that was a good reminder. Afterwards, a group of us went to a soul food restaurant, Amy Ruth’s, and many of them had chicken and waffles. I enjoyed seeing them experience that for the first time. Sunday nights we have a track meeting where we reflect on the previous week and look forward to our next sites…
Speaking of ministry sites, our second site was called Rehoboth Church! It is located in a Caribbean neighborhood of Brooklyn. This was our second week in Brooklyn and it has latched onto my heart—I am fond of Brooklyn now. Our job at this church was to spend time with the children and do a devotional with them. We shared the stories of Jonah, David and Saul, Jesus, and one other. We wanted to share stories about obedience, responding in love and God’s greatest love act for us…Jesus.
Each day proved to be a little easier than the first, but still not without a lot of difficulty. A lot of the children like to run around and there is not a bunch of space. Additionally, most of them are in elementary school (a few are older), yet some of their innocence is gone. They tended to resort to violence, so we had to attempt to break up a lot of fights. Sometimes it was tiring, sometimes it was joyful and full of laughter, and frustrating. However, these kids took a piece of me and it was unfortunate that we did not have more time with them. We got four full days, but that’s not much. The last day we were able to enjoy the park with them. Some of our fellow track members will get the blessing of spending a week with them. It was not just work—it was a great reminder of God’s love not just for people, but for children. I feel like the church blessed us more than we blessed them—they were so good to us. They supplied us with meals every day (sometimes two meals), were concerned about our safety, and gifted us with t-shirts when we left. They were so good to us, but now that I think it about it, this just parallels God’s love for us. God’s love is greater than we deserve; greater than we expect.
Besides ministry site time, we had some meetings this week. At our Monday night meeting (MNM), we heard about confession and resolution. More specifically, how keeping sin to yourself creates a barrier between you and God…a barrier which can and has been removed time and time again. Unconfessed sin or problems between individuals can create issues too. It is best to bring it to the forefront and allow God to renew you in Jesus’ blood. Tuesday morning, we had bible study and were reminded that everyone has different types of struggles. However, we can come alongside them and offer hope and try to fulfill their spiritual and social needs. More specifically, we spoke of the financial struggles some have and how much we have the power to help them. We have been blessed, so what can we do in response and thanks?
Thursday and Friday we had a speaker called Sy Rogers who spoke about a MULTITUDE of things. It was great, encouraging, and a lot to take in. I’m still reflecting. Next blog entry, I will talk about what I learned from that.
Please continue to pray for what we do here. We have two weeks of ministry site work left- I don’t want to lose gusto, love, or energy. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Pray for unity on my team, track, and project. We also have a homeless outreach on Monday with the whole project. May we reach out to people without judgment, but with love and understanding. Until next time…which will be soon! Lots of love.
This past week has been full of experiences, wisdom, and information. I don’t want to jump to the most recent, although it would be exciting to write about! Now that I think about it, so much has happened since I last wrote. Let me break it down (now).
Friday June 25th:
This day was busy, but laid-back as well, if that makes any sense. I got up that morning to do laundry which was actually a pretty frustrating experience. After doing laundry, I had some one on one time with my discipler over lunch. I told her a little bit about how my experience had been going and some about my personal life. After about an hour, another girl joined us and we discussed our previous weeks and did a bible study. We talked about what love really is and referenced Romans 12:9-18 to consider love. Love is sincere, full of zeal, rejoice, patience, and many other things. Later that night, the whole project went to the Mets vs. Twins baseball game. It was fun to all be together, to enjoy each other’s company, and to watch some baseball!
That weekend I did many fun things (since weekends are generally free time). On Saturday, I got to visit my dear cousin in the Upper West Side. Getting there took me about an hour from where I am living and I was late! Whoops. She was gracious about it. I enjoyed delicious whole wheat pancakes, peaches, and blueberries with her and some of her friends. After her friends left, we were able to spend a couple hours together before she needed to start studying for her test. It was some sweet time since I rarely see her. Afterwards, I hopped on the train again and headed back home to wait for a friend. My friend and I went to a coffeeshop to journal and talk about our first week and what God has been doing. Then, later that night we went to a woman’s apartment (who had previously been on the same project) to eat dinner.
