Day 1,459

August 1st, 2010 was my initial hire date with Campus Crusade for Christ International.  My first "real job" out of college.

Tomorrow, I start my 5th year... day 1,460.

As a college student, my plan was always to work hard, maybe climb the corporate ladder, have a family and support full-time missionaries. Little did I know, GOD's plan all along was for me to actually be a full-time missionary - at least for this season of life.

Most of my STINT team

 Looking back on these 4 years, (it's enjoyable to reminisce and start to see reasons for various life events or experiences), there were many seasons. Seasons of adventure, hardship and tears, packing and moving, cultures and languages, forever friendships built, and many pioneering endeavors I would have never could have imagined or thought I'd get to be apart of...

The National Campus Office conference team.                                                                             Jesus Film Media teammate Nifer and I on a conference call.

 Recently, I was in Denver, Colorado to speak at a conference. My overall purpose was to cast vision to the leaders of the intern teams serving overseas (STINT), about ways their teams could partner and be digitally trained and coached using Jesus Film products and strategies on campus overseas. As I prepared for this presentation, I also took time to reflect how this project came to be:

2010 - Pioneering STINT in France to resource Christian minorities.
2011 - Intern with the Cru National Campus Office conference team.
2012 - Join staff with Jesus Film Media and raise financial support.
2013 - Report full time and develop the STINT Partnership project.
2014 - Continue to develop the STINT Partnership project, training a new team in the partnership process, and possibly model partnerships for other ministries from it.

During my time on STINT, I met several influential leaders in the Global Missions world. While working on the conference team, I built rapport with some really fun people who orchestrate a wide variety of Cru conferences - including ones for STINTers. And during both of my internship years, through various circumstances, I learned more about Jesus Film and their desire to "go digital" in ministry and wanted someone with a marketing/networking background on this new team.

Representing Jesus Film Media at the 2013 STINT Briefing

The combination of these timely life experiences could only be put together by the Creator of all things. I don't think I'll ever realized how blessed I am to have been apart each of these ministries, but I am thankful to have been able to take time to see how they all have come together. I am excited and trusting the LORD to continue to grow and develop this STINT Partnership in the coming years to magnify HIS Name to the nations!

Cool story from at STINTer coming home from the Middle East

"Hey Hannah!

​

I wanted to tell about a cool story that happened while I was traveling home from my STINT year in the Middle East. On my long flight from Germany to Detroit, I sat down next to a girl from Poland. She was a Physics PHD student traveling to the US for a week to do two experiments at the Michigan ​State ​University Cyclotron. This was exciting for me ... you know MSU!

As we chatted, we started to talk about her boyfriend and relationships and I shared my testimony with her about how finding Jesus' love gave me the strength to get out of an unhealthy relationship. For her being a scientist, she explained that most people in Poland are catholic but that she isn't sure there's a God. I explained that for me, also as a scientist, i really needed proof of Gods work and existence and that he has given me that through a series of things that match up with his Word in the Bible.

I also got to share about how Jesus interacted with women in the Bible and how this was different than how many religious leaders would have. As we were exchanging names and contact information, I asked about her name, Magda. I asked how she got her name and she explained that it is short for Magdalena. I told her that it was beautiful that she was named after someone with a beautiful story of redemption. I asked her if she'd ever seen the movie named after her. She said no and was intrigued so I pulled out my iPhone and showed her the Magdalena film on my app. We couldn't watch it right then, but she brought up the film later in our conversation again and said she really wants to watch it when she gets home.

I'm hoping to swing by East Lansing this afternoon or Thursday to have lunch with her. Praise the Lord for his work in her life and pray with me that the film will stick with her every time she remembers her name.

Erica :)"

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...  

STINT Briefing: Day 2 and 3

Things are going well here in Chicago! Here are a few more short stories from yesterday and today:

• Yesterday, I bought 14 mini iPads (iPad Mini). This year, a STINT team is pioneering a new digital strategy. Similar to the "World Race", this team of 14, will be headed to 9 countries over the course of this year. The goal is to use technology, partnering with The JESUS Film Project to raise up national leaders in these countries and start ministry movements. I am praying that they get to experience radical things and are able to share what they learn with us at Jesus Film Media. It's like they are our field testers! How cool is that??
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Today, I met for lunch with the first ever STINT team headed to The Netherlands. I was really excited to meet with them, as they are my alma mater's  (Grand Valley State University) campus partnership. I was able to show and train them with the foundational functions of the JFM app. They were all excited for the possibilities of how they can incorporate it in their ministry this coming year. A few of them still have some support to raise. Will you pray God provides for them soon?
  
