Do you ever have those times where you just seem to lose yourself and not really realize it until you find yourself again? I think that puzzling question describes the past week, possibly even couple of months of my life.
It has been such a long week. Coming back to Gainesville after Thanksgiving at home, a much needed break away from everything. But just coming back and having a long, intense, and stressful "dead" week before our week and a half of 7 finals, and just on top of that feeling really alone and disconnected, I was just done by the end of lab yesterday.
So, yesterday, after running a few errands, I decided to take the evening off and just watch a movie and chill a bit. I chose to watch P.S. I Love You. I had seen it once before and remembered it being sad, but also a really really good movie, so with a cup of English tea in my Czech mug, I curled up under a blanket and watched. By the end of the movie, I was balling... literally tears streaming down my face. I have been known to tear up during movies, but not out and out ball. So I collected myself a little, and then, exhausted, just went to sleep.
10.5 hours later I woke up and felt so refreshed, relieved. I think the biggest thing was that I FELT. I had been so frustrated with the world, with people, mostly with myself that I was numb in many respects. I got ready on a beautiful rainy and actually chilly morning here in Gainesville and went to Starbucks to study for a few hours. First I sat down and read and journaled a bit. At the end I wrote (as a result of the previous 24 hours and the movie) I felt "called to live, passionately with risk-taking obedience...to love and not be afraid."
So, I studied lots of physiology, then came home, made some brownies and went to a potluck with CMDA, a Christian group of mostly med students I have plugged in with this semester. I was excited to go out, but little did I know, God had so much more in store for me. It really was just a relaxed dinner. Laughing and joking with an occasional anatomy discussion here and there. My face is actually sore from smiling and laughing so much :) Fellowship is so incredible and I loved feeling so at home as we discussed how God had called and was calling each of us to our different places in the medical field just as it came up in casual conversation...awesome! I ended up talking several times about how I made it to UF and to CMDA, and then a lot about what I wanted to specialize in. As I explained that if I'm here in the US, I'd like to specialize in ortho or in sports med, however, what I really want to do is work abroad and why that is, I cannot explain what came over me. I rediscovered something deep inside of myself, that only through shedding many tears and laughing many laughs resurfaced tonight. I realized what drove me to pursue PT school, why I am here, what my mission, my calling that my Heavenly Father has given me here and now. I felt it.
Such a huge reminder right here before finals, when just being around my classmates right now stresses me out. And yes, I have been more focused on running after God here and now trying to love and share with them. It's strange, because I think I have been more consistent in the Word this semester than ever before in my entire life... and yet, somehow I still managed to lose track of the direction I'm running, too focused on the side lines. Even this morning, I read Deut. 5&6 and Acts 7, which are two hugely encouraging and amazing passages to me, and yes, I thought about them and how incredible God's character is, but it did not strike at my core like tonight's fellowship did. But God is oh so good and faithful and always meets us in the most perfect and intimate ways. He reminded me of a dream, a big dream He's given me, a passion to drive me for His sake and His alone. So freeing, and such a relief, just to dream again!
So, there's a song that has found itself on repeat a lot lately by a worship band from Holly's church in Charlotte. Here are a few lyrics:
Bless the Lord with all that's within
O my soul I cry out with all that I am
Make me whole, here I stand
I place all my hope in you
my Healer will see me through
My Savior my God on high
The one who has brought me life
I surrender all that I am into Your hands
I'm in Your hands
That's my prayer for this next week and a half. Yes, I'm looking forward to break and seeing my sister and family but I'm here in G-ville because of a big dream and a big God who can make anything and all things possible.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
My One Weekend of Fall
This past weekend, after 3 weeks of my first round of PT school tests, I took a break and flew up to Wilmington, NC for my 3 day weekend :) For those of you who do not know, Wilmington was where I lived for the year in between undergrad at Colorado State and PT School down here in the Sunshine State
(one random little fact for you here... Colorado in fact has more days of sunshine... 300+ per year, and Miami, FL has never recorded a temperature of 100+ degrees... ironic)
Anyways, I moved to Wilmington to help a church plant of Mountain View, Crossway Chapel of Wilmington, to start a college ministry on the UNCW campus. It was an absolutely incredible year, and I saw God work in amazing ways (see previous posts). Not only did He bring students to us, but He drew many to Himself, either for hte first time or just closer in their walk. It was such a privilege to be a part of that. I did not even realize at the time what a huge thing I had been a part of though.
This past weekend, I caught a small glimpse of how God has continued to grow and work through this ministry that barely existed this time last year. For the most part, the ministry is student led now, with only a few staff directing. My girls that I loved and poured into last year are now leading Bible studies of 5-6 girls each and meeting with younger girls and challenging others. They are inviting and bringing people in, creating a community that is much like what I experienced in Colorado. They, by God's grace and provision, are meeting as a large group weekly at the church and in just a few weeks will be on campus for this meeting, giving them more opportunity to bring people in. They have stepped up and are running alongside eachother, living life together.
Sunday was the first time I had been to church at Crossway with 2 services. What I thought was going to be so hard for our little body (which I'm sure it was and still is challenging) seemed to be more than fine and has allowed for more growth from college students and families. People have just stepped in to serve. So cool to see.
After church, the college group had a luncheon for students and parents (it was parents' weekend at UNCW). I got to sit in :) At one point, one of the freshman guys got up to share. He talked about coming to college searching for a church, a church family, a place to grow. His orientation leader, Chelsea, talked about Crossway and he asked her about it afterwards and starting coming the first week. He talked about finding that family and a place to grow and challenge him in his walk with the Lord. I definitely teared up. You see, it was 5 years ago, I was that freshman. A new student at Colorado State University at summer orientation, I also was looking for a church family, a place to call home, a place that challenged me in my relationship with God. And it was at orientation that that orientation leader came up to me and told me about Mountain View; I came the first week of classes, and the rest you might say is history. I am absolutely overwhelmed that God would allow me to be apart of what He's doing there and allow me to see it come full circle.
To be apart of something so much bigger than myself, to make an eternal difference simply by being faithful and obedient. I stole this from one of my favorite person's blog info: "If you want to know the truth, I work with a group of people who have dedicated their lives to the mission of giving every college student a chance to completely change their reason for living. That's a lot to say to someone, so I usually say that I lead Bible studies and help students think through the spiritual aspect of life." -Will Walker, The Kingdom of Couches. WOW! That is what I got to do last year! Broke and humiliated most days, but investing in something beyond anything me in and of myself could ever accomplish. THAT is incredible and hard to put into words the sense of "accomplishment" it brings.
I know it was nothing in and of myself, because my wretched flesh wanted to pack up and leave within the first month of being there, because it sucked and was hard, but God is big enough, and in my weakness He is strong. A classmate reminded me of a passage in 2 Corinthians yesterday, 12:9-10. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
I had an incredible and encouraging weekend in Wilmington, but as it was also a time to rehash the past 2 months, I also realized that while I miss Wilmington terribly and how God used me there, my time there for now is done and God has me in Florida right now, to be a PT later, yes, but also to "live for the line" here and now. As I go back, I realize, once again, I do not want to nor can I live the mediocre life that most people pursue... things of this world that will fade away. I pray God enables me to maintain perspective and realize that living for Him is beyond anything this world can offer me. In the midst of tests and the stresses of being back in school, I want to continue to love and pour into others making that impact like I did, by His grace, in Wilmington, Czech, and with the youth in Colorado. It's worth it, so worth it.
(one random little fact for you here... Colorado in fact has more days of sunshine... 300+ per year, and Miami, FL has never recorded a temperature of 100+ degrees... ironic)
Anyways, I moved to Wilmington to help a church plant of Mountain View, Crossway Chapel of Wilmington, to start a college ministry on the UNCW campus. It was an absolutely incredible year, and I saw God work in amazing ways (see previous posts). Not only did He bring students to us, but He drew many to Himself, either for hte first time or just closer in their walk. It was such a privilege to be a part of that. I did not even realize at the time what a huge thing I had been a part of though.
