noun
1 - the providing or supplying of something, especially of food or other necessities.
2 - arrangement or preparation beforehand, as for the doing of something, the meeting of needs, the supplying of means, etc.
3 - something provided; a measure or other means for meeting a need.
[ dictionary.com ]
Everything was seeming to be "not enough" as May 23rd was creeping up. Two weeks ago, there were not enough guys, not enough staff, and not enough checks in (according to my time frame). With 21 girls and just 3 guys, how would the project be affected? How was the smallest staff team going to handle the largest group of women? How would my bank account look if I had to pay to go to OC? I was a little concerned. Typical Jenna.
In one week, the number of male students went from 3 to 13. What?!?!
In one week, staff went from 10 to 13. (YESSSS!)
In one week, checks came in at unexpected times and from unexpected people...now I'm at 70%.
He provides exactly enough. He provides exactly what we need. He provides.
I saw all of this after I let go. Funny how that happens, right?! So I will continue to sit back and watch God provide. Please join me in praying for everyone to "let go" when it comes to raising support; to allow God to provide in His timing and to remember He has prepared this all beforehand. To know and to believe He provides.
Thanks so much for your prayers and support...I am so excited to see what God will do in OCMD this summer!! I know it will be greater than I can even begin to imagine. More to come as God continues to PROVIDE. =]
Monday, April 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Type A
Type A - of or pertaining to a pattern of behavior characterized by competitiveness, a sense of urgency, impatience, perfectionism, and assertiveness
[dictionary.com]
Sense of urgency - always.
Impatience - yes.
Perfectionism - at times.
This time of year it's easier than ever to see my tendency to be "type a". I plan my days by the hour, write things in my calendar that are months away, make to-do lists that include ridiculous details, and look forward to things that aren't even guaranteed to happen. Just like many other college students, my mind is no longer on school. The blinders have been put on and my excitement for summer to begin is taking over. Some may call it good planning, while others may call it being "type a". Either way you look at it, I am failing to be content with where I'm at. Living in the present is always a problem for me - I love to plan (which makes NOT looking ahead difficult), my sense of urgency is out of this world, and I just get so EXCITED for what lies ahead! The problem with this is that I begin to wish time away, plan my life (as if it's mine to plan), and over think. Ohhh the downfalls of always being so excited....
So here I am - planning my work schedule between finals and graduation, planning my last week between graduation and OC, planning the fun things I can do with my girls in OC, planning what to bring to OC, planning what to do after OC until school begins, planning when I'll move into our new house, planning my classes for next semester, planning my financial aid for my last year of school, and planning what Cru will look like at CNU next year. WOW. Can you say "O you of little faith"? I plan as if things won't work out if I don't. I plan as if my plans are guaranteed. I plan as if it's all about ME.
According to my plan, 50% of support would already be in for this summer. But it's not. Does that change God's provision? No. Does that change my excitement? No. Does that change the plan God has for me being in OC? No. But it does change one thing - it changes my faith in Jenna. It changes my faith in my own plans working out. So I'm letting go.
Matthew 6: 25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So now I try to not worry, not plan, and not wish time away....I want to take each day as it comes.
-A Tree Full of Angels, Macrina Wiederkehr
We stand in the midst of nourishment and we starve. We dwell in the land of plenty, yet we persist in going hungry. Not only do we dwell in the land of plenty; we have the capacity to be filled with the utter fullness of God (Eph. 3:16-19). In the light of such possibility, what happens? Why do we drag our hearts? Lock up our souls? Why do we limp? Why do we straddle issues? Why do we live feebly, so dimly? Why aren't we saints?
Each of us could come up with individual answers to all of these questions, but I want to suggest here a common cause. The reason we live life so dimly and with such divided hearts is that we have never really learned how to be present with quality to God, to self, to others, to experiences and events, to all created things. We have never learned to gather up the crumbs of whatever appears in our path at every moment. We meet all of these lovely gifts only half there. Presence is what we are all starving for. Real presence! We are too busy to be present, too blind to see the nourishment and salvation in the crumbs of life, the experiences of each moment. Yet the secret of daily life is this: there are no leftovers. There is nothing - no thing, no person, no experience, no thought, no joy or pain - that cannot be harvested and used for nourishment on our journey to God. What I am suggesting here is that everything in your life is a stepping-stone to holiness if only you recognize that you do have within you the grace to be present to each moment. Your presence is an energy that you can choose to give or not give. Every experience, every thought, every word, every person in your life is a part of a larger picture of your growth. That's why I call them crumbs. They are not the whole loaf, but they can be nourishing if you give them your real presence. Let everything energize you. Let everything bless you. Even your limping can bless you.