  
• This afternoon, my teammate Danny and I, met with a national from North Africa, named Mohammed*. He is in a influential leadership role for our companies digital ministry called Virtual Led Movement. During our meeting, he also told us that most college students in his country, have smart phones - which is why he wants to know how to share the app. It was a simple training done in 5 minutes! We also specifically showed Mohammed the valuable method of downloading the films to the user's device - which, once downloaded, eliminates the need for data or wifi. He is excited to take this news back to his country and share with his team!

*Names changed for security reasons

Summer Travel Day 67: STINT Briefing Day 1

Ready for the STINTers to arrive!

• At registration today, 392 STINTers walked through the conference doors, ready to be trained! Jesus Film Media had a table, where we gave away about 100 JFM t-shirts, gathered over 100 emails to receive monthly updates over the year and we learned most people have already install the app prior to coming to the conference! This is great because they can follow right along when I give a training to the whole conference later this week! #JesusFilmMediaApp

• Tonight, I met a guy named Ben who came to know the Lord via the film JESUS after it had been delivered in his mailbox from a local church outreach. He is now headed over seas, equipped with the Jesus Film Media app to share the gospel. #Jesuschangelives
  
• There is a STINTer, headed to Greece to do ministry for the year. During her support raising time, she invited referrals (friends of friends) to come with her. They are ALSO here, fully supported, and headed to Greece to do ministry with her! #stepsoffaith #justask

STINTers being led in worship by Page CXVI

Merci in November

Life in the Booth household is always crazy, hectic and fun when all seven of us are back under the same roof. With me living at home for a few more weeks and my sisters back from college, Thanksgiving break was great – we even managed a family photo WITH the dogs!

This is my first time home for Thanksgiving in two years. My first year, I spent it across the ocean, living in France. (Side note: France does not sell Turkeys. We bought rotisserie chicken instead to feed to our 29 guests). My team and I hosted a feast for our new friends and explained the meaning of the American holiday. It was a great foundational event that allowed us to get to know our neighbors and some of the locals, on more of a relational level.

Thanksgiving in France 2010

Last year, I spent Thanksgiving in Orlando. I specifically chose to stay because I had randomly met (God’s divine plan) my UK friend, Meena a couple weeks prior. She and I had talked about many things, including American culture. I thought Hello, what other country celebrates AMERICAN Thanksgiving (Keyword: American… I know Canada has a Canadian thanksgiving – a bit different)? Invite Meena to celebrate with you! Which as we all now know, was somewhat of a pivotal point in Meena’s life as she met Bryn and other Christians during our Thanksgiving party!

This year, I was nice to be back home, celebrating with extended family, playing games, watching movies, and doing some Black Friday shopping with my siblings… (Though, I did feel a bit guilty going to Target at 10 pm on Thanksgiving night….) Traditions are still lots of fun.

Waiting in line at Target

Living at home in Michigan this fall, I’ve realized I have much to be thankful for: being home for Thanksgiving, my growing family, having cool hair and knowing how to do it, my new car, the ability to vote, a nice camera to take family pictures, freedom, watching football, meeting friends like Meena and seeing a change in her life, my support team, the use of all five senses, traveling for my job,  and great friends, among many other things. God is so good and always faithful. #Iamthankful

It's here! It's here!!

Praise God!!! The Jesus Film App has now been released for download in the Apple Store, with the Android app soon to follow in the Google Play store.

Please download it, play with it and let me know what you think! Tell your friends, post it to Facebook, Twitter or email your friends.

Know of some missionaries overseas? Share this with them! Think of how this will help them communicate the gospel in the native tongue of the country they are serving in.

