Well another day brings another journey with the Lord. This day just so happens to be an actual journey and I'll be going all the way to India! I'm excited to see what God is doing across northern India as well as Bangkok and to see what part He would have us play in that. It's one of those things where you really don't know what to expect. Even though I have many friends who told me all about it and have been there or even lived and grew up there, there is still that aspect of the unknown. We are always prepared with the Lord. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. I know He's going to bring Himself a lot of eternal glory through this trip!
I'm excited to put the few Hindi phrases out there and see if they understand me :) I will have to leave off the last one I learned, however. My Nepali friends came over last night to wish us well before heading out and taught me how to say "will you marry me?" in Hindi.
It's neat to travel with three of my good friends over there for the sake of the Gospel. There's something about serving Him in community that really brings pleasure unto Himself and strengthens us. Even when Jesus sent out the 72 in Luke 10, He did so in multiples of 2. I am also going with the prayers and financial backing of many in FL, GA, MS, VA, TX, AR, MD, and more! I consider you all just as much of this trip as those of us who are going. Partners for the Gospel.
For His Glory
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Blurrrrr
Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything just blurs together? Maybe you've had a month or even a year like this. So much happens at once and most of it you never intended to do. It's like stuff comes at you on all sides. In this time, it's hard to have clarity. Focusing on one thing may prove near impossible. Sometimes you may even ask yourself, "Am I doing something wrong? Should I not be so racy in each moment?" Usually, there are so many things on your mind that you need to do, that you don't get to the things you really want to do and maybe even some things that really need to be done. In these times where "stuff" comes at you from all sides, have you ever wanted to be lifted out so you could see clearly from the outside? Or maybe you just want a few days of just rest and nothing in order to reset?
That's the current state I'm in if you couldn't tell already :) With being at the cross roads in so many areas and each event and circumstance just piling on. I went through a two year Bible program in just five months while living in the most diverse square mile in America. In this time, I was filled with a wealth of information about the life of a refugee and the present state of our world. There are some extremely tough stories from every one of these incoming families. They have been ravaged by war, religious persecution, and even genocide. On top of that, they come to America expecting to have many friends, be taken care of, learn English, and get a good job. In reality, most of them don't make any American friends. We have friends who were here 14 months and we were their first friends. This is not atypical, this is the norm. Most of them come with a gift from their land for their friend and 90% never give that gift because they don't make a single American friend that will invite them into their house. It's a pleasure and honor to serve in this area but it's sad to see the unmet needs. I can say with integrity we've made a huge impact in this community and hundreds have seen the light of Christ in us.
Other than that, I've continued to venture on my 6 year trek to medical school. After 2 years of seeing and feeling that it wasn't the right time, God gave me all sorts of confirmation that I should apply for 2011. Let me tell you what, applying for medical school is like a full time job. Always something left to do. I wish there were a way to track all of the hours from studying for the MCAT to researching schools and applying but on the other hand, I'm sort of glad I can't see that big faaat number. Now I'm on the home stretch, with an empty wallet, with only a few more secondary applications to finish up (of course each school asks for a different essay and info). Then on to the next phase of interviews if they like me :)
Immediately after returning to Clarkston from Christmas break, I moved apartments. Yes, it was only next door but it did eat up some time and provide some discomfort. Also, 4 students arrived which are looking to us for guidance, tips, and what they're supposed to do (3 of them sharing my apartment). Other than that, organizing a big (168 hr) prayer event for the community lasting a full week, to bring many believers together. That took some time and effort too.
Insert India...In just 9 days, I'll be traveling all across northern India with three others to meet with different NGO's, ministries, and pastors to see what part we could play in serving there. With over a billion people, many never having heard of Jesus (2,233 people groups out of 2,533 in India to be exact). That's sad to see so many without Christ even after 2,000 years since He came and died. I'm excited just to go and learn, experience the culture, and encourage those who are serving there. We will also spend a good 3 or 4 days in Thailand to visit friends and see Bangkok.
Despite all the madness and having no idea where I'll be 6 months from now, I am encouraged in the Lord. I am grateful to be surrounded by some great like-minded friends and always have tremendous support from my family. The great thing is that no matter how much the scenery, people, climate, work, and seasons change, God is always there. Matt 28:20 boldly says "And behold, I am with you always, even unto the very end of the age." Other verses of comfort to me are: Psalm 18:2 " The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Despite all that goes on, though I may grow weary, it's all about my perspective; since His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Even in the toughest of obstacles and trials, if we fix our eyes in the right place, on Him, everything that caused the blurrrr becomes the blurrrr and Jesus comes into focus
That's the current state I'm in if you couldn't tell already :) With being at the cross roads in so many areas and each event and circumstance just piling on. I went through a two year Bible program in just five months while living in the most diverse square mile in America. In this time, I was filled with a wealth of information about the life of a refugee and the present state of our world. There are some extremely tough stories from every one of these incoming families. They have been ravaged by war, religious persecution, and even genocide. On top of that, they come to America expecting to have many friends, be taken care of, learn English, and get a good job. In reality, most of them don't make any American friends. We have friends who were here 14 months and we were their first friends. This is not atypical, this is the norm. Most of them come with a gift from their land for their friend and 90% never give that gift because they don't make a single American friend that will invite them into their house. It's a pleasure and honor to serve in this area but it's sad to see the unmet needs. I can say with integrity we've made a huge impact in this community and hundreds have seen the light of Christ in us.