It was a fun time with some of the other girls; laughing, sitting on the roof and staring at the skyline, and enjoying home cooked food. I really enjoyed the time there and seeing the faith the woman had that God wanted her in New York. The next day (Sunday), we went to a church called Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem. The church service was so joyful, upbeat, and honest. One of the main messages was that God will use my past to reshape me and to bless others. I thought that was a good reminder. Afterwards, a group of us went to a soul food restaurant, Amy Ruth’s, and many of them had chicken and waffles. I enjoyed seeing them experience that for the first time. Sunday nights we have a track meeting where we reflect on the previous week and look forward to our next sites…Speaking of ministry sites, our second site was called Rehoboth Church! It is located in a Caribbean neighborhood of Brooklyn. This was our second week in Brooklyn and it has latched onto my heart—I am fond of Brooklyn now. Our job at this church was to spend time with the children and do a devotional with them. We shared the stories of Jonah, David and Saul, Jesus, and one other. We wanted to share stories about obedience, responding in love and God’s greatest love act for us…Jesus.
Each day proved to be a little easier than the first, but still not without a lot of difficulty. A lot of the children like to run around and there is not a bunch of space. Additionally, most of them are in elementary school (a few are older), yet some of their innocence is gone. They tended to resort to violence, so we had to attempt to break up a lot of fights. Sometimes it was tiring, sometimes it was joyful and full of laughter, and frustrating. However, these kids took a piece of me and it was unfortunate that we did not have more time with them. We got four full days, but that’s not much. The last day we were able to enjoy the park with them. Some of our fellow track members will get the blessing of spending a week with them. It was not just work—it was a great reminder of God’s love not just for people, but for children. I feel like the church blessed us more than we blessed them—they were so good to us. They supplied us with meals every day (sometimes two meals), were concerned about our safety, and gifted us with t-shirts when we left. They were so good to us, but now that I think it about it, this just parallels God’s love for us. God’s love is greater than we deserve; greater than we expect. Besides ministry site time, we had some meetings this week. At our Monday night meeting (MNM), we heard about confession and resolution. More specifically, how keeping sin to yourself creates a barrier between you and God…a barrier which can and has been removed time and time again. Unconfessed sin or problems between individuals can create issues too. It is best to bring it to the forefront and allow God to renew you in Jesus’ blood. Tuesday morning, we had bible study and were reminded that everyone has different types of struggles. However, we can come alongside them and offer hope and try to fulfill their spiritual and social needs. More specifically, we spoke of the financial struggles some have and how much we have the power to help them. We have been blessed, so what can we do in response and thanks?
Thursday and Friday we had a speaker called Sy Rogers who spoke about a MULTITUDE of things. It was great, encouraging, and a lot to take in. I’m still reflecting. Next blog entry, I will talk about what I learned from that.
Please continue to pray for what we do here. We have two weeks of ministry site work left- I don’t want to lose gusto, love, or energy. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Pray for unity on my team, track, and project. We also have a homeless outreach on Monday with the whole project. May we reach out to people without judgment, but with love and understanding. Until next time…which will be soon! Lots of love.
Friday, June 25, 2010
First Ministry Site +++
This week has been full of spending time in Brooklyn, but before I get to explaining that…let me finish telling you all about my first weekend here! On Saturday, we had orientation in the afternoon during this time we heard a couple of testimonies and watched a 90 minute video. It was part of this Compassion by Command video and bible study we will do throughout project. The video centered on a single mother and her young daughter and their life within a couple months time span. Many unfortunate things happened within a small amount of time: her apartment was getting bull-dozed and she could not find an affordable apartment, no one allowed her to stay with them while she searched, and so her daughter and she quickly became homeless. She had to find shelters to sleep in, but soon after lost her job. Eventually, she was able to get help getting housing, but being homeless had tired her so much and there were rodents in her new housing. There were many complications and at the end of the movie, she had made the decision to give up her daughter so that she would have a better life. I feel like when people are in situations such I have described, we are quick to judge. We often think, if only she had done this or that, but I don’t think it is that simple. She would have likely not been homeless if the friends she had asked for help---to stay with---would have said yes. Yet, she would still need more help. We are here to help one another—it is sad to consider reality and realize how infrequently we do help one another. We look at our own situation and say, I can’t, I won’t, etc., because it is easier. This video really set the tone for the weeks to come.