I would also love to be in contact with any missionaries you may know of - email me their contact info so I can encourage, inform and share ideas with them. As someone who has lived overseas in a country where I did not know the language very well, I can see so much potential for this ministry tool!

Marketing with Jesus Film

Hindsight is always 20/20 right?

As I have continued to process and reflect on my STINT year, I have remembered specific situations and life events which have led me to applying to join staff with Campus Crusade for Christ.

In high school, I had heard of Cru and considered trying it out once I was in college.

Once in college, I tried it out and heard about Christmas Conference, Big Break and Summer Project. Check, check, check.

At Christmas Conference, I learned about STINT - working internationally for one year.

Last year on STINT, I served the 40/10 Window, resourcing Christian minorities in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. In May 2011, I helped administer a conference for Virtual Ministry in North Africa. It was probably one of my favorite conferences all year. Leaders from 30+ countries were represented, sharing their strategies and plans for using the media in ministry.

During one of the main meetings, (through random events), I ended up sharing a 10 minute presentation on Search Engine Optimization Marketing. The summer of 2009, I had a marketing internship where I learned lots of new ideas and concepts, which I was able to share with these national leadership teams.

Among those attending, leaders from Jesus Film, based in Orlando, Florida, were at this conference also. After my presentation, they pursued me to talk about working with Jesus Film in the fall. Their dream was to start up a new marketing department, focused on digital media. As interested as I was, I had already committed to my current internship, Year One, and felt I needed to fulfill my commitment to them.

Fast forward to November 2011. My friend, Nifer - who had recently joined the newly formed Digital Media Distribution team with Jesus Film, gave me a call. After a meeting with her supervisor, Matt (whom I met back in May), they wanted to meet with me to share their new vision for this newly established department. This being my second and final year of interning (you can only intern twice), I was considering my options for the future.

During our lunch meeting, the vision they shared with me sounded so exciting and right up my alley. I would be able to use my Marketing degree, utilize social media (I like social media :) ) and share the gospel with the nations. Basically what it boils down to: Jesus Film is creating a digital platform anyone can easily access. On this platform, they have the capacity to upload the Jesus Film in 1,100+ languages, Magdelena - a women's focused film, Rivka - a women's bible study, Jesus Film for kids and short films. People from every nation will have the ability to hear the gospel with the click of a button!

Around this time, God also was orchestrating other conversations in my life to relieve my fears and doubts about joining staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Talking about the eternal perspective, receiving financial support for the Mid Year Conference and prayer -- God seemed to make it clear to me this is where He was leading me. When my mom said "This is a great organization and a great opportunity - you should do it", I started thinking more seriously about this offer.

It wasn't until Christmas Conference, at a breakfast appointment, that I said it out loud "I'm joining staff." It started sinking in! What am I doing?! Is this real life? (I felt a little like David Goes To The Dentist).

So, now it is March 15th at 1:52 p.m. and I am sitting in the "Tech Cave" at Big Break, realizing in a few short months, I will officially be on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. It's nuts!

But as my pastor back home often says, "If you can explain it, God didn't do it."

Some more MidYear

This has been a great week. I have so enjoyed spending time with STINTers, seeing them engage in community and share the joys and struggles of their ministry and processing what the Lord has next for them. Several people have approached me, thanking me for the work my team has put into this conference. Those sweet little conversations reminded me of why I am here - to care for, encourage and create a resting place for missionaries out on the front lines.

It has also been a sweet treat to see friends I made last year during all of the STINT conferences. At times I've felt a little jealous of their international experiences, but I know God has me in Orlando for His purposes. It's been a good reminder that every day is a new adventure wherever you are!

Spain Midyear 2012

This year, I get to, again, attend the Spain Midyear conference for STINTers and ICS - International Campus Staff. This time from a conference planner perspective - rather than as a STINTer - like I did last year.

The first and second day, I helped transport over 300 conference participants to the conference hotel. (Picture: My friend Lauren and my roommate Erin (who was driving) helped me on the second day welcome STINTers.) I am excited for each of the STINTers, as Midyear is designed to be a time of rest, reflecting and rejuvenating for the second semester of their STINT year. As I can remember, they need it!