So let's start collecting crumbs - collecting the experiences of each moment that brings nourishment to our souls.
[dictionary.com]
Sense of urgency - always.
Impatience - yes.
Perfectionism - at times.
This time of year it's easier than ever to see my tendency to be "type a". I plan my days by the hour, write things in my calendar that are months away, make to-do lists that include ridiculous details, and look forward to things that aren't even guaranteed to happen. Just like many other college students, my mind is no longer on school. The blinders have been put on and my excitement for summer to begin is taking over. Some may call it good planning, while others may call it being "type a". Either way you look at it, I am failing to be content with where I'm at. Living in the present is always a problem for me - I love to plan (which makes NOT looking ahead difficult), my sense of urgency is out of this world, and I just get so EXCITED for what lies ahead! The problem with this is that I begin to wish time away, plan my life (as if it's mine to plan), and over think. Ohhh the downfalls of always being so excited....
So here I am - planning my work schedule between finals and graduation, planning my last week between graduation and OC, planning the fun things I can do with my girls in OC, planning what to bring to OC, planning what to do after OC until school begins, planning when I'll move into our new house, planning my classes for next semester, planning my financial aid for my last year of school, and planning what Cru will look like at CNU next year. WOW. Can you say "O you of little faith"? I plan as if things won't work out if I don't. I plan as if my plans are guaranteed. I plan as if it's all about ME.
According to my plan, 50% of support would already be in for this summer. But it's not. Does that change God's provision? No. Does that change my excitement? No. Does that change the plan God has for me being in OC? No. But it does change one thing - it changes my faith in Jenna. It changes my faith in my own plans working out. So I'm letting go.
Matthew 6: 25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So now I try to not worry, not plan, and not wish time away....I want to take each day as it comes.
-A Tree Full of Angels, Macrina Wiederkehr
We stand in the midst of nourishment and we starve. We dwell in the land of plenty, yet we persist in going hungry. Not only do we dwell in the land of plenty; we have the capacity to be filled with the utter fullness of God (Eph. 3:16-19). In the light of such possibility, what happens? Why do we drag our hearts? Lock up our souls? Why do we limp? Why do we straddle issues? Why do we live feebly, so dimly? Why aren't we saints?
Each of us could come up with individual answers to all of these questions, but I want to suggest here a common cause. The reason we live life so dimly and with such divided hearts is that we have never really learned how to be present with quality to God, to self, to others, to experiences and events, to all created things. We have never learned to gather up the crumbs of whatever appears in our path at every moment. We meet all of these lovely gifts only half there. Presence is what we are all starving for. Real presence! We are too busy to be present, too blind to see the nourishment and salvation in the crumbs of life, the experiences of each moment. Yet the secret of daily life is this: there are no leftovers. There is nothing - no thing, no person, no experience, no thought, no joy or pain - that cannot be harvested and used for nourishment on our journey to God. What I am suggesting here is that everything in your life is a stepping-stone to holiness if only you recognize that you do have within you the grace to be present to each moment. Your presence is an energy that you can choose to give or not give. Every experience, every thought, every word, every person in your life is a part of a larger picture of your growth. That's why I call them crumbs. They are not the whole loaf, but they can be nourishing if you give them your real presence. Let everything energize you. Let everything bless you. Even your limping can bless you.
So let's start collecting crumbs - collecting the experiences of each moment that brings nourishment to our souls.
Monday, March 14, 2011
OCMD - Round 2!
For nearly 7 months I have been thinking, praying, planning, worrying, rejoicing, and wondering about whether or not I would return to Ocean City, MD as a student-intern this coming summer. Throughout the process I have felt confident in that being the Lords plan for me, but have also had my days where I have felt that I was living in a dream world. Shortly after Radiate, Carol (the associate project director) and I began discussing my plans for the upcoming summer. As I wrestled with my desire to be in Ocean City and my responsibility as a student, it began to not look so promising. I was under the impression that I had to be in Newport News taking classes this summer and that anything but school was out of the question for Summer 2011. After talking with my advisor and the head of the department I was informed that there were other ways to go about getting my classes completed before May 2012. Praise.the.Lord.