The day after, Sunday, we attended a church near Broadway. It was quite contemporary, but it was fun and a great reminder. The main message was to have FAITH. To have faith that God will do great things that He keeps His promises; to have faith in Him. After attending church, a small group from my track went to S’Mac, a restaurant solely focused on serving delicious, various types of mac and cheese. Then we did a little browsing in that area and later on I went to a grocery store…Trader Joe’s. It was the busiest grocery store I had ever seen; there were lines back around the store, but I got my groceries. That night, we were put into our ministry teams. Most teams consist of five people, but ours is six. The staff chose our roles and discussed with us what those roles would mean. I was surprised by my role, not because I thought I could not fulfill it (although, sometimes I am self-conscious), but because recently I have been recognizing my shy and quiet tendencies. I was made team leader of my ministry team. This means that I introduce the group at the site and focus on our team serving as well as we can. I think this role will allow me to grow a lot, but also give me opportunities to be an encourager to others.
The next day we were at our site for the first time! It is called Beulah Church/ Agape Ministries and it is located in Brooklyn. We left early the first day to make sure we made it on time and were about twenty minutes early. We were greeted by some of the warmest personalities I have ever met. The first day we were given a tour of parts of Brooklyn both by foot and by car. We were also told information about Agape and some of the men’s testimonies/life stories. It was really great just to hear and see what God had done in their lives as well as with the ministry. As a group, we went to several different parts of the burrow. One of the most memorable parts of the tour was seeing an area where the projects and a small church were. The church is called New Breed Church and the pastor and his wife were wonderful. We may even attend church there some Sunday.
The next few days were filled with cleaning, packing food to give away, lots of prepping, and also organizing. I even shucked corn. The main three men we worked with were very sweet. They had such a kindness in their demeanor. It was really neat to share joy with them and spread love to those in the neighborhood. Our ministry team had some fun moments—at one moment a few of us were singing gospel songs. When we took breaks, we would sit and talk or play games. Sometimes it was tiring, sometimes peaceful, but most of all it reminded me to serve others with love. Today was our last day at Beulah, although it was bittersweet, it was a gift to my soul to learn from those men and to serve Brooklyn. It will be exciting to see what is in store for us next week, and I pray that God prepares our hearts to give again.
Some side notes of exciting things that happened this week. On Wednesday, we attended Mary Poppins on Broadway and ate out for Amy’s birthday (one of the fellow sp girls). The play was enjoyable, fun, and full of life lessons. It was nice to spend some quality time with the other girls on my track. Tonight, we had a meeting in Queens about reconciliation and although it was hard, it was really good to talk and be honest with one another (although, to be honest-ha-I didn’t speak much at the meeting). We spoke of racism and how much it still exists today. What should be done about it? What do we feel about it? It can be very difficult for people to come out and say what they really think. I appreciated hearing what others had to say and reflecting on my own thoughts. I have been trying to think about it and have realized that God is the ultimate reconciler. It is my hope that He will work through me to love those I encounter so that prejudices and expectations can be worked through. The world needs a lot of adjustments. God knows what those are and I am praying I can be a part of them.
May God continue to change me and show me how to love more deeply and give more fully. Until next time…love.