This past weekend, I caught a small glimpse of how God has continued to grow and work through this ministry that barely existed this time last year. For the most part, the ministry is student led now, with only a few staff directing. My girls that I loved and poured into last year are now leading Bible studies of 5-6 girls each and meeting with younger girls and challenging others. They are inviting and bringing people in, creating a community that is much like what I experienced in Colorado. They, by God's grace and provision, are meeting as a large group weekly at the church and in just a few weeks will be on campus for this meeting, giving them more opportunity to bring people in. They have stepped up and are running alongside eachother, living life together.
Sunday was the first time I had been to church at Crossway with 2 services. What I thought was going to be so hard for our little body (which I'm sure it was and still is challenging) seemed to be more than fine and has allowed for more growth from college students and families. People have just stepped in to serve. So cool to see.
After church, the college group had a luncheon for students and parents (it was parents' weekend at UNCW). I got to sit in :) At one point, one of the freshman guys got up to share. He talked about coming to college searching for a church, a church family, a place to grow. His orientation leader, Chelsea, talked about Crossway and he asked her about it afterwards and starting coming the first week. He talked about finding that family and a place to grow and challenge him in his walk with the Lord. I definitely teared up. You see, it was 5 years ago, I was that freshman. A new student at Colorado State University at summer orientation, I also was looking for a church family, a place to call home, a place that challenged me in my relationship with God. And it was at orientation that that orientation leader came up to me and told me about Mountain View; I came the first week of classes, and the rest you might say is history. I am absolutely overwhelmed that God would allow me to be apart of what He's doing there and allow me to see it come full circle.
To be apart of something so much bigger than myself, to make an eternal difference simply by being faithful and obedient. I stole this from one of my favorite person's blog info: "If you want to know the truth, I work with a group of people who have dedicated their lives to the mission of giving every college student a chance to completely change their reason for living. That's a lot to say to someone, so I usually say that I lead Bible studies and help students think through the spiritual aspect of life." -Will Walker, The Kingdom of Couches. WOW! That is what I got to do last year! Broke and humiliated most days, but investing in something beyond anything me in and of myself could ever accomplish. THAT is incredible and hard to put into words the sense of "accomplishment" it brings.
I know it was nothing in and of myself, because my wretched flesh wanted to pack up and leave within the first month of being there, because it sucked and was hard, but God is big enough, and in my weakness He is strong. A classmate reminded me of a passage in 2 Corinthians yesterday, 12:9-10. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
I had an incredible and encouraging weekend in Wilmington, but as it was also a time to rehash the past 2 months, I also realized that while I miss Wilmington terribly and how God used me there, my time there for now is done and God has me in Florida right now, to be a PT later, yes, but also to "live for the line" here and now. As I go back, I realize, once again, I do not want to nor can I live the mediocre life that most people pursue... things of this world that will fade away. I pray God enables me to maintain perspective and realize that living for Him is beyond anything this world can offer me. In the midst of tests and the stresses of being back in school, I want to continue to love and pour into others making that impact like I did, by His grace, in Wilmington, Czech, and with the youth in Colorado. It's worth it, so worth it.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
LCT: Where you should be!
My first post from Gainesville, FL. I'm officially 4-5 weeks into PT school with our first round of exams beginning this week.
It's been a whirlwind. I've learned so much. I went through and journaled out at one point everything I've learned in the past year. I hope to post it soon (as a series :), but for now just a reflection on being here.
Hard barely begins to describe this transition. There have been valleys where I have wanted nothing more than to curl up in my bed and cry over those of you I've left behind in SC, in Colorado, in North Carolina, and in Czech. I would plead with God in my heart... "why am I here?" I do love school and being back in school has been really neat, but making friends has been so hard and I long for the deep relationships I had over the past 5-6 years. I also just miss the purpose that God allowed me to live with over the past year... all of my being was spent pouring into other people through college ministry, youth ministry or in Czech. My life could easily be so consumed with ministry. Now, here I have this annoying distraction of school and studying. It's difficult to have such a sense of purpose and to find that here amidst being dilligent with studying (something that also honors God).
I read a Psalm the other day: Psalm 55:6-7 "And I say, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness...' "
And, I laughed, because I totally identified with David and his statement there. But, he does go on to say, "In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Despite all my desire to flee, I know He's called me here and I have to trust Him and allow Him to grow my faith in those dark times when i look back on Czech, on Wilmington and wonder why I'm not still there.
I just finished Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret and he goes through a spell where he has to stay in England away from his mission in China, and he says this: "It is no small comfort to me to know that God has called me to my work, putting me where I am and as I am. I have not sought the position and I dare not leave it. He knows why He places me here - whether to do, or learn, or suffer. 'He that believeth shall not make haste.' That is no easy lesson for you or me; but I honestly think that ten years would be well spent, and we should have our full value for them, if we thoroughly learned it in them... Moses seems to have been taken aside for forty years to learn it... meanwhile, let us beware alike of the haste of the impatient, impetuous flesh, and of its disappointment and weariness."
Encouraging, yes, but he seems so sure of being called to be there... what about when I'm not sure I'm supposed to be here. Well, God had an answer for that too and met me in such a sweet way. I take the bus to school and one morning last week in the midst of processing through all of this, I walked out early to the bus stop and sat. I watched as traffic went by. A huge semi went by with a company logo I have never seen or heard of. It said 'LCT: Where you should be!' I kind of laughed and then jumped on the bus and went about my day. Later on though, it dawned on me. For those of you who don't know, LCT are my initials (Cameron is not my first name! :) so LCT (me) Where you should be! WOW! Pretty cool! But it was accompanied with a peace as well as some answered prayers in the relationship realm, just connecting and finding community in a church body here as well as an on campus group and more with roommates and classmates.
In addition, yesterday, one of our classmates was over and was really stressing out about the exams and seems to have anxiety issues. She went to a Christian school, and my roommate and I just got to sit down with her and encourage her with Scripture and love on her and serve her. As she walked out of our apartment, for the first time in Gainesville, I felt the "this is what i was made for" feeling come over me! God is so good!!!!
So this morning I went to church at Creekside. As of right now, it's where I'm sticking as far as church family goes. there have been some pretty challenging things going on, and I have been so encouraged by the leadership and hearing their vision for the church. I had a few hesitations about this church that have all been answered through this trial process in the church. But, this morning, they are going through Philippians. In chapter 1 Paul talks about rejoicing in his circumstances because of how he sees the gospel going forth. He's in jail facing death, but is rejoicing because the imperial guards have heard the gospel and it has reached places it would not have otherwise. Wow... Paul didn't see prison as a hindrance to his sharing of the gospel, but as his mission field. The pastor shared about his dad who shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumor and given a month to live commenced to sharing the gospel with everyone on his hospital hall. He didn't see the brain tumor and being in the hospital as a hinderance to sharing the gospel, but as his mission field. Wow.
So often I look at Florida and my time here and think, "just 3 years... in 3 years I'll be out and can be unhindered in ministry, just gotta put in the work now and later i'll be free to do ministry again wherever I want" But clearly, this is not what God desires. I am called to love Him and love others no matter where I am at, and as Hudson Taylor explained, there is a purpose to my being here, a lesson to be learned (actually many I'm sure) and I dare not leave it until He sends me away. Yes, I do feel this is the path to my becoming a more effective tool for God's Kingdom (one of the reasons I'm not still in CZ or NC) but that becoming won't happen because of "DPT" at the end of my name in 3 years, but rather by continued obedience as I walk along here. I'm here and now for a reason and a purpose. Like James warns, I can't plan tomorrow because I'm certainly not promised my next breath, so run now, be patient and faithful now, only by His grace and His strength.
It's been a whirlwind. I've learned so much. I went through and journaled out at one point everything I've learned in the past year. I hope to post it soon (as a series :), but for now just a reflection on being here.
