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
In my quiet time this week, I was reading in 2 Corinthians. Paul was writing to the church in Corinth to address some issues of the early church. "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 These verses struck a cord in me. Wow - do my actions, character and words reflect Christ toward others? Unfortunately, not always. As I become older, I realize the "ugliness" of living out of my own abilities (or 'living out of my flesh' according to "Christianese" haha). As Christians, we have been given the gift of the Spirit, not only to assure our eternal destination, but to live out of His strength in loving others. I like the picture these verses paint, as the idea is something everyone - Christian and non-Christian alike - can envision. This is what came to my mind: when you walk through a department store, generally you know right where the perfume section is located. Sometimes it's overwhelming actually. But the idea that you know what that counter is all about, just by being near it, is somewhat motivating for me. When others are near me, I want them to, in some way, be encouraged, feel loved and cared for because of the Spirit at work in me. What's cool too, is that He takes the lead. You don't have to be this 'super-Christian' on your own. Man, that would be exhausting! I leave you with this video for kicks and giggles...
"What does it mean?" We were both puzzled, unsure of the origin of this phrase.
Last October, during my internship with Campus Crusade for Christ in Orlando, I met Meena. She had been interning with the Disney program for several months and still wanting to experience some true American culture. As our initial conversation continued to unfold, so our friendship began.
We baked that apple pie right there, oh yes we did.
We ended up spending the classic, American holiday - Thanksgiving - together. I think Meena would agree, that this was a good "taste" of American traditions.
In the next couple of weeks in December and early January, we continued to hang out, going out to eat at classic American restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Cheesecake Factory. We had many conversations about our internships, living in different countries, culture and religion. Based on the questions she asked, I knew Meena was definitely searching for the satisfaction only a relationship with God could bring.
Dinner at Cracker Barrel - biscuits and gravy!
As the end of January approached, so did the end of Meena's internship and ultimately, her time in Orlando. As limited as it was, I was excited and thankful for the time we had spent together. We continued to stay in touch through out the spring and summer months. I was trusting God to continue to work in Meena's life as she had moved home.
WHICH HE DID!!! A couple of days ago, I skyped with Meena and she told me she had become a Christian!!!
She explained to me that our friend Bryn had described the gospel in a creative way. We each have report cards, full of C's and D's, but Jesus has a report card full of A+'s! Because Jesus loves us so much, He is willing to trade His report card with us, so we can succeed and have a relationship with Him.
This August, she was visiting friends in Orlando. During her visit, she faced some challenges and tough choices. Toward the end of her trip, as she was processing life, her future and her journey thus far, she decided she wanted to trade report cards with Jesus. She realized He was pursuing her and wasn't going to stop.
Praise God for technology!
Since then, "I've been focusing on God, learning to really enjoy Him. My job right now is to become more Christian (Christ-like) everyday" Meena said this afternoon. My jaw dropped a little bit at how God has been transforming Meena in her newfound relationship with Him. Truely awesome!
It was so great to hear more of her testimony/story, listen to her questions and experiences as a new Christian. I asked her if I could write about her and share prayer requests.
Please pray:
First that Meena would continue to trust in the Spirit and His work in her life.
Tonight, I sit outside at one of my favorite childhood memories... camp Maranatha. There are a lot of things on my mind...
First, the fact that I leave in 20 some days for France for a year! Second, how awesome this weather is... 72, light winds, chirping crickets, and to top it off, a beautiful sunset. Third, how long but full this summer has been with all of life events... Fourth, that BOTH of my little brothers are no longer "little". And fifth, the true peace that can only come from One source.
It is all too easy to get your panties in a bunch when something goes wrong, stresses you out, or irritates you. I think having peace is a choice. Choosing to trust, to relax and to make the most of the situation.
Many times, usually when I am lacking sleep, tired of thinking through the situations of life, I actually find my mind wandering. Seemingly an oxymoron, I know. I can't seem to shut my brain off. There are plenty of tasks to accomplish: people to call, emails to send, chores to do - I literally have to write a list down before I go to bed, just to ease my mind.
Recently, I have noticed times where I felt this sense of peace - trust. How to get there? SURRENDER. Surrender the situation, the emotion, the effects, the people. This summer, among other things, my mind has been busy thinking of support raising tasks, wondering how and where the support will come from, who to call, what to say,, and now I only have 24 days to raise the rest of my support (25%)!
Yet, I have this peace knowing my Provider will prevail. Hearts will be moved to the reality of the eternal impact of what I get to be apart of this upcoming year. Lives will be impacted for eternity.
So my friends, I encourage you to make the choice for peace, trusting He will guide, direct, and give of His abundant wisdom.