The day after, Sunday, we attended a church near Broadway. It was quite contemporary, but it was fun and a great reminder. The main message was to have FAITH. To have faith that God will do great things that He keeps His promises; to have faith in Him. After attending church, a small group from my track went to S’Mac, a restaurant solely focused on serving delicious, various types of mac and cheese. Then we did a little browsing in that area and later on I went to a grocery store…Trader Joe’s. It was the busiest grocery store I had ever seen; there were lines back around the store, but I got my groceries. That night, we were put into our ministry teams. Most teams consist of five people, but ours is six. The staff chose our roles and discussed with us what those roles would mean. I was surprised by my role, not because I thought I could not fulfill it (although, sometimes I am self-conscious), but because recently I have been recognizing my shy and quiet tendencies. I was made team leader of my ministry team. This means that I introduce the group at the site and focus on our team serving as well as we can. I think this role will allow me to grow a lot, but also give me opportunities to be an encourager to others.
The next day we were at our site for the first time! It is called Beulah Church/ Agape Ministries and it is located in Brooklyn. We left early the first day to make sure we made it on time and were about twenty minutes early. We were greeted by some of the warmest personalities I have ever met. The first day we were given a tour of parts of Brooklyn both by foot and by car. We were also told information about Agape and some of the men’s testimonies/life stories. It was really great just to hear and see what God had done in their lives as well as with the ministry. As a group, we went to several different parts of the burrow. One of the most memorable parts of the tour was seeing an area where the projects and a small church were. The church is called New Breed Church and the pastor and his wife were wonderful. We may even attend church there some Sunday.
The next few days were filled with cleaning, packing food to give away, lots of prepping, and also organizing. I even shucked corn. The main three men we worked with were very sweet. They had such a kindness in their demeanor. It was really neat to share joy with them and spread love to those in the neighborhood. Our ministry team had some fun moments—at one moment a few of us were singing gospel songs. When we took breaks, we would sit and talk or play games. Sometimes it was tiring, sometimes peaceful, but most of all it reminded me to serve others with love. Today was our last day at Beulah, although it was bittersweet, it was a gift to my soul to learn from those men and to serve Brooklyn. It will be exciting to see what is in store for us next week, and I pray that God prepares our hearts to give again.
Some side notes of exciting things that happened this week. On Wednesday, we attended Mary Poppins on Broadway and ate out for Amy’s birthday (one of the fellow sp girls). The play was enjoyable, fun, and full of life lessons. It was nice to spend some quality time with the other girls on my track. Tonight, we had a meeting in Queens about reconciliation and although it was hard, it was really good to talk and be honest with one another (although, to be honest-ha-I didn’t speak much at the meeting). We spoke of racism and how much it still exists today. What should be done about it? What do we feel about it? It can be very difficult for people to come out and say what they really think. I appreciated hearing what others had to say and reflecting on my own thoughts. I have been trying to think about it and have realized that God is the ultimate reconciler. It is my hope that He will work through me to love those I encounter so that prejudices and expectations can be worked through. The world needs a lot of adjustments. God knows what those are and I am praying I can be a part of them.
May God continue to change me and show me how to love more deeply and give more fully. Until next time…love.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
A Few Days In
So, summer project has been a whirlwind of activity so far. Just like I expected. God has brought so many wonderful people to this city to do many things here. I just want to share what has happened in the past few days since I have arrived:
The night I arrived, I rode in a taxi to the city with another project person. We checked in and soon went to where the other project people were having dinner. We had a project overview following yummy pizza. Afterwards we broke up and headed back to our residences. I went with my roommate and her friends to get frozen yogurt.
On the 16th, we went to a meeting in the morning where the whole project met to have a devotional time and learn more about the city. There were over one hundred people together. After we had some more time to process where we were and what we were going to be doing, we were given some insight about the subway. After which, we were put into our “dinner groups” which mixes all the tracks…Our group decided to go to get lunch quickly and then head to China Town and Little Italy. It was great to just walk and look around. We walked to the Village and stopped here and there; just taking it all in. It was great to get to know some other students…well I’m not a student anymore and to enjoy that time with them. At about 4:30 we went to Rockefeller Center and took it to the top (67 flights)! Beautiful.