Je manque la France

Today, some of my previous team, Chelsea, Eric and Nalani, along with their new team, landed in France today to begin their second year. I am a little sad I am not with them, but I know God has me here in Orlando for a bigger reason.

Today in my part of the office, we are having SMOOTHIE DAY! Smoothie King is coming in to make smoothies for those who work in the National Campus Office. My department, the conference and event team, helps plan days like this. Our goal is to make the office an enjoyable place to work and build community within the whole office - there are over 1,000 employees who work here at head quarters!

Prayer requests:

- I would find a church to get plugged into

- Meet some French girls at Epcot to practice French

- Getting officially settled into my new housing

Open Houses!

I will be hosting an Open House on both Tuesday July 12^th and Wednesday July 13^th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at my house. There will be a continuous slide show of pictures and videos. I will share some stories and answer any questions about my time on STINT as well as my next assignment in Orlando – working on the PR team and Conference and Event Planning team. I would love for you to come to whichever evening is more convenient. Drinks and deserts will be served.

If you are unable to attend, but would like more information or have questions, please email me.

Thank you again for all your support. You guys have been a great team!

Email me with questions :)

Ending

So STINT is officially done. We had our last night of 'debrief' today. It was a good start to processing all I have learned, experienced, and the ways I have grown. I know there is still much more to process. We ended the night by watchingI made a 45 minute slideshow of pictures, video and inside jokes. It was happy and sad. (This is a picture of my team minus Katie, with our STINT coaches, Chrissy and Mike.)

Since France is a developed country, I am not sure what "culture shocks" I will experience. Yes, they do have flushing toilets. Yes, they do take Saturday and Sunday as their weekend. Yes, they have farmer's markets. Yes, I could wear short sleeve shirts. Yes, I could buy Honey Nut Cheerios.

Time will tell... less than 8 days till I fly home! "What will you be doing?" you might ask. Lots of packing, good byes, wrap up meetings at the office with my supervisors, helping my teammates -who are returning- move into their new house, seeing the Eiffel Tower one last time...

This journey is not over! This summer, I am excited to share with everyone stories, pictures, and videos from this past year. And share a vision for where God is leading me next!

I would love your prayers for:

- Processing

- Ending well

- Safety traveling

Love,

Hannah

Living in Europe has its perks...

This weekend, I was fortunate to travel to London, England and visit some family friends. They were so warm, generous, welcoming and accommodating! My roommate Chelsea and I got to see all the major sites in London - including riding the famous London Eye - which gives you a birds eye view of the city!

Our friends hospitality was refreshing! It reminded me that as believers, we are the body of Christ and should work as one. Jesus' idea of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, yeah, He meant that.

I think on this Mother's Day, I want to express how much I am thankful for my mom demonstrating this through out my life. She loves to host, cook and entertain others. I appreciate all these thing about her! Your servant attitude is appreciated and I am thankful for your love. I love you mom!

A Weekend in Amsterdam

Living in Europe has a lot of advantages. This weekend, I was able to travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands to visit the Grand Valley State Cru Spring Break team! They spent their spring break on some of the campuses in Rotterdam, doing various ministry activities with the staff of Life Agape [Campus Crusade’s International name].

My journey actually began Friday morning around 9am. My roommate and I took the train into Paris. We were meeting up with the Paris Metro team, who do campus ministry in Paris. We met Margo, one of the team members, at her apartment then headed to the university. The Life Agape staff led us, two of Margo’s teammates, and 4 students in a short devotion. We focused on prayer, the power it has, and how it can bless others. We paired up and prayer walked the campus.

I partnered with Heidi, one of the Life Agape staff. As we walked around, we approached people explaining we were praying for Paris, the campus and wanted to see if they had anything we could pray for as well.

The spiritual atmosphere of youth in Paris, well Europe in general, is very apathetic or nonexistent. Almost everyone turned us down. As we walked, Heidi brought up the story about Philip when he was led by the Spirit to a man in chariot to pray for him. Not ten minutes later, we approached this girl sitting on a bench in the garden. When we asked if there was anything we could pray for her about, she declined and said she was an atheist. Heidi noticed she was reading a bible, and asked if she had any questions about what she was reading. She said no, that it was only for class. We were still curious, so Heidi asked if she could ask one more question: “what book are you reading?” She responded “Job.” Talk about meaty stuff!

