Tough Day August 11, 2009

I am so glad that God is faithful, that he is the same yesterday, today and forever…especially on days like today. It is the middle of the final track of debriefs for the summer. I’ve been listening to great stories from these young people straight off of the field, how God is working all over the world and transforming lives. Great stuff.  But then, a friend and his wife had their dream, their future, beat up pretty badly. They don’t know how it’s going to work out. If they don’t do this, what will they do? Then came news today that a dear woman at my church lost her battle with cancer. She has a young son. She loved Jesus more than anyone. She loved people more than anyone. I feel like I’ve been in shock all day. Not knowing whether to cry or throw up.

 

I just got back from worship and prayer time with the EDGErs. During the times of prayer, I found that I could not pray aloud. Every time I tried to open my mouth I started crying. Praise Him who is faithful, even when we don’t have the words to pray.

 

We sang a lot of hymns (which I absolutely love!!!). A lot of times worship leaders don’t sing all of the verses of songs. I love it when we do worship at PI because they always sing every verse!!! This was one of the songs we did tonight. I cried thinking of Judi. Thank you Lord for how you loved Judi, how she loved you, and she loved us.

 

My Jesus I Love Thee

 

My Jesus, I love Thee; I know Thou art mine.

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou:

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

 

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,

and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

 

I’ll love Thee in life; I will love Thee in death,

praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breat.

And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow:

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

 

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I’ll ever adore Thee in heave so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

2009 Debrief Track 2 Day 3 July 29, 2009

Highlights from today:

 

– Your passion should not fuel your obedience, your obedience should fuel your passion

– Revelation 7:⁹After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰And they cried out in a loud voice:
   ”Salvation belongs to our God,
   who sits on the throne,
   and to the Lamb.” ¹¹All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹²saying:
   ”Amen!
   Praise and glory
   and wisdom and thanks and honor
   and power and strength
   be to our God for ever and ever.
   Amen!”

– What’s next? Pray, send, go, befriend, mobilize, disobedience?

– Revelation 22:¹⁷The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

2009 Debrief Track 2 Day 2 July 28, 2009

Here’s a story from one of the EDGErs I debriefed today:

 

“For two of my six weeks in Asia, I did a homestay with a Buddhist family. They invited me to go with them on their weekly hike. I went, not knowing that this regular hike led to their temple and many spirit houses. They encouraged me to ring the bells and to pray. I told them that I did not want to and they were ok with that. While they continued to pray, I walked down the path passing spirit houses with people praying in them. Just past all of these I was able to see the entire city. As I looked out over the city, I knew what God was calling me to do… nothing. Do nothing and just be Jesus to them.”

 

Wow. What a calling… and yet, that is what we are all called to do. That’s the second time this week someone has shared with me about learning to not do anything except be Jesus. Maybe God is trying to teach me something. Hmm?

2009 Debrief Track 2 Day 1 July 28, 2009

Whew! What a day! All of the teams are now safely tucked in bed are sleeping away their jetlag. Tomorrow the fun begins!

Goodnight!

New Chapter July 8, 2009

Next week is track one debrief. During the EDGErs’ week at PI, we will help them sort out their thoughts, feelings, etc on the summer trip, guide them in prayer about what’s next in their lives, give advice for how to talk about their summer to their friends, church, family, non-believers, and everyone, and a bunch of other good stuff. Depending on where my support is will determine if I will be able to begin working full-time or part-time beginning next week. I still need $500 a month before they will let me work full-time.

I’ll try to do a better job of updating you day by day of debrief. Some of you have been asking and I want to make sure to deliver! Can I answer any questions you have about what I’ll be doing with EDGE or about school, drama, or other stuff? Let me know!