On February 25th, 2011 I received an email from Michael Frey notifying me that I had been accepted as a student-intern. So here begins another journey on the beaches of Ocean City, MD - another summer full of the 3 Jacks, worship on the beach, lunches with life groups, discipleship, Bible study, the Darby, the bay, Assateague, family night, women's time, Atlantic, laundromats, Panera, Pastor Ayers, WaWa, the Frey's, the Baker's, lifelong friendships, and most importantly - intimacy with God. I am excited for the new challenges that this summer will bring, though I question my capability. But hey, I am incapable. I know that there is no way I could do this on my own, but our gracious God has called me to this position and will equip me for the role. How exciting!!!!
Support letters have been sent out, the deposit has been mailed, and now I just wait...wait for God to provide and blow my mind once again. Please join me in praying for the students of OCMDSP 2011 - for them to trust God every step of the way, watch patiently as He provides, and accept new challenges presented to them during, before, and after project. I could use some prayer as well :) that I may rely on the Spirit every step of the way and be a humble servant leader.
On February 25th, 2011 I received an email from Michael Frey notifying me that I had been accepted as a student-intern. So here begins another journey on the beaches of Ocean City, MD - another summer full of the 3 Jacks, worship on the beach, lunches with life groups, discipleship, Bible study, the Darby, the bay, Assateague, family night, women's time, Atlantic, laundromats, Panera, Pastor Ayers, WaWa, the Frey's, the Baker's, lifelong friendships, and most importantly - intimacy with God. I am excited for the new challenges that this summer will bring, though I question my capability. But hey, I am incapable. I know that there is no way I could do this on my own, but our gracious God has called me to this position and will equip me for the role. How exciting!!!!
Support letters have been sent out, the deposit has been mailed, and now I just wait...wait for God to provide and blow my mind once again. Please join me in praying for the students of OCMDSP 2011 - for them to trust God every step of the way, watch patiently as He provides, and accept new challenges presented to them during, before, and after project. I could use some prayer as well :) that I may rely on the Spirit every step of the way and be a humble servant leader.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Transitioning
Since family night last Wednesday a lot has changed. Just as I got used to where we had what meetings and when, it changes. Finally when I'm getting comfortable with the relationships here, they change. Shortly after I open up to my discipler, things change.
Friday night we had the farewell banquet for the staff. Each discipleship group performed for their leader and gave them a photo album and other gifts thanking them for all that they have done. Bread was broken, pictures were taken, tears were shed. We finished off the night with worship on the beach...can't get much better than that! But this was the point in project we had all been waiting for (or dreading, depending on how you look at it). The staff were leaving Ocean City and the project was left to us.
I somehow felt extremely close to the staff after only 5 weeks with them. Seeing them go was sad because I knew I would never see some of them again. This also reminded me that my time in Ocean City is half way over. I have already been here for 5 weeks! I feel like there's so many challenges ahead that I can't comprehend how they could possibly fit into 5 weeks. I know it will be great and I am so excited for it, but for now I'm still trying to transition.
When the staff left we were given new schedules. Some activities have switched to different nights, some have been cut out, and some new ones have been added. I am looking forward to the new schedule because a lot of it involves quality time with Matt, Grace, and Blaine (the 3 other directors). They are 3 people that I haven't gotten to know extremely well thus far, so it's exciting that I'm going to get to know them well over the next 5 weeks.
I want to rewind for a second to share something exciting! Thursday night was the first women's time without the staff. We discussed community and unity, looking at relationships in scripture such as Naomi and Ruth. We also went over what it means to be the body of Christ and how we each play a role and have been given specific gifts. It was so great seeing the women start to shout things out and encourage one another. Everyone was suddenly pinpointing strengths and building each other up. So cool.
Tonight we have our first TNT (Teaching N Training) without the staff. The International team will be showing everyone what their ministry looks like and how everyone can be a part of reaching out to the international students. After that Matt, Grace, Blaine, and I meet with the ministry team leaders to discuss the plans for this week and how each of the teams are doing...basically just to have open communication between all of the teams. Then the 4 of us meet to go over the project as a whole. I'm used to having reflection time after TNT so it will definitely be a change.