Hard barely begins to describe this transition. There have been valleys where I have wanted nothing more than to curl up in my bed and cry over those of you I've left behind in SC, in Colorado, in North Carolina, and in Czech. I would plead with God in my heart... "why am I here?" I do love school and being back in school has been really neat, but making friends has been so hard and I long for the deep relationships I had over the past 5-6 years. I also just miss the purpose that God allowed me to live with over the past year... all of my being was spent pouring into other people through college ministry, youth ministry or in Czech. My life could easily be so consumed with ministry. Now, here I have this annoying distraction of school and studying. It's difficult to have such a sense of purpose and to find that here amidst being dilligent with studying (something that also honors God).
I read a Psalm the other day: Psalm 55:6-7 "And I say, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness...' "
And, I laughed, because I totally identified with David and his statement there. But, he does go on to say, "In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Despite all my desire to flee, I know He's called me here and I have to trust Him and allow Him to grow my faith in those dark times when i look back on Czech, on Wilmington and wonder why I'm not still there.
I just finished Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret and he goes through a spell where he has to stay in England away from his mission in China, and he says this: "It is no small comfort to me to know that God has called me to my work, putting me where I am and as I am. I have not sought the position and I dare not leave it. He knows why He places me here - whether to do, or learn, or suffer. 'He that believeth shall not make haste.' That is no easy lesson for you or me; but I honestly think that ten years would be well spent, and we should have our full value for them, if we thoroughly learned it in them... Moses seems to have been taken aside for forty years to learn it... meanwhile, let us beware alike of the haste of the impatient, impetuous flesh, and of its disappointment and weariness."
Encouraging, yes, but he seems so sure of being called to be there... what about when I'm not sure I'm supposed to be here. Well, God had an answer for that too and met me in such a sweet way. I take the bus to school and one morning last week in the midst of processing through all of this, I walked out early to the bus stop and sat. I watched as traffic went by. A huge semi went by with a company logo I have never seen or heard of. It said 'LCT: Where you should be!' I kind of laughed and then jumped on the bus and went about my day. Later on though, it dawned on me. For those of you who don't know, LCT are my initials (Cameron is not my first name! :) so LCT (me) Where you should be! WOW! Pretty cool! But it was accompanied with a peace as well as some answered prayers in the relationship realm, just connecting and finding community in a church body here as well as an on campus group and more with roommates and classmates.
In addition, yesterday, one of our classmates was over and was really stressing out about the exams and seems to have anxiety issues. She went to a Christian school, and my roommate and I just got to sit down with her and encourage her with Scripture and love on her and serve her. As she walked out of our apartment, for the first time in Gainesville, I felt the "this is what i was made for" feeling come over me! God is so good!!!!
So this morning I went to church at Creekside. As of right now, it's where I'm sticking as far as church family goes. there have been some pretty challenging things going on, and I have been so encouraged by the leadership and hearing their vision for the church. I had a few hesitations about this church that have all been answered through this trial process in the church. But, this morning, they are going through Philippians. In chapter 1 Paul talks about rejoicing in his circumstances because of how he sees the gospel going forth. He's in jail facing death, but is rejoicing because the imperial guards have heard the gospel and it has reached places it would not have otherwise. Wow... Paul didn't see prison as a hindrance to his sharing of the gospel, but as his mission field. The pastor shared about his dad who shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumor and given a month to live commenced to sharing the gospel with everyone on his hospital hall. He didn't see the brain tumor and being in the hospital as a hinderance to sharing the gospel, but as his mission field. Wow.
So often I look at Florida and my time here and think, "just 3 years... in 3 years I'll be out and can be unhindered in ministry, just gotta put in the work now and later i'll be free to do ministry again wherever I want" But clearly, this is not what God desires. I am called to love Him and love others no matter where I am at, and as Hudson Taylor explained, there is a purpose to my being here, a lesson to be learned (actually many I'm sure) and I dare not leave it until He sends me away. Yes, I do feel this is the path to my becoming a more effective tool for God's Kingdom (one of the reasons I'm not still in CZ or NC) but that becoming won't happen because of "DPT" at the end of my name in 3 years, but rather by continued obedience as I walk along here. I'm here and now for a reason and a purpose. Like James warns, I can't plan tomorrow because I'm certainly not promised my next breath, so run now, be patient and faithful now, only by His grace and His strength.
Monday, August 10, 2009
There is no one else for me
There is no one else for me,
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos and confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my confusion
You give me grace to do Your will
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more
-Hillsong "None but Jesus"
So, I sit here at my parent's house. A week ago, I was in the Czech Republic. Yesterday, I was at church in Wilmington. This Sunday, I will be attending Creekside Community Church in Gainesville, FL for the first time. What a whirlwind of chaos. Amidst goodbyes and culture shock, I find myself numb and overwhelmed.
Today, I am glad the 2 weeks of goodbyes are over, and have had a chance to think about the next step and even be excited.
I drove the 4 hours back to Gilbert from Wilmington today and was able to think through lessons learned in Czech. In a word, the entire experience was incredible. Looking back on the two camps, I almost see it from a 3rd person perspective. Even as people surrounded me in Wilmington on Sunday, I was shocked. "I didn't do this... this wasn't me" running through my head. Seeing so clearly that God is using me and to Him alone be the glory. So humbled by it as well. So 24/7 loving campers and building bridges to share the gospel, running alongside amazing brothers and sisters and encouraging one another on the battle field, using prayer as our war time walkie talkie and not the domestic intercom it's turned into in so many churches and places.
With that, I look back on it with some reflection on the things God taught me personally... this is what I was made for, what my heart resonates with! I am resolved if it does not help me do that better, I do not want it... a renewed desire for God's best for serving Him alone... that my glory may sing [His] praise and not be silent. Not being legalistic, but challenging...and that idea of why would I want anything else than that purpose I saw so clearly worked out at camp? I want to remember that in my times of discontentment, times of being so bogged down and stressed out with school work. Going back to the race picture, if it helps me run harder, bring it on... if not, throwing it aside. Things I knew and strived for before, but just a renewed resolve at a heart level here before I begin... to wait on God's best, trust and surrender so that He may continue to use me.
Kind of along those lines. Returning from the first camp, I couldn't understand why I had to leave, why God would bring me back 3 times only to send me to PT school and not be able to come back. Why I could only be in Wilmington for a year. Why? Proc? Then through some really challenging conversations kind of coming to this idea of serving God with my best, running my best race and a desire for that no matter what it looks like. He has confirmed PT school so overwhelmingly, I can't back out :-). And I see that it's because that is the most effective way to be able to serve Him, both now and in the future (at least that's my theory right now). As far as how and the details are concerned, I have absolutely no clue. Just trusting that God who sent His own Son to save me is marking out the best race for me, that will bring Him the most glory, and consequently me the most joy and satisfaction, as I saw so clearly in Czech.
Hmmm... that's a lot and may not make any sense whatsoever, but there you have it. I also learned so much about running alongside brothers in Christ, encouraging them and allowing them to lead, while at the same time being bold and confident with the gospel. Have had a tough time articulating that practically, but I'll continue to think through that one... if you have any questions that might guide that thought process... please post/e-mail.
The 2nd camp was awesome. Praying for the follow up with those kids as they strive to build relationships to form a youth group or youth clubs there. The last day I was there we talked about Gifts and the fact that God had given the greatest gift. When asked about that, everyone in my class responded and agreed that it was indeed the greatest gift. One girl then continued saying that it would be foolish not to accept such a gift (as far as I know, she isn't a believer). So neat. Had an amazing last day on the hike walking through the foggy forest worshiping amidst such a beautiful piece of God's creation. Also had many really neat conversations...many of them not with words, but God is bigger than a language barrier and love surpasses all things. These kids had absolutely no self-esteem. I had several opportunities just to build them up, to persuade them that they are indeed worth something. Being faithful to share with them, but at the same time praying that they would truly encounter Christ and see themselves as they are before a holy God, not give the "right" answers and pray a prayer to impress a leader or another camper. That those who do make decisions would not be the same, that they would be a new creation and God would use their excitement and joy to show Himself to a dark and lost country.
