Recent STINT Partnership highlights

Italy

One of my new STINT partners, Alicia, is serving overseas in Italy. She and her team recently hosted a Short Film Night, where they and their students invited new friends to watch and discuss film.

"I think of the coolest parts was witnessing my student share her faith in Italian with her group! Italian to Italian - the language barrier was not there and she stepped out in boldness, sharing parts about God's presence in her life." - Alicia


Central Asia

 

Another team in Central Asia, had a Spring Break team come join them for a week of ministry. One pair of girls went out and showed the short film, ' Dying Roads' - a modern version of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Here is what the STINTer reported:

  

"The girls [we shared with] immediately said they didn't think that this story could happen here in their city because of the religious people. Then five minutes later, the girls left to go pray and then came back. (I've never had students do that before). Then we got into a conversation about what they think about Christianity and what we think about Islam. They all want to get together again to talk about it. It made away for us to talk about deep things." - Erin

Puerto Rico

The STINT team in Puerto Rico is a pioneering team. Because they are the first team in this country, they are even more willing to try new things to reach the campuses they work on.

This month, with a visiting Spring Break team of students from the States, they lead the digital strategy using short films in initiative evangelism. We had them use specifically the short film La Busqueda - (which demonstrates the parable of the Prodigal son). This means, they went on campus and using the Jesus Film Media app on their phone, approached people and asked if they would watch it and share their opinion.

"Blake and I had two students really connect with the film. They were so mad when the daughter didn't get off the bus and return to the father. After thinking through why she migh not get off, the student was like "OHHH". A light bulb went off and he realized that is what he has been doing to God. He realized he doesn't feel like he can go back to Him because of all the stuff he's done. Blake and I got to share the Gospel with him and his friend. Although they made no clear decision, it was an awesome conversation that we wouldn't have had if we didn't have the film." - Alyse

Please pray for the individuals on the other end of these conversations! God is always up to something...  

Psalm 139

• He knows me
• He knows my thoughts
• He knows my schedule
• He knows me better than I know myself
• He is so dynamic my mind cannot comprehend
• He is everywhere
• His hand guides me
• He is THE Light - nothing can dim Him
• He crafted me intricately in my mothers womb
• He deserves praise for His wonderful works
• He can see all things, even a growing baby in his mother's womb
• He has prepared all my days before me, even before I existed
• His thoughts are more valuable than gold - wisdom!
• His name is misused :(
• He knows my heart and thoughts
• He leads me to an everlasting life

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus"

On Sunday, this song was played at church. I loved it.

When I drive, it's crazy how many times I find myself on "auto-pilot" driving by places, landmarks and roads I've seen hundreds of times before. As I was driving down a familiar road this morning, I found myself looking off into the distance and up to the clouds in the sky. Amazed by it's great vastness, it's unique beauty, it's unending horizon - I remembered God created all of that. Meaning not only is He creative, but He is HUGE.

He is a big, artistic, creative and caring God. In as much thought that went into that scene I saw for a few moments, how much more does He have precious thought, care, love, patience, and desire for what's best for me.

Often times, I find myself getting caught up in the here and now. I start grabbing at the "steering wheel of life" to steer it myself, rather than trust in where the Lord is leading. Sometimes, I take time to reflect on past life situations and experiences; (which I should do more because...) every single time, He has proven faithful. Looking back on the whole story, I can see where and how God was leading. Hind-sight is always 20/20 right? In reflecting on these moments, I want to continue to grow my trust in Him.

1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to take Him at His Word;
   Just to rest upon His promise,
   And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just to trust His cleansing blood;
   And in simple faith to plunge me
   ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
   Just from sin and self to cease;
   Just from Jesus simply taking
   Life and rest, and joy and peace.
4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
   Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
   And I know that Thou art with me,
   Wilt be with me to the end.