We were able to overlook the city, its pulse, and be in wonder about what God has for us all this summer. Afterwards, our “dinner group” went to a small Thai restaurant on the lower side of Manhattan and it was delicious. Our group seems to be a little adventurous when it comes to food so hopefully when we come together we can try lots of new foods. At the end of the night, we stopped at a three story 99 cents store and picked up some essentials, returned to our residences, and said goodbye to our first full day.
On the 17th, we FINALLY got to visit some of the ministry sites we could be working with (Before which we had some cross cultural training and some practice evangelizing). Unfortunately, not all the students in our group will get to go to the sites we visited. It was inspiring to see how the Holy Spirit had worked in these communities and people’s lives. We saw a local church and then a local ministry that are centered in the lower east side. The church helps supplement education in the community by offering after school programs, GED prep classes, and other such needs. It first started in one room and now is in a redone synagogue. The ministry we visited has children ministries, adult ministries, and other types. What was most awesome to me was their gang ministry. The pastor there has often worked with the police to avoid and calm gang violence. It was amazing to me, not because it’s not possible, but that God had worked in that man and his family so much for them to give sacrificially to others to help them. After visiting that ministry, we went to a mission homeless shelter that has existed for over 100 hundred years!
They offer three meals a day, living quarters, and educational classes within a Christian setting. We had the joy of getting to eat dinner with men that lived or worked there. Here I was going to this mission thinking I had something to offer the men there, but instead the men we spoke with gave us wisdom. It was humbling to remember it is not always about what I am bringing, but also what is coming from the people I encounter. We are on the same level. Sure, some of these men have economic needs and other needs, but I as well have needs of my own. We all have a need for Jesus.
Yesterday, just our track went to Here’s Life Inner City’s main office for orientation. We learned more about our schedule and what to expect this summer. The part of orientation that felt most impactful to me was when we had an exercise to complete in groups. We were put in families and were given “money” to pay for a month of expenses. Our family was composed of five people, two parents and three children, living on $2300 a month. We had situations we encountered along the way that made it difficult for us to cover all of our expenses. We were not able to receive health care through our employment and had to get private health care, but then could not afford childcare or clothing for our family. It was certainly eye-opening and heart-breaking. Additionally, we were being as safe as possible with our money and did not spend any on entertainment or extra things. In the process, our “daughter”, found $20 and we had to keep it to pay for family expenses. I think people often have the assumption that families are in bad financial situations because they are frivolous with their money. However, I am probably more frivolous with my money than “our family” was being during the exercise. I’m excited that we will be working with families in these types of situations offering our skills, love, and the compassion of Christ. However, I also know they will have so much to offer us at the same time. I know I will appreciate more of what God has blessed me with in my life and be reminded that I was blessed so that I could help others more. After our orientation, we hopped on the subway to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and got in our “dinner groups” again. I love art. We saw photography, paintings, drawings, design, and architecture. I have included both a famous painting and a fave of last night below. We went to the lower east side again and had Indian food at this great place…the food was delicious. No, I did not get anything spicy.
Today, we will delve deeper into our track and learn more about the plans for us. We are also going to work on our testimonies. I will end this by sharing a verse my dear friend and previous discipler encouraged with me recently.
“Preach the good news. Be ready at all times and tell people what they need to do. Tell them when they are wrong. Encourage them with patience and careful teaching, because the time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching, but will find many more teachers who please them by saying the things they want to hear. They will stop listening to the truth and will begin to follow false stories. But you should control yourself at all times, accept troubles, do the work of telling the good news, and complete all the duties of a servant of God.” 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
Too often I get caught up in things that ultimately do not matter---like material things. Focusing on others, offering support, and loving them---sharing Christ, is what is important.
The night I arrived, I rode in a taxi to the city with another project person. We checked in and soon went to where the other project people were having dinner. We had a project overview following yummy pizza. Afterwards we broke up and headed back to our residences. I went with my roommate and her friends to get frozen yogurt.