The rest of project will be GREAT and I am SO excited for it. Oh and Saturday night 8 people accepted Christ. SO GOOD! Thanks for the prayers and support everyone :) Oh and Happy 4th of July!!!...one day late.
Friday night we had the farewell banquet for the staff. Each discipleship group performed for their leader and gave them a photo album and other gifts thanking them for all that they have done. Bread was broken, pictures were taken, tears were shed. We finished off the night with worship on the beach...can't get much better than that! But this was the point in project we had all been waiting for (or dreading, depending on how you look at it). The staff were leaving Ocean City and the project was left to us.
I somehow felt extremely close to the staff after only 5 weeks with them. Seeing them go was sad because I knew I would never see some of them again. This also reminded me that my time in Ocean City is half way over. I have already been here for 5 weeks! I feel like there's so many challenges ahead that I can't comprehend how they could possibly fit into 5 weeks. I know it will be great and I am so excited for it, but for now I'm still trying to transition.
When the staff left we were given new schedules. Some activities have switched to different nights, some have been cut out, and some new ones have been added. I am looking forward to the new schedule because a lot of it involves quality time with Matt, Grace, and Blaine (the 3 other directors). They are 3 people that I haven't gotten to know extremely well thus far, so it's exciting that I'm going to get to know them well over the next 5 weeks.
I want to rewind for a second to share something exciting! Thursday night was the first women's time without the staff. We discussed community and unity, looking at relationships in scripture such as Naomi and Ruth. We also went over what it means to be the body of Christ and how we each play a role and have been given specific gifts. It was so great seeing the women start to shout things out and encourage one another. Everyone was suddenly pinpointing strengths and building each other up. So cool.
Tonight we have our first TNT (Teaching N Training) without the staff. The International team will be showing everyone what their ministry looks like and how everyone can be a part of reaching out to the international students. After that Matt, Grace, Blaine, and I meet with the ministry team leaders to discuss the plans for this week and how each of the teams are doing...basically just to have open communication between all of the teams. Then the 4 of us meet to go over the project as a whole. I'm used to having reflection time after TNT so it will definitely be a change.
The rest of project will be GREAT and I am SO excited for it. Oh and Saturday night 8 people accepted Christ. SO GOOD! Thanks for the prayers and support everyone :) Oh and Happy 4th of July!!!...one day late.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Family Night
A few weeks ago we each got to choose which one of the ministry teams we wanted to serve on while in Ocean City. There is the international team, community team, family night team, prayer team, outreach team, and the stewardship/operations team. Each team has responsibilities of their own and a mission statement that they aim to fulfill. It's so cool to hear about the work each team is doing and to see the different approaches they have.
I chose to serve on the family night team....so fun! We plan the weekly meetings that encourage and challenge the family we have on project. Our mission is "to provide a time each week to refresh, revitalize, and encourage each other individually and as a body through worship, testimonies, fellowship, and teaching of the Word". It's been so great to see the different ideas everyone has about what family night should look like and for the 5 of us on the team to be creative with the time we have each Wednesday night.
On Wednesday, June 9th we had the first family night of OCMD Summer Project 2010! Everything flowed well, there was great authentic worship, a heartfelt testimony, an encouraging talk, and time to share prayers/praise. This first night made me so excited for Wednesday nights! It's such a great time for us all to be united and take a breath of fresh air in the middle of a stressful week.
Michael's talks have been more and more challenging as the weeks go on. The first week was on the ministry of Jesus. What can we learn about how to do ministry from Jesus? Jesus started his ministry by being assured in his position. Jesus knew His purpose. We were challenged to think of our purpose...not just in Ocean City, but in life. As Christians, we have been called to be a witness. The great part is He hasn't only called us, but He's equipped us!! But where is your specific mission field? Jesus set another example for us by the way he spent his time. If you look at Mark 1:35 you see that Jesus set aside time to spend with the Father. We should, too!! Michael stressed the idea that if we don't make this a priority, we will not succeed. The apartment is too small, the space is too tight, the pace is too fast, and the people are always around. We must order our private world!