Acts 20:24, 26-27
I Corinthians 1:18-20
Two passages that God really used and characterized our time in Czech. Pray they would continue with my time at PT school.
FYI- still working on getting pictures up on facebook and my online album... once I'm in one spot for more than 2 days and make sure I can start school in a few weeks, I'll get that squared away ;)
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos and confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my confusion
You give me grace to do Your will
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more
-Hillsong "None but Jesus"
So, I sit here at my parent's house. A week ago, I was in the Czech Republic. Yesterday, I was at church in Wilmington. This Sunday, I will be attending Creekside Community Church in Gainesville, FL for the first time. What a whirlwind of chaos. Amidst goodbyes and culture shock, I find myself numb and overwhelmed.
Today, I am glad the 2 weeks of goodbyes are over, and have had a chance to think about the next step and even be excited.
I drove the 4 hours back to Gilbert from Wilmington today and was able to think through lessons learned in Czech. In a word, the entire experience was incredible. Looking back on the two camps, I almost see it from a 3rd person perspective. Even as people surrounded me in Wilmington on Sunday, I was shocked. "I didn't do this... this wasn't me" running through my head. Seeing so clearly that God is using me and to Him alone be the glory. So humbled by it as well. So 24/7 loving campers and building bridges to share the gospel, running alongside amazing brothers and sisters and encouraging one another on the battle field, using prayer as our war time walkie talkie and not the domestic intercom it's turned into in so many churches and places.
With that, I look back on it with some reflection on the things God taught me personally... this is what I was made for, what my heart resonates with! I am resolved if it does not help me do that better, I do not want it... a renewed desire for God's best for serving Him alone... that my glory may sing [His] praise and not be silent. Not being legalistic, but challenging...and that idea of why would I want anything else than that purpose I saw so clearly worked out at camp? I want to remember that in my times of discontentment, times of being so bogged down and stressed out with school work. Going back to the race picture, if it helps me run harder, bring it on... if not, throwing it aside. Things I knew and strived for before, but just a renewed resolve at a heart level here before I begin... to wait on God's best, trust and surrender so that He may continue to use me.
Kind of along those lines. Returning from the first camp, I couldn't understand why I had to leave, why God would bring me back 3 times only to send me to PT school and not be able to come back. Why I could only be in Wilmington for a year. Why? Proc? Then through some really challenging conversations kind of coming to this idea of serving God with my best, running my best race and a desire for that no matter what it looks like. He has confirmed PT school so overwhelmingly, I can't back out :-). And I see that it's because that is the most effective way to be able to serve Him, both now and in the future (at least that's my theory right now). As far as how and the details are concerned, I have absolutely no clue. Just trusting that God who sent His own Son to save me is marking out the best race for me, that will bring Him the most glory, and consequently me the most joy and satisfaction, as I saw so clearly in Czech.
Hmmm... that's a lot and may not make any sense whatsoever, but there you have it. I also learned so much about running alongside brothers in Christ, encouraging them and allowing them to lead, while at the same time being bold and confident with the gospel. Have had a tough time articulating that practically, but I'll continue to think through that one... if you have any questions that might guide that thought process... please post/e-mail.
The 2nd camp was awesome. Praying for the follow up with those kids as they strive to build relationships to form a youth group or youth clubs there. The last day I was there we talked about Gifts and the fact that God had given the greatest gift. When asked about that, everyone in my class responded and agreed that it was indeed the greatest gift. One girl then continued saying that it would be foolish not to accept such a gift (as far as I know, she isn't a believer). So neat. Had an amazing last day on the hike walking through the foggy forest worshiping amidst such a beautiful piece of God's creation. Also had many really neat conversations...many of them not with words, but God is bigger than a language barrier and love surpasses all things. These kids had absolutely no self-esteem. I had several opportunities just to build them up, to persuade them that they are indeed worth something. Being faithful to share with them, but at the same time praying that they would truly encounter Christ and see themselves as they are before a holy God, not give the "right" answers and pray a prayer to impress a leader or another camper. That those who do make decisions would not be the same, that they would be a new creation and God would use their excitement and joy to show Himself to a dark and lost country.
Acts 20:24, 26-27
I Corinthians 1:18-20
Two passages that God really used and characterized our time in Czech. Pray they would continue with my time at PT school.
FYI- still working on getting pictures up on facebook and my online album... once I'm in one spot for more than 2 days and make sure I can start school in a few weeks, I'll get that squared away ;)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Praha
Made it to Prague. I fly out tomorrow morning and should arrive in Wilmington at 8:30pm Friday. A sweet evening so far walking aroudn familiar sites, across the Charles Bridge, and my last dinner at a cute little garden cafe restaurant... sipping a latte at a European cafe... yea, I know, right?! :)
So hard saying goodbye to my students today, especially after such a perfect last day of camp (for me... i had to leave early). An AWESOME hike after the nightgame... hehehe, which for me consisted of sitting by a creek by a tree for an hour in teh middle of hte night. Incredible worship time :)
Then back to hang out and then eat fruit dumplings for dinner... yummy!
Tough goodbye and felt soooooo loved by the kids and leaders this morning.
More follow up and details on here later, but just wanted to post that I had made it to Praha... the most ro-tic city in the world! haha
Buh je dobry!!
So hard saying goodbye to my students today, especially after such a perfect last day of camp (for me... i had to leave early). An AWESOME hike after the nightgame... hehehe, which for me consisted of sitting by a creek by a tree for an hour in teh middle of hte night. Incredible worship time :)
Then back to hang out and then eat fruit dumplings for dinner... yummy!
Tough goodbye and felt soooooo loved by the kids and leaders this morning.
More follow up and details on here later, but just wanted to post that I had made it to Praha... the most ro-tic city in the world! haha
Buh je dobry!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Gotta love jr. highers
No matter what country or part of the world you are in, some things never change... including kids between the ages of 13 and 15 :) And although they frustrate me at times, I can't help but love them. I wish there was some way to just impart wisdom into them, but it's fun watching them learn day by day... even just in this short week at camp.
This is a younger camp, so they know less English, but I know many of htem from 2 years ago, so that has been a really neat opportunity to continue those relationships. Still hard. I was on the verge of tears for the first day and half as every turn was a reminder of hte previous camp, but it's been much better as I get to know htem and the team here. It is hard being the only American, but really neat at hte same time and really learning to serve before an audience of One. Really stretching emotionally and spiritually as I have to trust in God alone each and every moment. woot. Have felt really loved by both the campers and the team though. God is good all the time!
We also have quite a few kids at this camp who may claim to be Christians or who have prayed with a leader in the past, but there's no change in their lives, so a new challenge to challenge those kids while sharing with the rest.
Pray for Hanicka, Leny, Hanicka, and Lucie especially. Each of them, I've been able to connect with at some level this week or build on a relationship from the past. Pray God would use those relationships to show them Himself... that any decision they make would be because of Him, and not to impress friends or me as their leader and the crazy American. That they would think about these things and not just pass them off... that a seed of some sort would be planted or watered on fertile soil even if we are not to see fruit this week. Pray that they will get involved with the clubs offered throughout the year after camp is over with the leaders from camp and the Majak church.
It's been a wild week with forest games, silly food eating contests, and many other typical camp things. Tomorrow we will go on a hike all day. Pretty excited about that, but not the fact that the day after that, I leave for Prague.
Oh, the Colorado team finally made it back after what sounds like flight cancellation nightmares and 2 days of trying to get home, and still not having luggage :( Pray that doesn't happen for me!!
AND, according to the leaders this week, we've had another girl from the first camp accept Christ!!! Her younger sister is with us this week, so yea... exciting!!!!