On the 16th, we went to a meeting in the morning where the whole project met to have a devotional time and learn more about the city. There were over one hundred people together. After we had some more time to process where we were and what we were going to be doing, we were given some insight about the subway. After which, we were put into our “dinner groups” which mixes all the tracks…Our group decided to go to get lunch quickly and then head to China Town and Little Italy. It was great to just walk and look around. We walked to the Village and stopped here and there; just taking it all in. It was great to get to know some other students…well I’m not a student anymore and to enjoy that time with them. At about 4:30 we went to Rockefeller Center and took it to the top (67 flights)! Beautiful.
We were able to overlook the city, its pulse, and be in wonder about what God has for us all this summer. Afterwards, our “dinner group” went to a small Thai restaurant on the lower side of Manhattan and it was delicious. Our group seems to be a little adventurous when it comes to food so hopefully when we come together we can try lots of new foods. At the end of the night, we stopped at a three story 99 cents store and picked up some essentials, returned to our residences, and said goodbye to our first full day. On the 17th, we FINALLY got to visit some of the ministry sites we could be working with (Before which we had some cross cultural training and some practice evangelizing). Unfortunately, not all the students in our group will get to go to the sites we visited. It was inspiring to see how the Holy Spirit had worked in these communities and people’s lives. We saw a local church and then a local ministry that are centered in the lower east side. The church helps supplement education in the community by offering after school programs, GED prep classes, and other such needs. It first started in one room and now is in a redone synagogue. The ministry we visited has children ministries, adult ministries, and other types. What was most awesome to me was their gang ministry. The pastor there has often worked with the police to avoid and calm gang violence. It was amazing to me, not because it’s not possible, but that God had worked in that man and his family so much for them to give sacrificially to others to help them. After visiting that ministry, we went to a mission homeless shelter that has existed for over 100 hundred years!
They offer three meals a day, living quarters, and educational classes within a Christian setting. We had the joy of getting to eat dinner with men that lived or worked there. Here I was going to this mission thinking I had something to offer the men there, but instead the men we spoke with gave us wisdom. It was humbling to remember it is not always about what I am bringing, but also what is coming from the people I encounter. We are on the same level. Sure, some of these men have economic needs and other needs, but I as well have needs of my own. We all have a need for Jesus. Yesterday, just our track went to Here’s Life Inner City’s main office for orientation. We learned more about our schedule and what to expect this summer. The part of orientation that felt most impactful to me was when we had an exercise to complete in groups. We were put in families and were given “money” to pay for a month of expenses. Our family was composed of five people, two parents and three children, living on $2300 a month. We had situations we encountered along the way that made it difficult for us to cover all of our expenses. We were not able to receive health care through our employment and had to get private health care, but then could not afford childcare or clothing for our family. It was certainly eye-opening and heart-breaking. Additionally, we were being as safe as possible with our money and did not spend any on entertainment or extra things. In the process, our “daughter”, found $20 and we had to keep it to pay for family expenses. I think people often have the assumption that families are in bad financial situations because they are frivolous with their money. However, I am probably more frivolous with my money than “our family” was being during the exercise. I’m excited that we will be working with families in these types of situations offering our skills, love, and the compassion of Christ. However, I also know they will have so much to offer us at the same time. I know I will appreciate more of what God has blessed me with in my life and be reminded that I was blessed so that I could help others more. After our orientation, we hopped on the subway to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and got in our “dinner groups” again. I love art. We saw photography, paintings, drawings, design, and architecture. I have included both a famous painting and a fave of last night below. We went to the lower east side again and had Indian food at this great place…the food was delicious. No, I did not get anything spicy.
Today, we will delve deeper into our track and learn more about the plans for us. We are also going to work on our testimonies. I will end this by sharing a verse my dear friend and previous discipler encouraged with me recently.