Other than that, I've continued to venture on my 6 year trek to medical school. After 2 years of seeing and feeling that it wasn't the right time, God gave me all sorts of confirmation that I should apply for 2011. Let me tell you what, applying for medical school is like a full time job. Always something left to do. I wish there were a way to track all of the hours from studying for the MCAT to researching schools and applying but on the other hand, I'm sort of glad I can't see that big faaat number. Now I'm on the home stretch, with an empty wallet, with only a few more secondary applications to finish up (of course each school asks for a different essay and info). Then on to the next phase of interviews if they like me :)
Immediately after returning to Clarkston from Christmas break, I moved apartments. Yes, it was only next door but it did eat up some time and provide some discomfort. Also, 4 students arrived which are looking to us for guidance, tips, and what they're supposed to do (3 of them sharing my apartment). Other than that, organizing a big (168 hr) prayer event for the community lasting a full week, to bring many believers together. That took some time and effort too.
Insert India...In just 9 days, I'll be traveling all across northern India with three others to meet with different NGO's, ministries, and pastors to see what part we could play in serving there. With over a billion people, many never having heard of Jesus (2,233 people groups out of 2,533 in India to be exact). That's sad to see so many without Christ even after 2,000 years since He came and died. I'm excited just to go and learn, experience the culture, and encourage those who are serving there. We will also spend a good 3 or 4 days in Thailand to visit friends and see Bangkok.
Despite all the madness and having no idea where I'll be 6 months from now, I am encouraged in the Lord. I am grateful to be surrounded by some great like-minded friends and always have tremendous support from my family. The great thing is that no matter how much the scenery, people, climate, work, and seasons change, God is always there. Matt 28:20 boldly says "And behold, I am with you always, even unto the very end of the age." Other verses of comfort to me are: Psalm 18:2 " The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Despite all that goes on, though I may grow weary, it's all about my perspective; since His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Even in the toughest of obstacles and trials, if we fix our eyes in the right place, on Him, everything that caused the blurrrr becomes the blurrrr and Jesus comes into focus
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
True Gospel
I have been blessed with the opportunity of welcoming in the New Year by seeking the Lord with over 20,000 other 18-25 yr olds at Passion 2011. The conference was filled with dynamic speakers/preachers of the Lord such as John Piper, Louie Giglio, and Francis Chan. It also was loaded with worship leaders including David Crowder, Charlie Hall, and Chris Tomlin.
I was beat up and convicted by Francis Chan's intense message on Philippians 1:27-29. He keyed in on the phrase, "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel." I really started to think about what it means to be worthy of the Gospel. To be worthy of the Gospel means to be on the same level as the Gospel. Our lives should reflect the Gospel in every way. This is not just a statement of faith; it's a lifestyle consumed and radically transformed life.
He shared about his travels to India, China, and Thaliand. In India he met with people who were rejected by their whole families for choosing Christ and renouncing Hinduism. Francis asked the question which is quite relevant here in the states; "Are there people who call themselves Christians but do not really live different and according to God's word? Are there people just say they are Christian but aren't living for Christ?" Emphatically they all said that those people don't exist. To say that they follow Christ is to lose everything in that culture. Should this look different in our culture?
Chan shared about talking with the persecuted church in China. He asked them to share about persecution. They were confused why he was asking. They wanted to know why this was such a big deal. "Isn't persecution a reality in all believers?" they asked. John 15:20 jumps to mind when it states that Christ says if they persecuted Him then they will surely persecute us, His followers. It makes me wonder sometimes if I'm missing it...
This message was the full and true Gospel. This was not about health and wealth prosperity. He talked about our lives reflecting, being in line with, the Gospel. During the worship time after the message I glanced out over my generation worshiping. I was encouraged in the sincerity and focus of everyone on the Lord. We are known as the distracted generation. We are known as the generation who is ADD/ADHD and have short attention spans. In class, at church, and hanging out, you will many times see us on our phones and not fully being present in that place. The minds wonder. This was not so on this night. Why??? I believe it was because this is the exact message we need to here. It is not soaked down version of the Bible but in your face. This is the true message of Jesus Christ. This is what you take hold of and center your life around. It adds up with our hearts and minds and spirit. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
I was beat up and convicted by Francis Chan's intense message on Philippians 1:27-29. He keyed in on the phrase, "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel." I really started to think about what it means to be worthy of the Gospel. To be worthy of the Gospel means to be on the same level as the Gospel. Our lives should reflect the Gospel in every way. This is not just a statement of faith; it's a lifestyle consumed and radically transformed life.
He shared about his travels to India, China, and Thaliand. In India he met with people who were rejected by their whole families for choosing Christ and renouncing Hinduism. Francis asked the question which is quite relevant here in the states; "Are there people who call themselves Christians but do not really live different and according to God's word? Are there people just say they are Christian but aren't living for Christ?" Emphatically they all said that those people don't exist. To say that they follow Christ is to lose everything in that culture. Should this look different in our culture?
Chan shared about talking with the persecuted church in China. He asked them to share about persecution. They were confused why he was asking. They wanted to know why this was such a big deal. "Isn't persecution a reality in all believers?" they asked. John 15:20 jumps to mind when it states that Christ says if they persecuted Him then they will surely persecute us, His followers. It makes me wonder sometimes if I'm missing it...
This message was the full and true Gospel. This was not about health and wealth prosperity. He talked about our lives reflecting, being in line with, the Gospel. During the worship time after the message I glanced out over my generation worshiping. I was encouraged in the sincerity and focus of everyone on the Lord. We are known as the distracted generation. We are known as the generation who is ADD/ADHD and have short attention spans. In class, at church, and hanging out, you will many times see us on our phones and not fully being present in that place. The minds wonder. This was not so on this night. Why??? I believe it was because this is the exact message we need to here. It is not soaked down version of the Bible but in your face. This is the true message of Jesus Christ. This is what you take hold of and center your life around. It adds up with our hearts and minds and spirit. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
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