The second week we looked at Mark 2:1-12. What kept the paralytic from Jesus? The crowd around Him....the "bubble". How did the paralytic finally get to Jesus? The four men who had enough faith to be proactive and not give up. Often times the Christian bubble can keep people from Jesus....but do we have enough faith to step out of that bubble and stick with someone who is spiritually paralyzed? The bubble is meant to be thin, accessible, and attractive...not something that causes more harm than good. Jesus also shows a great example of this when He eats with tax collectors. He doesn't sit inside the bubble shouting "hey! I'm in here!! Come and find me!"...He goes to them. Jesus lived outside of the bubble but in the light.
I loved Michaels talk last week on Mark 4. He talked to us about "seed chucking". In Mark 4:1-20 a parable is told about scattering seed...some fell along the path, some on rocky places, some among the thorns, and some fell on good soil. Just as the farmer does, we should be planting seeds (the Gospel) everywhere we go. Instead, we worry about making sure the soil is great before we plant the seed. We don't take the risk of chucking seeds and we don't trust God enough to prepare the soil. He can do that without us! We don't need to check out the soil to make sure it's good enough!!
Last night was the last Family Night with the staff. Everyone says project gets better once they leave because the students step up...but I don't want them to leave! Each of them has challenged me in so many ways and it's sad to see them go. On the other hand, I'm so excited!! I know great things will happen these last 5 weeks in Ocean City and I can't wait to see what God teaches all of us individually and as a unit. :) But back to family night....last night Michael spoke about Mark 5. When a problem arises my first reaction is "Okay, how do I fix this?". Similarly, the sick woman in Mark 5:21-43 tried to heal her illness on her own. For 12 years she went from doctor to doctor in hopes of being healed and for 12 years it failed. After years of suffering she finally brought it into the light where Jesus was and she was healed. We can easily become just as self reliant as the sick woman, refusing to take the risk of letting our problem be known. Jarius, the father of the dead girl, took his problem to Jesus first. Along with the problem, he also brought his community with him. Jarius wasn't self dependent, he was God dependent. He wasn't afraid to let his problem be known, he shared it with community so that they could support him. Although everyone said Jarius' daughter was dead and a lost cause, Jarius didn't give up. He trusted Jesus when He said don't be afraid and later saw Jesus take the lost cause by the hand and bring her to life. Jesus healed the lost cause. The lost cause was no longer lost. Have you given up on lost causes? Don't pinpoint them as dead and give up....Jesus is a God of lost causes!!
At the end of family night last night the staff team went to the front of the room. Michael wrapped a few things up, shared his excitement for the rest of the summer, called the new student leaders to the front of the room, and stated to the entire project "the project is now yours". So as of last night the project is now ours. Wow!! Not only is it strange to me that the staff are leaving but it is strange that I am one of the women that was called to step up. As of last night I am the new womens director of the project, meaning that I facilitate discussion in the weekly women's time meetings on Thursday nights. I am so excited for the many challenges that will come along with this and for the change that will be made. I have no clue what to expect, but I guess it's kinda good to just expect the unexpected. Prayers for this new position would be greatly appreciated :)
.....sorry it took so long to post and that this was SO long!! Keep reminding me to blog more often...I tend to lose track of time :)
I chose to serve on the family night team....so fun! We plan the weekly meetings that encourage and challenge the family we have on project. Our mission is "to provide a time each week to refresh, revitalize, and encourage each other individually and as a body through worship, testimonies, fellowship, and teaching of the Word". It's been so great to see the different ideas everyone has about what family night should look like and for the 5 of us on the team to be creative with the time we have each Wednesday night.
On Wednesday, June 9th we had the first family night of OCMD Summer Project 2010! Everything flowed well, there was great authentic worship, a heartfelt testimony, an encouraging talk, and time to share prayers/praise. This first night made me so excited for Wednesday nights! It's such a great time for us all to be united and take a breath of fresh air in the middle of a stressful week.
Michael's talks have been more and more challenging as the weeks go on. The first week was on the ministry of Jesus. What can we learn about how to do ministry from Jesus? Jesus started his ministry by being assured in his position. Jesus knew His purpose. We were challenged to think of our purpose...not just in Ocean City, but in life. As Christians, we have been called to be a witness. The great part is He hasn't only called us, but He's equipped us!! But where is your specific mission field? Jesus set another example for us by the way he spent his time. If you look at Mark 1:35 you see that Jesus set aside time to spend with the Father. We should, too!! Michael stressed the idea that if we don't make this a priority, we will not succeed. The apartment is too small, the space is too tight, the pace is too fast, and the people are always around. We must order our private world!