“Preach the good news. Be ready at all times and tell people what they need to do. Tell them when they are wrong. Encourage them with patience and careful teaching, because the time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching, but will find many more teachers who please them by saying the things they want to hear. They will stop listening to the truth and will begin to follow false stories. But you should control yourself at all times, accept troubles, do the work of telling the good news, and complete all the duties of a servant of God.” 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
Too often I get caught up in things that ultimately do not matter---like material things. Focusing on others, offering support, and loving them---sharing Christ, is what is important.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
100% Supported and Anticipations.
Today I had the joy of meeting with a friend for coffee. I got the opportunity to ponder and discuss what I was feeling pre-summer project. Yesterday I sent in my last support for summer project. (Raising support is when an individual shares with others the mission work they will be doing for the purpose of simply telling, asking for prayer, and donations.) I keep thinking how awesome it is for at least a few reasons. One, people would be moved enough to see value in me going to the city. Two, that God would provide (not because I did not expect promises to be fulfilled) so abundantly for this project. This is true not only for me, but for my other fellow projecters. I have heard other encouraging stories about support-raising. That funds were raised should not be surprising since I have known I was meant to go somewhere since last summer. However, until promises are fulfilled, I think there are moments of doubt between the confidence in God following through. Certainly, God does not break promises, He just does not do everything when we expect or desire Him to. I know I am frequently waiting for answers to prayers…
As I prepare to leave for summer project, I am giving up things of security. I am leaving a place I have known my whole life, quitting a part time job, and am going to be with people I have never met (some I have spoken to). At the surface this could appear irresponsible or naïve. But… I know how long this trip has been in my heart; months and months. This is not my own doing—God has allowed me to feel secure with this plan. I may be scared later. Stay tuned. For now, I am confident in what God is doing.
I am looking forward to meeting the people on project- those who are there to serve and those we are serving! It will be fun to learn about them, speak with them and laugh with them. I know I will have jokey times—I like being silly. I want to relish in the places and people I will encounter; taking every moment as valuable.
As I prepare to leave for summer project, I am giving up things of security. I am leaving a place I have known my whole life, quitting a part time job, and am going to be with people I have never met (some I have spoken to). At the surface this could appear irresponsible or naïve. But… I know how long this trip has been in my heart; months and months. This is not my own doing—God has allowed me to feel secure with this plan. I may be scared later. Stay tuned. For now, I am confident in what God is doing.
I am looking forward to meeting the people on project- those who are there to serve and those we are serving! It will be fun to learn about them, speak with them and laugh with them. I know I will have jokey times—I like being silly. I want to relish in the places and people I will encounter; taking every moment as valuable.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Reflections Pre-Summer Project
So...Summer Project is coming up in about three weeks. It has been fast and slow coming, if that makes sense. Every day I think, oh it's coming, but I don't know that it will actually feel like reality until I am there. IN THE CITY!!
Sorry, I just got a little rush of excitement. Let me explain a little bit. I've known that God was calling me to go somewhere this summer even though I was graduating college. Now, I have graduated college which has brought a range of emotions. I have felt weird about it, a little uncertain, but I am trusting God and relying on his promises.
Sorry, I just got a little rush of excitement. Let me explain a little bit. I've known that God was calling me to go somewhere this summer even though I was graduating college. Now, I have graduated college which has brought a range of emotions. I have felt weird about it, a little uncertain, but I am trusting God and relying on his promises.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
It is encouraging to know and believe His plans are certain and purposeful. While, I may have a little more peace than my fellow graduates because I do not need a job right away. I am certainly looking, but believe at this point that summer project should be my first priority. It is powerful, I believe God ordained this, and so I pursue spending part of the summer in the city. I get to serve others and offer my talents and skills to others out of love. The plans are not black and white, but I know I will be serving different areas and populations and I think the act of such is beautiful.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
I think God will be transforming me even more as I serve others. This will not benefit me in the sense of riches or prestige, but HOW I love others. I want to serve others because of Jesus' love and to show Jesus' love. Writing this is a lot easier to do than in actuality. I struggle with this in my daily life- especially with those I frequently come in contact with or those I am closest to. Yet, to really be "successful" in genuinely loving others- my reliance is totally on God. Like in the book of Jeremiah (following the first passage I included) states:Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:12-14b.
