"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
This week was beyond words, but I am going to do my best to do put my experiences into words. This past week was our first week with groups at our site here in Daytona Beach. We were excited to see what God had in store and it was beyond what we could imagine. We had groups from Texas, Georgia, and Florida. Through out the week, the youth spread the love of the Lord throughout the community as they worked with servant hearts at various ministry sites. Everything went extremely well at each ministry site and our ministry contacts raved about the groups that served them. It was so amazing to watch the youth just jump into whatever the ministry contacts had for them to do so willingly and in the Florida heat. As staff, we have begun to connect on a deeper level with our ministry contacts and we have begun to get to know many people in the community like the man who checks us out at Sam's Club, the woman at the cheesecake shop, and the people in the congregation.
Slowly, but surely, the groups began to bond and open up. We asked the group from Atlanta to lead worship for Club on Wednesday night and their youth leader was led to give the message as well. God showed up in a big way that night as many of the youth were broken and felt as if the speaker was speaking right to them. Many of their fears and life challenges came out as they shared their hearts and tears with their brothers and sisters in Christ. I was able to connect with several youth this week and it was an extreme privilege to watch them begin to understand and grow in John 3:30.
We found through our experiences this week that our schedule is just a general time frame, that time is not always going to happen...on time, if that makes sense. We found that a smile amidst frustrations is key and knowing when to pick your battles is helpful. I also realized that I can be really focused on the rules and that kept me from really connecting with some of the youth. Going with the flow and remembering my true desire to share Christ's love with the youth that come through this summer are my goals for this coming week. As a team, we also realized that God will show up, no matter what YW rules are broken, despite the varied attitudes of the youth, and whether or not the schedule is followed. He will be there and with intensity every time. It's ridiculous how easily I forgot how reliable God is. No limits can be placed on our Savior, that is for sure.
Please pray for the groups traveling this weekend and for patience, kind spirits, and open hearts.
Love in Christ,
Jessica
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"We found through our experiences this week that our schedule is just a general time frame, that time is not always going to happen...on time, if that makes sense."
ReplyDeleteGreat learning, Jessica! Over in Africa (where NOTHING starts on time), they referred to "American Time." That is, when the Americans are in charge, it starts "on the dot," otherwise, it starts when it starts! Sometimes, of course, we need "American Time," but lots of times it's OK to wait on the Lord's kairos.
PBob
Jess - finally remembered my password. I agree with PBob - the Lord's time if we will let it will produce more fruit. I know that you have a vision of what this should look like to you. Just remember to open your mind to allow him to mold the clay. He is the potter. Maybe next time you have the issue you shared with me you could have find some china cups - and saucers and have a little mini course - Try illistrating.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog - but MOST of all I LOVE YOU.
Love Ya
MOM