The second week we looked at Mark 2:1-12. What kept the paralytic from Jesus? The crowd around Him....the "bubble". How did the paralytic finally get to Jesus? The four men who had enough faith to be proactive and not give up. Often times the Christian bubble can keep people from Jesus....but do we have enough faith to step out of that bubble and stick with someone who is spiritually paralyzed? The bubble is meant to be thin, accessible, and attractive...not something that causes more harm than good. Jesus also shows a great example of this when He eats with tax collectors. He doesn't sit inside the bubble shouting "hey! I'm in here!! Come and find me!"...He goes to them. Jesus lived outside of the bubble but in the light.
I loved Michaels talk last week on Mark 4. He talked to us about "seed chucking". In Mark 4:1-20 a parable is told about scattering seed...some fell along the path, some on rocky places, some among the thorns, and some fell on good soil. Just as the farmer does, we should be planting seeds (the Gospel) everywhere we go. Instead, we worry about making sure the soil is great before we plant the seed. We don't take the risk of chucking seeds and we don't trust God enough to prepare the soil. He can do that without us! We don't need to check out the soil to make sure it's good enough!!
Last night was the last Family Night with the staff. Everyone says project gets better once they leave because the students step up...but I don't want them to leave! Each of them has challenged me in so many ways and it's sad to see them go. On the other hand, I'm so excited!! I know great things will happen these last 5 weeks in Ocean City and I can't wait to see what God teaches all of us individually and as a unit. :) But back to family night....last night Michael spoke about Mark 5. When a problem arises my first reaction is "Okay, how do I fix this?". Similarly, the sick woman in Mark 5:21-43 tried to heal her illness on her own. For 12 years she went from doctor to doctor in hopes of being healed and for 12 years it failed. After years of suffering she finally brought it into the light where Jesus was and she was healed. We can easily become just as self reliant as the sick woman, refusing to take the risk of letting our problem be known. Jarius, the father of the dead girl, took his problem to Jesus first. Along with the problem, he also brought his community with him. Jarius wasn't self dependent, he was God dependent. He wasn't afraid to let his problem be known, he shared it with community so that they could support him. Although everyone said Jarius' daughter was dead and a lost cause, Jarius didn't give up. He trusted Jesus when He said don't be afraid and later saw Jesus take the lost cause by the hand and bring her to life. Jesus healed the lost cause. The lost cause was no longer lost. Have you given up on lost causes? Don't pinpoint them as dead and give up....Jesus is a God of lost causes!!
At the end of family night last night the staff team went to the front of the room. Michael wrapped a few things up, shared his excitement for the rest of the summer, called the new student leaders to the front of the room, and stated to the entire project "the project is now yours". So as of last night the project is now ours. Wow!! Not only is it strange to me that the staff are leaving but it is strange that I am one of the women that was called to step up. As of last night I am the new womens director of the project, meaning that I facilitate discussion in the weekly women's time meetings on Thursday nights. I am so excited for the many challenges that will come along with this and for the change that will be made. I have no clue what to expect, but I guess it's kinda good to just expect the unexpected. Prayers for this new position would be greatly appreciated :)
.....sorry it took so long to post and that this was SO long!! Keep reminding me to blog more often...I tend to lose track of time :)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 10!
Wow, I've already been here 10 days! We are so busy that each day flies by, making it harder and harder to remember there is a world outside of Ocean City. As our project director says, "time moves differently on the island". As silly as that sounds, it's so true! So sorry for abandoning you all and failing to post updates often.
PRAISES - Ten people have committed their lives to Christ! PRAISE GOD! Numerous people have stopped in our front yard while walking by (looking for a party), leaving 20 minutes later changed. I've watched people go from yelling inappropriate things about Jesus one minute to bowing their heads asking for Jesus to take control of their lives the next. God continues to blow my mind and I'm sure there is MUCH more of that to come. So please join us in praying for our new brothers and sisters and for the hearts of those that we will interact with over the next 8 weeks.