So encouraged.
I Corinthians 1:18-25 ~ the theme of this trip!
This is a younger camp, so they know less English, but I know many of htem from 2 years ago, so that has been a really neat opportunity to continue those relationships. Still hard. I was on the verge of tears for the first day and half as every turn was a reminder of hte previous camp, but it's been much better as I get to know htem and the team here. It is hard being the only American, but really neat at hte same time and really learning to serve before an audience of One. Really stretching emotionally and spiritually as I have to trust in God alone each and every moment. woot. Have felt really loved by both the campers and the team though. God is good all the time!
We also have quite a few kids at this camp who may claim to be Christians or who have prayed with a leader in the past, but there's no change in their lives, so a new challenge to challenge those kids while sharing with the rest.
Pray for Hanicka, Leny, Hanicka, and Lucie especially. Each of them, I've been able to connect with at some level this week or build on a relationship from the past. Pray God would use those relationships to show them Himself... that any decision they make would be because of Him, and not to impress friends or me as their leader and the crazy American. That they would think about these things and not just pass them off... that a seed of some sort would be planted or watered on fertile soil even if we are not to see fruit this week. Pray that they will get involved with the clubs offered throughout the year after camp is over with the leaders from camp and the Majak church.
It's been a wild week with forest games, silly food eating contests, and many other typical camp things. Tomorrow we will go on a hike all day. Pretty excited about that, but not the fact that the day after that, I leave for Prague.
Oh, the Colorado team finally made it back after what sounds like flight cancellation nightmares and 2 days of trying to get home, and still not having luggage :( Pray that doesn't happen for me!!
AND, according to the leaders this week, we've had another girl from the first camp accept Christ!!! Her younger sister is with us this week, so yea... exciting!!!!
So encouraged.
I Corinthians 1:18-25 ~ the theme of this trip!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Abiding
Can I even begin to describe to you the amazing steadfast and everlasting love that God bestows on me?
Today was such an encouragement. Tough morning, but neat spending time with hanna planning my trip to praha and getting ready for camp, and then helping her make lunch. Chatted with Tatum a bit on FB... huge encouragement and answer to prayer. After lunch, had a chance to spend a few hours with the Alferdeens, especially Mindy. Wow! So encouraging. We biked around town, saw her flat, walked to the post office, then had a snack and just chatted. Neat just hearing and seeing more of the everyday life in Vsetin and hearing their process of how God sent them here.
Then a final meeting before camp. Really encouraged by Brad and Lucie, and then got to talk and hear a brief version of their story on the walk home. Excited to talk with Lucie more this week and get to know them.
Then home to have an in depth discussion on Czech versus American health care and insurance with Ondrej. Fascinating! :) So interesting especially in light of all the recent stuff in the US.
Although, I kind of freaked out when i realized a week from Wednesday, I move to Florida... what??!! why do i do this to myself? :-P
A lot of questions today and curiousities. What does this all mean? One step at a time though, just trusting, hoping and abiding, knowing He will light my path... I can plan and dream all I want, but His purposes will prevail. For now, PT school as far as I know.
Thanks for the prayers. There is still an everpresent ache, but a joy and peace beyond understanding has settled tonight as I get ready for some good sleep before the insanity of camp again... although I still might cry when I pull up to that hotel again.
Today was such an encouragement. Tough morning, but neat spending time with hanna planning my trip to praha and getting ready for camp, and then helping her make lunch. Chatted with Tatum a bit on FB... huge encouragement and answer to prayer. After lunch, had a chance to spend a few hours with the Alferdeens, especially Mindy. Wow! So encouraging. We biked around town, saw her flat, walked to the post office, then had a snack and just chatted. Neat just hearing and seeing more of the everyday life in Vsetin and hearing their process of how God sent them here.
Then a final meeting before camp. Really encouraged by Brad and Lucie, and then got to talk and hear a brief version of their story on the walk home. Excited to talk with Lucie more this week and get to know them.
Then home to have an in depth discussion on Czech versus American health care and insurance with Ondrej. Fascinating! :) So interesting especially in light of all the recent stuff in the US.
Although, I kind of freaked out when i realized a week from Wednesday, I move to Florida... what??!! why do i do this to myself? :-P
A lot of questions today and curiousities. What does this all mean? One step at a time though, just trusting, hoping and abiding, knowing He will light my path... I can plan and dream all I want, but His purposes will prevail. For now, PT school as far as I know.
Thanks for the prayers. There is still an everpresent ache, but a joy and peace beyond understanding has settled tonight as I get ready for some good sleep before the insanity of camp again... although I still might cry when I pull up to that hotel again.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Please pray
It's beginning to hit and hard. Said goodbye to my team this morning and it was surreal as they left me standing on the platform. Played paintball with a few of the campers this afternoon (my first time paintballing... yea, AWESOME) and then went to a meeting about the next camp with the Majak church. All day, just an ache in my heart, and then I nearly lost it during the meeting. We are going back to the same hotel as the last camp, and I cry every time I think of going back there without the rest of the Americans, without the Czech team, and without the students I love so much. What I wouldn't give to go back, to be arriving in Prague once again looking for friendly faces. It just went too fast.
But in the midst of dealing with this hurt and dreading the next five to twenty days, I'm clinging fast to God's steadfast love and have felt so loved by the Majak body here this afternoon. Been exciting getting to know the body here in addition to all the camp stuff through our dinner outreaches the past 3 nights.
I am excited about the 2nd camp with younger kids, although it will be challenging in a whole new way, being able to communicate very little and having to be very creative and proactive to build those relationships.
Also, the new soccer fields that Majak just got and have been renovating are being used this week for a sports camp! This will be used to get contacts and drum up interest for a league this fall. The English Camp next week is also to build contacts to start a youth group. I'm sensing a theme in my life over the past 2 years, and am just not quite sure what to make of it at this point :)
So, yes, there are exciting, amazing works of God happening here, and I don't want to miss that because I'm sad. Yes, it hurts, but I've done it before and I know God works everything for good, as much as it's killing me right now. I ask for a supernatural level of trust and contentment and joy and humility in what God has called me to do here. The strangeness of the Barnabus role as I work out what it means later on...but for now, one day at a time.
I am so ridiculously thankful for brothers and sisters here that are pretty much family at this point. It's painful at this point, and I feel like massive pieces of me are missing, but there's the hope of "One Day Soon".
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
camp
oh, and i'll be leaving saturday for a camp for middle schoolers with the majak church for a week. so be praying for that time as well and just to be able to love on those kids, for endurance and strength and protection from loneliness.
Beginning of the End
Last day in Vsetin with the team. they leave tomorrow for praha. beginning to have to say goodbyes to campers and leaders, and i'm not a fan... but just trying to abide in the Lord's steadfast love... psalm 32&33.
Had a neat time with the Lighthouse church last night. we had an ice cream party with them last night and just got to talk about the body of Christ. They asked how it was possible in such a big church for everyone to know people and to be so genuine and welcoming to visitors. each one of us in our testimonies expressed that about coming to mountain view, so neat just talking about that aspect and encouraging them.
volleyball with the campers today and then a hamburger party and then paintball after saying goodbye to the rest of the team tomorrow. excited about the paintball part, dreading the train station part.
for those of you who know me, I hate change and goodbyes, so please be praying for me, that I would cling to God alone.
Love y'all.
Had a neat time with the Lighthouse church last night. we had an ice cream party with them last night and just got to talk about the body of Christ. They asked how it was possible in such a big church for everyone to know people and to be so genuine and welcoming to visitors. each one of us in our testimonies expressed that about coming to mountain view, so neat just talking about that aspect and encouraging them.
volleyball with the campers today and then a hamburger party and then paintball after saying goodbye to the rest of the team tomorrow. excited about the paintball part, dreading the train station part.
for those of you who know me, I hate change and goodbyes, so please be praying for me, that I would cling to God alone.
