Days 13-25

We haven't really had too much internet access lately which is why I have to summarize the last week and a half in just one entry. Hopefully I'll be able to remember some key stuff. To make it easier i've listed just important updates or events going on in my life and on the project in general.


1. I finally got a job! I work at Paul Revere's Smorgasbord. I've heard mixed reviews about the food there, but I've never had it, I only prepare it. Unfortunately, since I work food prep, nobody else comes in while I'm there besides the boss. I work with only one other person, and he's from project, so there isn't much of an opportunity to witness. However, I'm still determined to be creative. Luckily we do have an hour or so right before I leave to see all the other workers come in. I've befriended a couple and asked them to hang out sometime. Most of them are foreign kids from Romania or other European countries.


2. Speaking of international kids, our project Cru goes to this cafe for the international kids every monday and wednesday night. We build relationships with them and share the gospel with them as well. I have a great passion for international students. Just a couple days ago (22nd) I met a girl who told me she had recently found Christ and was very passionate about her newfound faith. It's definitely something that's very inspirational to hear. She joined a missions trip from her country, the Ukraine, to OCMD. I invited her to come to some of our events and church. She came along today and grew close to some of the girls.. Hopefully they will be able to help her grow in her faith.


3. I've volunteered to help out with our church (Sonrise). I wanted to help out in the kid's ministry. They asked me to be a volunteer as well as teaching. So I will be officially be teaching some kids this Sunday!! I'm really excited. I love our church (there's 6 of us who attend, and 2 staff members). They've sent our project soo much food and have been extremely welcoming. Earlier this week we had our testimonies video taped (It felt awkward to do it on tape. I'd much rather give it in person). I think mine will be presented this sunday.


4. As far as learning and growing goes, this trip has caused me to grow spiritually and closer to Christ than I've ever been before. In fact, through this trip I have recommitted my life to Christ. In short, I've lived the past several years not really completely surrendered to the Lord. Truthfully, I had my ups and downs of being on fire for God, but it was naturally descending. I had let sin enter my life and take control while I placed God off to the side whenever it was convenient for myself. I had no accountability. I pushed away from church. And worst of all I was ashamed of Christ.


Thankfully, I was greatly convicted of my sin before coming on this trip. I will tell you, I've seen God impact lives both in the community and on project; And I am definitely among those people. In being here I have learned and continue to learn about the power of prayer, having true joy, keeping short accounts, having accountability, becoming a leader, being a man of God, cojourners, being a servant, importance of discipleship, reflection, and much more.


5. This leads me to my last few things. I ask you to bear with me since I am still thinking and praying greatly about this. I also ask that you pray for me since some of these are major life decisions.


First off, I've recently felt God's call to lead a Bible study back at the Campus Crusade in Pittsburgh. However, I don't want it to be the typical Bible study. And when I say that I mean that I don't want it to be where we read a section of verses from the Bible every week, have a few good discussions and then leave. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I long for a more challenging Bible study. Even if it technically becomes something much more than just a Bible study.


I want to lead a men's group that is


1. Challenged. Every week doing something that may be not be easy or comfortable, but at the same time grows them closer to the Lord. Application is so important and often avoided. I've been taught and told for years what to do to follow Christ, but I've never really felt personally challenged to do so. I want to provide a proactive environment of guys taking steps of faith.
2. Vulnerable. I want a group that knows each other personally and isn't afraid to be open so that barriers can be broken and that healing, through the Lord, can be accomplished. The book I'm reading by Joe Dallas, The Game Plan, brings up a great point: When have you ever been in a Bible study or men's group where somebody says, "Guys can you pray for me, I'm struggling with sexual purity". I have nothing against people giving testimonies, but they can sometimes mask deep emotions and struggles that may need to be talked through in order to truly get to know them. We gave life stories here on project the first week in our Bible study groups. Each story was between 30 mins and an hour. My story was last and as I told it, I held back nothing. I revealed suppressed memories and emotions that I had been holding for almost half of my life. The shock and pain of telling my story almost brought me to tears. I was telling this story to guys I had just met..


6. I want to be a leader. I have a passion for Christ to share the gospel. I have a passion for teaching and instilling the lessons I've learned to Christians who may have trouble fully submitting themselves to Christ. I wish to see them go down a much better path than I had initially. Yesterday, our project leader, Michael Frey, made the statement:


What if in a few years, you and a group of your Christian peers decided to take a year out of your life to go on a missions trip.


I was overwhelmed with joy about the idea of taking a year out of my life to do something I've been craving so much recently. I know it's a big commitment, but I've analyzed my life where it currently is. I'm not satisfied with my major, Accounting. I long to do something more with my life. Maybe God wants me to use Accounting somewhere in the ministry field and maybe not, but either way, I will serve as a missionary whether I'm travelling across the world or stuck in an American office for the rest of my life.


As I mentioned before, I'm in constant prayer about all of this awesome stuff, and I ask that you would also do the same for me. It is much appreciated.