I started work this week! My schedule was all over the place because of training, but next week it will hopefully be more consistent. The people I work with are so sweet and fun, but clearly hurting. It's been fun to get to know them a little and for them to open up and tell me about their lives almost immediately. I need to constantly remind myself that though my job may be to wait on tables or run room service, my occupation is Jesus and sharing Him with those I work with. I'm not working there to make money or have tons of fun, but to share Jesus with my coworkers.
One of the many things we discussed this week was during women's time last night. We talked about the lies that women believe (I'll never be good enough, I won't be beautiful until I'm thin, I won't be satisfied until I'm married) and how these lies hold us in bondage. What does Jesus say to this? Look at John 8 - 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." So why do women not feel the freedom we have in Christ? Why do we still believe the lies that satan feeds us? We listen to the lie, dwell on the lie, believe the lie, and act on the lie....and then we're in bondage. But there is freedom!! Listen to the TRUTH, dwell on the TRUTH, believe the TRUTH, and act on the TRUTH. But what is truth? In John 14:6 Jesus says He is the way and the truth and the life. So turn to JESUS, meditate on His Word, and experience the freedom you have in Christ.
PRAISES - Ten people have committed their lives to Christ! PRAISE GOD! Numerous people have stopped in our front yard while walking by (looking for a party), leaving 20 minutes later changed. I've watched people go from yelling inappropriate things about Jesus one minute to bowing their heads asking for Jesus to take control of their lives the next. God continues to blow my mind and I'm sure there is MUCH more of that to come. So please join us in praying for our new brothers and sisters and for the hearts of those that we will interact with over the next 8 weeks.
I started work this week! My schedule was all over the place because of training, but next week it will hopefully be more consistent. The people I work with are so sweet and fun, but clearly hurting. It's been fun to get to know them a little and for them to open up and tell me about their lives almost immediately. I need to constantly remind myself that though my job may be to wait on tables or run room service, my occupation is Jesus and sharing Him with those I work with. I'm not working there to make money or have tons of fun, but to share Jesus with my coworkers.
One of the many things we discussed this week was during women's time last night. We talked about the lies that women believe (I'll never be good enough, I won't be beautiful until I'm thin, I won't be satisfied until I'm married) and how these lies hold us in bondage. What does Jesus say to this? Look at John 8 - 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." So why do women not feel the freedom we have in Christ? Why do we still believe the lies that satan feeds us? We listen to the lie, dwell on the lie, believe the lie, and act on the lie....and then we're in bondage. But there is freedom!! Listen to the TRUTH, dwell on the TRUTH, believe the TRUTH, and act on the TRUTH. But what is truth? In John 14:6 Jesus says He is the way and the truth and the life. So turn to JESUS, meditate on His Word, and experience the freedom you have in Christ.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
I'm Here!!
I have now been in Ocean City for 3 days!! Somehow it feels like a lot longer though. As I sit outside on the porch two blocks from the beach (so close!) and attempt to blog about my first few days on project, I have a hard time figuring out what to share! There is SO much to say but I have to pick out the important things :)
PRAISES - My mom and her friend came to visit the other day and while they were leaving her friend gave me some support money! I was in SHOCK! God is STILL providing financially even while I'm in Ocean City :) He continues to blow my mind. Also, I got a job!! The first day we went out job hunting I was somehow offered a job within the first hour. Praise God!!! I will be waitressing from 6:30-noon Monday-Saturday. I am looking forward to starting on Monday!
So now to start from the beginning.....Hillary and I headed out of Vienna at 8:30 AM on Tuesday. The 3 hour trip was filled with talks about our fears and excitement going into the ten weeks. One minute we would be talking about how afraid we are to live with 17 other girls, the conflicts that will arise in the house, and the great deal of change we will have to go through....and the next minute we would be squeeling with excitement! You know how girls are. :) When we arrived in Ocean City we were greeted by the staff with hugs and tons of yelling....it was so great to see the energy and joy that fills each one of their hearts! Each and every one of them are so excited to be here and have been on their knees praying over each student. It feels so good to know that we are cared for by brothers and sisters who were praying for us long before we even arrived in Ocean City. Tuesday night and Wednesday were filled with surveys on the boardwalk, challenging talks from the project director, job searches, processing checks, and many hours of getting to know each other.