Love y'all.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
What else can I say... God is good, faithful... cannot be exaggerated...
Today we went to church and then had lunch and camp reunion through the afternoon.
Tough leaving once again. We've had one more kid give his life to Christ as of today, with one more who was so emotional about it today, he had to run to the bathroom crying. Haven't gotten the word on what became of that just yet.
Church was so neat. Worshipping in Czech, part of me so excited for heaven when I will be able to understand each of their stories and how God has worked in their lives.
Then time with the kids, just having fun. Neat time catching up with Mila and Iva... love those women!
Started to kind of, sorta begin to process what happened this week. Zephaniah 3:17 definitely comes to mind... God is so mighty to save. Cyrus preached at CB this morning and talked about evangelism and the power of the gospel and the fact that salvation is a work of the Lord alone. Encouraging as I thought on how inadequate I have felt this week. Even as I get done stumbling through the gospel and my testimony, I realize there is absolutely no credit I can take for anything that happened. Walk by faith, and God will work and to Him alone be the glory. Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory. Quite humbling. Love it! Refining fire... freedom in Christ alone.
this makes no sense right now and my English really stinks at this point :) Yo.
Tak, Cau! :)
Continue praying for us as we do different outreach activities with the lighthouse church, and follow up activities with the campers, including volleyball (Supa!), a castle, a hike, and then paintball on Thursday (mega supa! :). Then I'll be helping with Majak church (doing what, i have no clue at this point) so pray for that time as well. Pray for Zdynek, Jiri, Lukas, Janetel, Tereza, Pavla, and Hanza, students still thinking hard. PRAISE GOD for Michal, Martin, Martin, Stepan, and Iva, brand new brothers and sisters in Christ!!!!
Love y'all tons and tons! Miss you, but haven't seen my passport in a few days... hmmmm :)
Friday, July 24, 2009
God is so good!!!!!!
Just a quick post. Last night, Cyrus challenged the camp with the question, "what will you do with this Jesus?" Afterwards he gave them a chance to raise their hands if they wanted to talk more about accepting Him. 7 people raised their hands!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of them, 4 made decisions last night and the other 3 along with 2-3 others wanted some time to think through it. I'm in awe, overwhelmed.
Pray for Lukas, Petra, Janetel, zdenek, and pavlova, that they wouldn't hesitate any longer, that they would surrender their lives. It's so incredible to me, because I know it was nothing whatsoever that any of us did. God is mighty to save and to work. Walk by faith and trust Him with the rest... guts and grace 101 :) tonight we have one last talk and discussion.
this last day will be tough. we're all pretty exhausted, but pray we finish strong. it's already getting hard thinking about leaving this place. 24/7 with the only purpose of shining and sharing Christ makes it seem like we've been here forever. this is what we're made for!!!!!!
Pray for Lukas, Petra, Janetel, zdenek, and pavlova, that they wouldn't hesitate any longer, that they would surrender their lives. It's so incredible to me, because I know it was nothing whatsoever that any of us did. God is mighty to save and to work. Walk by faith and trust Him with the rest... guts and grace 101 :) tonight we have one last talk and discussion.
this last day will be tough. we're all pretty exhausted, but pray we finish strong. it's already getting hard thinking about leaving this place. 24/7 with the only purpose of shining and sharing Christ makes it seem like we've been here forever. this is what we're made for!!!!!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
gospel ni
hey everyone!!!!! camp is going GREAT!!!! w3e've had some amazing opportunities to share with 0ur students. tonight is our official gospel presentation and alter call. please be praying for lukas and t0mas n my class. see prayer requests below for info from last year on tomas. He has been more open this year and asking some really good questions... "tell me why he [jesus] had to die." OK :) also for the girls I am staying with. we had a sweet question and answer evening program last night that really got a lot of our kids thinking.
tonight, we will finish walking throught hte gospel nad my translator will share his testimony. pray for us as we share, for pedjut leading the time and for the hearts of our students. pray for lukas...he is from a homeless shelter and is really thinking even though he's pretty quiet.
classes are going great, but we are tired tired tired. very little sleep this week, but God is so good and faithful. for strength and joy in the L0rd alone.
miss y'all but secretly I might try to lose my passport :)
john 3:17
hebrews 12:1-3
tonight, we will finish walking throught hte gospel nad my translator will share his testimony. pray for us as we share, for pedjut leading the time and for the hearts of our students. pray for lukas...he is from a homeless shelter and is really thinking even though he's pretty quiet.
classes are going great, but we are tired tired tired. very little sleep this week, but God is so good and faithful. for strength and joy in the L0rd alone.
miss y'all but secretly I might try to lose my passport :)
john 3:17
hebrews 12:1-3
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I made it!!!
Just a quick update to let you know I made it!! Paris was a little tight time wise (I was one of those crazy people running through the airport :), but I made it to Prague, met the team, jumped on the train and now we are in Vsetin. Super excited for camp and to work with this team!! Time to rest up for the big planning day tomorrow!
Cau!
Cam
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Going, going, gone!
Yep, this is me all ready to go tonight! And by all ready, I still am not *completely* packed, but getting pretty close (I still have ~10 hours :-) Loving my new pack though!
I'm overwhelmed and beyond excited as I think about jumping on that plane tomorrow. I could not have asked for a better and more loving send off from my church body here. I love them all so much! Such a blessing just spending time with them the past 4 or 5 days.
So, here we go! Very little sleep, constantly going, living, loving, laughing, getting lost in an incredible culture and country once again. My element; bring on the plunge. The details don't matter anymore, just living for Christ and loving these students and people the best I can these next few weeks. I have been so refreshed and filled with peace and joy the past few weeks. God is so good and faithful. May that joy be contagious and students see that enthusiasm and have that open doors to their salvation.
Thank you for your prayers!
Buh ty zeheny! (God bless you!)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Jehovah Jirah
"The Lord will provide"
And He has indeed, abundantly! This morning, I received a check that was the exact dollar amount I needed to be fully supported for my Czech trip!!
Even cooler, the majority of my support came from non-Crossway people, and a good piece of that came from non-believers whom I had a chance to share with about why I'm going to the Czech Republic.
God is incredibly good.
Isaiah 25:1
And He has indeed, abundantly! This morning, I received a check that was the exact dollar amount I needed to be fully supported for my Czech trip!!
Even cooler, the majority of my support came from non-Crossway people, and a good piece of that came from non-believers whom I had a chance to share with about why I'm going to the Czech Republic.
God is incredibly good.
Isaiah 25:1
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
1 week and counting!
1 week from today I will be somewhere over the Atlantic on my way to the Czech Republic!!!! Beyond excited as I prepare for English classes and camp activities and pray expectantly for how God will use our time there and my relationship with the students once again.
On that note, a special encouragement came tonight as I spoke with one of our campers from last year who doesn't know the Lord. She won't be at camp this year, but she said it was "a unique experience, really for [her]" last year. She had a hard time discussing it in English, but said there was something about that time, it was relaxed, awesome, different somehow. She then encouraged me saying a big part of it for her was my enthusiasm (which was definitely the Spirit through me). I really hope I get an opportunity to see her while I'm in Vsetin and with the help of a translator (or the gift of tongues) can better explain to her that those things are of the Lord and a true relationship with Christ, He places His Spirit and that joy within us as believers, and that Buddhism and the social justice activities she participates in will not satisfy her or give her that. Pray God uses the joyful spirit He's given me once again this year to soften and change the hearts of these students.
God is so good. I'm so excited to work with this team, both American and Czech, and to work with youth group aged kids once again!! woohoo! Getting up early and staying up late (or not going to bed at all) playing games, sports, and loving on these students half way around the world...24/7 going with one purpose because that's what He's called us to.