1. It is ridiculously rare to see a student reading a bible on campus, much less a non-believer!

2. I just wonder what this girl was thinking after we left – reading the bible for class, and two Christians come up and ask if there is anything they can pray for.

3. Please pray for her! We didn’t exchange names, so I’ll call her “Sofia”. Pray that God would continue to make Himself know to Sofia and that see would see that, rather than conscience. Pray also that God would lead more Christians in to Sofia’s life and that she would start having deep questions about God.

After our time of ministry was done for the day, I eventually headed to the airport to fly to Amsterdam! I was so pumped to see some old friends, hear how their week doing ministry in Rotterdam went, and share with them all about STINT and Summer Project.

During the flight, I started talking with two American girls sitting near me. They were studying abroad in Paris and headed to Amsterdam for a weekend of fun – and by fun, they meant legal drugs and partying.

To be honest, it caught me off guard. I casually tried to ask why they did drugs, being one who has never been high. “It makes life better”, “It makes me numb”, “It feels good.” I was saddened for them. In return, they asked why I was headed to Amsterdam. I saw this as an opportunity to bring up Spiritual subjects and hoped I could lead into sharing the gospel. Both had gone to church and labeled themselves as ‘Catholic’. Neither felt that it was the right time in their life to go to church or “get into that stuff.” They then bi-passed questions I followed up with, and led the conversation onto other things.

I did get these girls names: Kaitlyn and Leeda. Please also pray for them – they are trying to find satisfaction in material things. Pray that they would see that NOW is always the right time to meet with God.

Once we landed, my next task was to figure out how to get to the hotel. The information desk suggested a train then tram. I’ve learned some ‘travel smarts’ these past couple months so I knew I’d be fine.

As I walked up to the hotel, Kelsey Perras, Erin King and Curtis Blackwell were waiting for me! It was so refreshing to see them! We dropped my stuff off in the room and went out to explore and get a late dinner. Back at our room, I got caught up on life with Erin and Kels! Bless their souls; they shared their bed with me. One word: SPOONING.

The next morning, I was reunited with the rest of the group and we all headed to the Anne Frank house museum. It was really interesting to be walking through the historical place this little girl wrote in her journal of her secret, sad life. Afterwards, we all headed to a pancake place for some European style pancakes! I actually got one with spinach, garlic oil, goat cheese and pine nuts. It was so delicious!

Pancakes!

Through out the day, I was able to have many good conversations with some individuals on the team about STINT and also Summer Project. I think talking about STINT also helped me process a little what I have been doing these past 5 months. I can’t believe STINT is half over!

Some of the Spring Break team

The next morning, the team left the hotel at 7:45 am. I walked with them to the bus stop and said our last “see you laters”, and I went back to bed! Later in the morning, I packed, checked out and walked the streets of Amsterdam in leisure.

Amsterdam

Sooo many bikes!

I got some last minute souvenirs and headed to the airport... and now I am back at my apartment, ready for another week!

Until next time...

Learning the change

This week alone has been nuts! I can't believe once month ago I left my family, my friends, my culture, my LIFE for Operations STINT in France... well, ultimately Jesus.

In the last 4 weeks, I have learned a lot about myself - both strengths and weaknesses. God is continuing to teach and refine me through many things - big and little.

...Starting language school, loosing my passport, adjusting to my position in the office, daily accepting the fact that "I am not a tourist, I LIVE IN FRANCE" [it can be hard to do because it almost seems surreal], squaring away finances for start-up costs, personality tests [which are actually fun and help our team get to know each other] meetings, making friends with the local business people, seeing weird looking cars...

So many new things all at once definitely brings, if not forces, growth.

My roommate, Beth, just made a comment while Skyping with her friend, "I do not know what I will look like at the end of this year."

How true is that? Not that I am expecting, at the end of this STINT year, that each of us to be total opposites of who we are today or even when we started a month ago. But there are plenty of scenarios, situations and experiences which cause room for growth - mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I expect and hope for a change; a change for the good. I have already learned a lot - I just need to remember to take time to sort through it all.