Our first talk was on running to win. Run light, run long, and run looking. In order to run light, one must throw off everything that weighs them down. We must empty out our backpacks filled with rocks!! Running long involves perseverance - continuing in pursuit of something despite obstacles. We are in a battle and just stepped onto the front lines - we've become a target. However, we are equipped for this battle and must know our resources! Lastly, we are to run looking. Not looking around, but looking at Jesus! We must FIX our eyes on Jesus and run focused on our Savior, not our situation. Sound good?? It gets better.
Our second talk was on the Spirit-filled life. I'll try to make this brief but beneficial. One image that really stuck with me was chocolate milk. Who doesn't like chocolate milk?? When you put the chocolate syrup in the milk and it sinks to the bottom, does it look any different from plain milk? Until the milk YIELDS and allows itself to be influenced by the syrup, not much is different. Once the milk YIELDS it is then able to experience all the joy and blessings of the syrup...making it complete chocolate milk! The Spirit is the chocolate syrup and we are the milk. If we allow the Spirit to influence all of us then we are able to be transformed into something so much greater. However, if we just let it sit there and refuse to yield to the Spirit, how are we any different then one who doesn't have the Spirit with them?
Overall, awesome first few days. I wish I could write more but I would go on for days! Hope this helped update everyone! Letters are accepted...Prayers are appreciated :)
Jenna Wall
Campus Crusade for Christ
503 N. Philadelphia Ave
Ocean City, MD 21842
And here's just a cool little quote - "Until you know that life is war, you will not know what prayer is for"
PRAISES - My mom and her friend came to visit the other day and while they were leaving her friend gave me some support money! I was in SHOCK! God is STILL providing financially even while I'm in Ocean City :) He continues to blow my mind. Also, I got a job!! The first day we went out job hunting I was somehow offered a job within the first hour. Praise God!!! I will be waitressing from 6:30-noon Monday-Saturday. I am looking forward to starting on Monday!
So now to start from the beginning.....Hillary and I headed out of Vienna at 8:30 AM on Tuesday. The 3 hour trip was filled with talks about our fears and excitement going into the ten weeks. One minute we would be talking about how afraid we are to live with 17 other girls, the conflicts that will arise in the house, and the great deal of change we will have to go through....and the next minute we would be squeeling with excitement! You know how girls are. :) When we arrived in Ocean City we were greeted by the staff with hugs and tons of yelling....it was so great to see the energy and joy that fills each one of their hearts! Each and every one of them are so excited to be here and have been on their knees praying over each student. It feels so good to know that we are cared for by brothers and sisters who were praying for us long before we even arrived in Ocean City. Tuesday night and Wednesday were filled with surveys on the boardwalk, challenging talks from the project director, job searches, processing checks, and many hours of getting to know each other.
Our first talk was on running to win. Run light, run long, and run looking. In order to run light, one must throw off everything that weighs them down. We must empty out our backpacks filled with rocks!! Running long involves perseverance - continuing in pursuit of something despite obstacles. We are in a battle and just stepped onto the front lines - we've become a target. However, we are equipped for this battle and must know our resources! Lastly, we are to run looking. Not looking around, but looking at Jesus! We must FIX our eyes on Jesus and run focused on our Savior, not our situation. Sound good?? It gets better.
Our second talk was on the Spirit-filled life. I'll try to make this brief but beneficial. One image that really stuck with me was chocolate milk. Who doesn't like chocolate milk?? When you put the chocolate syrup in the milk and it sinks to the bottom, does it look any different from plain milk? Until the milk YIELDS and allows itself to be influenced by the syrup, not much is different. Once the milk YIELDS it is then able to experience all the joy and blessings of the syrup...making it complete chocolate milk! The Spirit is the chocolate syrup and we are the milk. If we allow the Spirit to influence all of us then we are able to be transformed into something so much greater. However, if we just let it sit there and refuse to yield to the Spirit, how are we any different then one who doesn't have the Spirit with them?
Overall, awesome first few days. I wish I could write more but I would go on for days! Hope this helped update everyone! Letters are accepted...Prayers are appreciated :)
Jenna Wall
Campus Crusade for Christ
503 N. Philadelphia Ave
Ocean City, MD 21842
And here's just a cool little quote - "Until you know that life is war, you will not know what prayer is for"
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