A good reminder amidst the chaos of packing and working through all the little details of the trip :)
On that note, a special encouragement came tonight as I spoke with one of our campers from last year who doesn't know the Lord. She won't be at camp this year, but she said it was "a unique experience, really for [her]" last year. She had a hard time discussing it in English, but said there was something about that time, it was relaxed, awesome, different somehow. She then encouraged me saying a big part of it for her was my enthusiasm (which was definitely the Spirit through me). I really hope I get an opportunity to see her while I'm in Vsetin and with the help of a translator (or the gift of tongues) can better explain to her that those things are of the Lord and a true relationship with Christ, He places His Spirit and that joy within us as believers, and that Buddhism and the social justice activities she participates in will not satisfy her or give her that. Pray God uses the joyful spirit He's given me once again this year to soften and change the hearts of these students.
God is so good. I'm so excited to work with this team, both American and Czech, and to work with youth group aged kids once again!! woohoo! Getting up early and staying up late (or not going to bed at all) playing games, sports, and loving on these students half way around the world...24/7 going with one purpose because that's what He's called us to.
A good reminder amidst the chaos of packing and working through all the little details of the trip :)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
1 month
1 month from today, I will be in the Czech Republic!!! Overwhelming all that needs to be done before then, but God has been so faithful this summer and has blessed me with peace and contentment.
This past Saturday, we had a public car wash here in Wilmington to raise support for Czech. Such a neat time with the body. Love them all dearly and am so thankful for how God has blessed me here in Wilmington. God provided $250, putting me over half way!! woot!
Also afforded many opportunities to talk with some neat people in the community about Crossway and what I'll be doing in Czech. Definitely stretching on my part, being the point and main person to talk to everyone. God is good! :)
I've heard from several of our students that will be back again this year! Please be praying for many more students that have not been before to come and hear the good news of Christ. Pray for Tomas and Lucie. Tomas was in my class last year and heard the gospel for the first time ever last summer. He was really challenged and overwhelmed as he left camp. The Czech team has been following up with him this past year. Pray for clarity, that God would remove the scales from his eyes, that the simplicity of the gospel would be clear to him. Lucie was in my class 2 years ago and was very interested in the gospel. Pray she will come to camp, despite the fact that her friends may not come with her. Pray for Lukas, a broken and hurting kid who has been to camp both years I have and many more before that. He has a painful past and wants to know where God was during those painful times. Pray he would experience the overwhelming love and grace of God. Cyrus connected with him last year, and pray that God would use his return and their time together to save him.
Kam
This past Saturday, we had a public car wash here in Wilmington to raise support for Czech. Such a neat time with the body. Love them all dearly and am so thankful for how God has blessed me here in Wilmington. God provided $250, putting me over half way!! woot!
Also afforded many opportunities to talk with some neat people in the community about Crossway and what I'll be doing in Czech. Definitely stretching on my part, being the point and main person to talk to everyone. God is good! :)
I've heard from several of our students that will be back again this year! Please be praying for many more students that have not been before to come and hear the good news of Christ. Pray for Tomas and Lucie. Tomas was in my class last year and heard the gospel for the first time ever last summer. He was really challenged and overwhelmed as he left camp. The Czech team has been following up with him this past year. Pray for clarity, that God would remove the scales from his eyes, that the simplicity of the gospel would be clear to him. Lucie was in my class 2 years ago and was very interested in the gospel. Pray she will come to camp, despite the fact that her friends may not come with her. Pray for Lukas, a broken and hurting kid who has been to camp both years I have and many more before that. He has a painful past and wants to know where God was during those painful times. Pray he would experience the overwhelming love and grace of God. Cyrus connected with him last year, and pray that God would use his return and their time together to save him.
Kam
Prayer Support Letter
Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you doing well and trusting in the sovereignty and goodness of our Lord and Savior. It has been an absolutely incredible year for me in college ministry in Wilmington, NC with Crossway Chapel as well as serving the church plant here. As the semester winds down and we look back over this year, I am overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness in bringing us students and how they have grown and matured this year. It is neat how God has used me and allowed me to be apart of what His work here. I will be moving again to begin physical therapy school this fall at the University of Florida, but before that, I am excited to have the opportunity to return to the Czech Republic for a third time this summer from July 15th through August 7th with a team from Mountain View.
We will once again be helping with an English camp for high school students as well as serving the church body there, called Majak or Lighthouse Church in Vsetin, CZ. Mountain View has partnered with this church, and two of the ways they reach out into their community is through sports camps and through teaching English. Every summer, they host week long English camps for middle and high schoolers and bring native speakers to help teach. Each night, we do a spiritual program that builds throughout the week and culminates in a gospel presentation on the last night.
This year we will be there for two and a half weeks, helping with one camp and then spending time serving the church plant. Last year, we had 4 people accept Christ during the time we were at camp; 2 of them had been to our camps the previous summer. It was so encouraging for me to see fruit from the previous year, and I pray God will use my returning once again to continue to build these relationships and ultimately bring people to Himself as well as encourage our brothers and sisters in the Czech Republic. I also have a unique opportunity this year to stay an extra week on my own helping the church plant with outreach project as well as a sports camp!
During camp, I will once again be in charge of an English class. This small group of people I will spend three hours per day in English class with, in addition to about an hour and a half of discussion on the spiritual lessons of the day. I ask for you to be in prayer for these kids and the relationships we will build. I ask for them to see the love of Christ shining forth through me as well as the other members of our team. I pray that God would be softening their hearts and allow them to open up in discussion and be honest with themselves as they grapple with the truth.
Specifically for me, I ask for prayer that God will use the things I have learned and grown in this year in Wilmington to serve the students and church in Vsetin. As this will be the third time helping with English camps, please pray that I would not be complacent or proud in a familiar setting, but rather a passionate servant. Finally, I ask that God will use the next month and a half to fill me up and refresh my spirit for this opportunity as well as for whatever ministry looks like this fall in PT school, that I may serve Him fully and in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
I also ask for prayer for the logistics of the trip: for safe travel and good health, for the details of camp to fall into place, for our Czech teammates working so hard to organize the camp and get the kids there, for servant hearts for our American team, and finally for finances. I have seen God provide supernaturally for this trip the past two years as well as for me this year in Wilmington, and I pray that we would trust He will do the same this year as we seek Him.
My hope in sending out these letters is to raise up an army of people praying for us this summer as we prepare and go over seas. If you feel led to contribute financially to my trip, you can contact me by e-mail.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions at L.Cameron.Taylor@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your prayer support in reaching central Europe. I am so excited and honored to have this opportunity once again and would love for you to be apart of our mission in the Czech Republic.
In Him,
Cameron Taylor
I hope this letter finds you doing well and trusting in the sovereignty and goodness of our Lord and Savior. It has been an absolutely incredible year for me in college ministry in Wilmington, NC with Crossway Chapel as well as serving the church plant here. As the semester winds down and we look back over this year, I am overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness in bringing us students and how they have grown and matured this year. It is neat how God has used me and allowed me to be apart of what His work here. I will be moving again to begin physical therapy school this fall at the University of Florida, but before that, I am excited to have the opportunity to return to the Czech Republic for a third time this summer from July 15th through August 7th with a team from Mountain View.
We will once again be helping with an English camp for high school students as well as serving the church body there, called Majak or Lighthouse Church in Vsetin, CZ. Mountain View has partnered with this church, and two of the ways they reach out into their community is through sports camps and through teaching English. Every summer, they host week long English camps for middle and high schoolers and bring native speakers to help teach. Each night, we do a spiritual program that builds throughout the week and culminates in a gospel presentation on the last night.
This year we will be there for two and a half weeks, helping with one camp and then spending time serving the church plant. Last year, we had 4 people accept Christ during the time we were at camp; 2 of them had been to our camps the previous summer. It was so encouraging for me to see fruit from the previous year, and I pray God will use my returning once again to continue to build these relationships and ultimately bring people to Himself as well as encourage our brothers and sisters in the Czech Republic. I also have a unique opportunity this year to stay an extra week on my own helping the church plant with outreach project as well as a sports camp!