So, this summer and the rest of my life prayfully will be filled with seeking, following, loving, serving...Monday, March 9, 2009
March?!
So, I haven't been updating this as often as my CIMBA blog, obviously. It has been a little rough here lately. My friend's parents came to visit and just made me realize how much I miss friends and family back home. It's nearing two months since I left home, which is pretty crazy to me. There is a lot going on in my mind right now--just a lot to think about...Home, school, friends, family, traveling, money, summer, and on and on.
I've been spending more time with God lately and I know that has to do with my troubles. I've had some good time in the word, listening to messages, praying, reading a devotional...so much of what I need. Ashley and I started a friendship study just last week. I got it for the both of us to do together, since we don't live in the same place (it's always been a long distance friendship). We waited a long time to start, but I'm so glad we started doing it. I'm going to start on the second study sometime this week. I know God will use this to bring us closer together and especially to Him. God continues to be faithful and teach me things here.
This morning while I keep going back and forth between studying and time with God, I came across these verses in my book that I think is very defining of my life right now...
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
God is calling me to trust Him with this time I have abroad. It is very scary for me to spend all this money traveling, but this is me not trusting Him. God brought me here for a reason and allowed me to fulfill this desire. I'm trying to seek Him here and listen to what He is trying to teach me.
I've been putting a lot of focus on my studies instead of God. I haven't been doing as well on my tests as I would have liked. I study a lot and for those who know me, they know what that means. I usually spend the evening working on getting homework done; just reading for classes. I have two papers and a group project due this week---before I was overwhelmed. Now, I feel a little bit more at ease and I'm sure that's only because God has been working in me.
We went to Rome this last weekend and it was great to see all the history. It was difficult because traveling there was so expensive and I think that is partially what upset me this weekend. I've never spent so much money in such a small amount of time. However, the fact that I get to see all these places of beauty and interest are only because of God. I hope I keep remembering that and don't lose focus. In a couple of weeks, I will be leaving for more travels which I am pretty excited about. God continues to bless me here with caring friends and enjoyable times. I can't say that anything horrible has happened to me yet. I may be struggling with other things, but at the same time, I seek God through it all. I pray I continue to give my time and worries to him.
Ciao, friends.
I've been spending more time with God lately and I know that has to do with my troubles. I've had some good time in the word, listening to messages, praying, reading a devotional...so much of what I need. Ashley and I started a friendship study just last week. I got it for the both of us to do together, since we don't live in the same place (it's always been a long distance friendship). We waited a long time to start, but I'm so glad we started doing it. I'm going to start on the second study sometime this week. I know God will use this to bring us closer together and especially to Him. God continues to be faithful and teach me things here.
This morning while I keep going back and forth between studying and time with God, I came across these verses in my book that I think is very defining of my life right now...
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
God is calling me to trust Him with this time I have abroad. It is very scary for me to spend all this money traveling, but this is me not trusting Him. God brought me here for a reason and allowed me to fulfill this desire. I'm trying to seek Him here and listen to what He is trying to teach me.
I've been putting a lot of focus on my studies instead of God. I haven't been doing as well on my tests as I would have liked. I study a lot and for those who know me, they know what that means. I usually spend the evening working on getting homework done; just reading for classes. I have two papers and a group project due this week---before I was overwhelmed. Now, I feel a little bit more at ease and I'm sure that's only because God has been working in me.
We went to Rome this last weekend and it was great to see all the history. It was difficult because traveling there was so expensive and I think that is partially what upset me this weekend. I've never spent so much money in such a small amount of time. However, the fact that I get to see all these places of beauty and interest are only because of God. I hope I keep remembering that and don't lose focus. In a couple of weeks, I will be leaving for more travels which I am pretty excited about. God continues to bless me here with caring friends and enjoyable times. I can't say that anything horrible has happened to me yet. I may be struggling with other things, but at the same time, I seek God through it all. I pray I continue to give my time and worries to him.
Ciao, friends.
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