During camp, I will once again be in charge of an English class. This small group of people I will spend three hours per day in English class with, in addition to about an hour and a half of discussion on the spiritual lessons of the day. I ask for you to be in prayer for these kids and the relationships we will build. I ask for them to see the love of Christ shining forth through me as well as the other members of our team. I pray that God would be softening their hearts and allow them to open up in discussion and be honest with themselves as they grapple with the truth.
Specifically for me, I ask for prayer that God will use the things I have learned and grown in this year in Wilmington to serve the students and church in Vsetin. As this will be the third time helping with English camps, please pray that I would not be complacent or proud in a familiar setting, but rather a passionate servant. Finally, I ask that God will use the next month and a half to fill me up and refresh my spirit for this opportunity as well as for whatever ministry looks like this fall in PT school, that I may serve Him fully and in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
I also ask for prayer for the logistics of the trip: for safe travel and good health, for the details of camp to fall into place, for our Czech teammates working so hard to organize the camp and get the kids there, for servant hearts for our American team, and finally for finances. I have seen God provide supernaturally for this trip the past two years as well as for me this year in Wilmington, and I pray that we would trust He will do the same this year as we seek Him.
My hope in sending out these letters is to raise up an army of people praying for us this summer as we prepare and go over seas. If you feel led to contribute financially to my trip, you can contact me by e-mail.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions at L.Cameron.Taylor@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your prayer support in reaching central Europe. I am so excited and honored to have this opportunity once again and would love for you to be apart of our mission in the Czech Republic.
In Him,
Cameron Taylor
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Cesky Republika it is!
In 42 days, I'll be crossing the Atlantic once again for the tiny town of Vsetin, CZ, one of the dearest places in the world!
English camp (woooohhooooooo!), and then I have an opportunity this year to stick around for an extra week on my own and help with church things as well as maybe a sports camp!!! Woohoo!!
I'll post my prayer support letter here shortly. For now, pray for support coming in as well as for our car wash here in Wilmington on the 13th, that God would use that to provide as well as open up neat conversations with people in the community about Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Acts 20:24
English camp (woooohhooooooo!), and then I have an opportunity this year to stick around for an extra week on my own and help with church things as well as maybe a sports camp!!! Woohoo!!
I'll post my prayer support letter here shortly. For now, pray for support coming in as well as for our car wash here in Wilmington on the 13th, that God would use that to provide as well as open up neat conversations with people in the community about Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Acts 20:24
Saturday, April 25, 2009
"here i am...send me" and He did.
I am supposed to share a 60-90 second testimony of what God has done this year in college ministry. 60-90 seconds... haha! But here is what I got so far:
A year ago today, I was about to graduate from college with absolutely no idea of what to do or where to go next, so I prayed simply, "Here I am, clueless but willing." (Be careful with that prayer :)
3 months later, I packed my Jeep and headed to Wilmington to help "start a college ministry" at a campus I knew nothing about with people I didn't really know. Within the first week, I knew I was completely in over my head, but charged forward trusting where I was weak, tired, and completely inadequate, He is so strong, and He has been so amazingly faithful.
As I look around this room, I'm in awe of the things God has done this year - just the fact that you are here is such a testimony to God's faithfulness, but you haven't just filled a seat on Sunday morning. I have watched you grow so much in the Word and being doers of the Word, in obedience and humility, in reaching out and loving those around you, in fellowship and building a community to go onto campus and battle alongside one another. We have seen lives changed, by His amazing grace. What an incredible honor and priviledge it has been to be a part of this... He truly does do much more than we can possibly think or imagine.
And with that, for those of you who don't know, I will be going to the University of Florida this fall. I hate the thought of leaving, but I am SO excited to see what God does through each of you and with this ministry next year - so keep running hard, throwing everything else aside, eyes fixed on Jesus, our Lord and Savior!
A year ago today, I was about to graduate from college with absolutely no idea of what to do or where to go next, so I prayed simply, "Here I am, clueless but willing." (Be careful with that prayer :)
3 months later, I packed my Jeep and headed to Wilmington to help "start a college ministry" at a campus I knew nothing about with people I didn't really know. Within the first week, I knew I was completely in over my head, but charged forward trusting where I was weak, tired, and completely inadequate, He is so strong, and He has been so amazingly faithful.
As I look around this room, I'm in awe of the things God has done this year - just the fact that you are here is such a testimony to God's faithfulness, but you haven't just filled a seat on Sunday morning. I have watched you grow so much in the Word and being doers of the Word, in obedience and humility, in reaching out and loving those around you, in fellowship and building a community to go onto campus and battle alongside one another. We have seen lives changed, by His amazing grace. What an incredible honor and priviledge it has been to be a part of this... He truly does do much more than we can possibly think or imagine.
And with that, for those of you who don't know, I will be going to the University of Florida this fall. I hate the thought of leaving, but I am SO excited to see what God does through each of you and with this ministry next year - so keep running hard, throwing everything else aside, eyes fixed on Jesus, our Lord and Savior!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Isaiah 25:1
I found out today that one of our girls that we have been praying for since day 1 here in Wilmington wants to be baptized next weekend. I'm in shock in a lot of ways. What an incredible way to wrap up our first year on campus. Amazing. We wanted to end with a bang with the retreat, and in some ways I felt like we fizzled, but oh how incredible it is to serve a God who can do and does much more than any of us can possibly imagine. New life; the old has gone and the new has come! God is oh so amazingly good! What a glorious picture of the work He does in our hearts.
Now, for just one more heart of flesh transformation in particular before we leave (or more appropriately, they leave) for the summer... :-)
Sheesh, so next weekend will be really the last one we have with many of our students, especially for me. This weekend we are doing a college send off time. I am in charge of the slideshow and will also be sharing what this year has been like for me as a staff person. I've thought on it quite a bit, and I seriously have no idea what I'm going to say apart from:
"I suck and am so ridiculously inadequate; God is great and greatly to be praised for everything He did this year; and I am so extremely honored He allowed me to witness His work here... Keep running!"
So... yea, in a nutshell, that has been this year.
But on a lighter note, I feel like I'm being sent back to Czech this summer! Woot!!!
Now, for just one more heart of flesh transformation in particular before we leave (or more appropriately, they leave) for the summer... :-)
Sheesh, so next weekend will be really the last one we have with many of our students, especially for me. This weekend we are doing a college send off time. I am in charge of the slideshow and will also be sharing what this year has been like for me as a staff person. I've thought on it quite a bit, and I seriously have no idea what I'm going to say apart from:
"I suck and am so ridiculously inadequate; God is great and greatly to be praised for everything He did this year; and I am so extremely honored He allowed me to witness His work here... Keep running!"
So... yea, in a nutshell, that has been this year.
But on a lighter note, I feel like I'm being sent back to Czech this summer! Woot!!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
A Standing Stone
Hello all.
The semester got off to a bit of a discouraging start, but God is faithful and still managing to turn our world upside down as a college ministry and a church.
I've had a lot to process through over the past month, and it culminated yesterday with some exciting news. Read about it at www.astandingstone.blogspot.com
It's the blog I randomly post stuff about me and what God's doing with me, where this one I focus more on the ministries He has me with at the moment. As you might imagine, most of the time this overlaps at least a bit :) But yea, check it out and I'll try to put a beginning of the semester update here soon on our college ministry and Crossway Wilmington.
The semester got off to a bit of a discouraging start, but God is faithful and still managing to turn our world upside down as a college ministry and a church.
I've had a lot to process through over the past month, and it culminated yesterday with some exciting news. Read about it at www.astandingstone.blogspot.com
It's the blog I randomly post stuff about me and what God's doing with me, where this one I focus more on the ministries He has me with at the moment. As you might imagine, most of the time this overlaps at least a bit :) But yea, check it out and I'll try to put a beginning of the semester update here soon on our college ministry and Crossway Wilmington.
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