Sadly, Miami has been over for a little more than a week now, but it feels like just yesterday I was there. I just wanted to wrap up the summer with one last post. First I wanted to thank everyone who supported me this summer. It meant so much to me to have all of your support. Without all your prayers, encouragement, and financial support, my summer would not have been so successful.
We had 3 missions this summer: to grow in our walk with God, to become equipped to reach the world with the truth of Jesus, and to then go out and share with others how Jesus changed our lives and how to know God personally. And each one was accomplished! God showed up this summer in BIG ways and many BIG prayers were answered.
I still can't get over that I got to live in Miami for 10 weeks, what a blessing! Miami really should be considered another country. Most people there speak English only as their second language, and some didn't know it at all. It also blew my mind that there are still people in America who had never heard the name Jesus. Also in Miami, it is very common for people to go to the steps of the court house and kill animals as sacrifices to their gods to help their family members in court. This type of culture, I was not expecting. I thought how can there be people in America who still have not heard about Jesus, but there are.
Then there were some people that we talked to who had maybe grew up going to church, and said they were Christians because it was part of their family culture, but didn’t actually know god personally. These people especially gave me a heart for the lost. For both of these situations, people who never heard of Jesus or people who didn't know him personally, I now feel 100% more prepared to share the gospel with.
Here are some stats about the summer: My group was able to see 37 people give their life to Christ. Praise the Lord! We also had 1400 conversations where we shared the gospel. Even though they did not accept Christ at the moment, seeds were planted.
A cool story happened to my friend Jonathan this summer. His boss told him that when he was 19 years old someone from Cru evangelized to him on the beach. At the time he rejected them and Jesus, but 10 years later he gave his life to Christ and he said he would never forget those Cru people.
SO you may never know how you sharing the gospel with someone could change their eternity.
2 Corinthians 5: 14-15 -For the love of Christ controls us, because we have
concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
This was our verse of the summer. We are trying to live our life not for our self, but for Christ. One way we can do that is by sharing our faith with others. One of the things I learned this summer is that I may never feel qualified to share my faith, but God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
So thank you again for supporting me this summer because now I feel 100% more confident in sharing my faith and am even more in love with our savior Jesus.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Life of an Art Teacher
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
"Can I show God my art?"
God has been teaching me so many things this summer. These are only some of the most recent ones.
1) After being an art teacher for 5 weeks, I have more appreciation for teachers. Kids throw crayons, stab other kids with scissors, spill water, fight, etc, and I am now very aware that I am not gifted at working with many kids at once. Not all of them are horrible though, and it is the good ones that make it all worth it. The other day I had a adorable little girl ask, "Can I show God my art?" I immediately smiled and said, "He sees it and loves it". She smiled and said, "God is really nice." I replied, "Yes he is! And he loves you." She then said, "I know. God loves everyone!" The cute little girl skipped away with a smile on her face proudly holding her art. She doesn't know how much she made my day. In the midst of the chaos of kids fighting over crayons, God sent me this cute little girl to make me smile. Thank you God!
2) Another thing God is teaching me is about prayer. I've learned that the size of your prayers show the size of your God. The bigger the prayers we pray, the more faith we have in our God. My friend Annelise prayed that on Monday 100 people would hear the gospel during our weekly evangelizing on campuses. She prayed, knowing that 100 was twice the amount as the week before, and 106 people heard about Jesus that day. We should never limit God's power. Join Annelise and I as we pray for 200 people to hear about Jesus this next Monday!
3) While sharing our faith on the University of Miami on Monday I got to talk with a girl from Germany. She had some very interesting theology. She thought that Jesus was married and had children. Thankfully I was able to share with her who Jesus really is and debunk her thoughts. It is crazy how different people's thoughts are about Jesus across the world. Then I went through the gospel with her and shared how Jesus was the only way for us to be with God. It was the coolest thing to hear her say that makes sense and to see the click in her eyes. At the end of the conversation she said that this will probably be one of those conversations she will never forget. I had prayed that day that I could have an impacting conversation with someone, and God answered my prayer!
God is doing so many things in Miami! I can not praise Him or thank Him enough!
1) After being an art teacher for 5 weeks, I have more appreciation for teachers. Kids throw crayons, stab other kids with scissors, spill water, fight, etc, and I am now very aware that I am not gifted at working with many kids at once. Not all of them are horrible though, and it is the good ones that make it all worth it. The other day I had a adorable little girl ask, "Can I show God my art?" I immediately smiled and said, "He sees it and loves it". She smiled and said, "God is really nice." I replied, "Yes he is! And he loves you." She then said, "I know. God loves everyone!" The cute little girl skipped away with a smile on her face proudly holding her art. She doesn't know how much she made my day. In the midst of the chaos of kids fighting over crayons, God sent me this cute little girl to make me smile. Thank you God!
2) Another thing God is teaching me is about prayer. I've learned that the size of your prayers show the size of your God. The bigger the prayers we pray, the more faith we have in our God. My friend Annelise prayed that on Monday 100 people would hear the gospel during our weekly evangelizing on campuses. She prayed, knowing that 100 was twice the amount as the week before, and 106 people heard about Jesus that day. We should never limit God's power. Join Annelise and I as we pray for 200 people to hear about Jesus this next Monday!
3) While sharing our faith on the University of Miami on Monday I got to talk with a girl from Germany. She had some very interesting theology. She thought that Jesus was married and had children. Thankfully I was able to share with her who Jesus really is and debunk her thoughts. It is crazy how different people's thoughts are about Jesus across the world. Then I went through the gospel with her and shared how Jesus was the only way for us to be with God. It was the coolest thing to hear her say that makes sense and to see the click in her eyes. At the end of the conversation she said that this will probably be one of those conversations she will never forget. I had prayed that day that I could have an impacting conversation with someone, and God answered my prayer!
God is doing so many things in Miami! I can not praise Him or thank Him enough!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
My Story
Here is my story of how my life changed because I made the choice to surrender my life to Christ.
In high school I began a search for happiness. If you would have known me in high school you would have known I longed for what I called Ultimate Bliss. This was another way to say complete happiness or joy. I was a happy person, but I just felt like there had so be something more.
I began looking for happiness in many things -> relationships with friends, boyfriends, weight loss, acceptance, but they were never enough. At this point in my life I knew who God was and I knew some things about him, but I did not know he desired a personal relationship with me.
Then, I entered college with the mind set of how can I find fulfillment. I searched, but I never found it.
Finally, I realized that nothing on this earth could fill that void in my heart. Nothing. After many nights of heart ache and asking if this was all there was, I began to read the bible for the first time. I began to finally understand that only through a personal relationship with Jesus could I find complete satisfaction.
After realizing this, I learned that God loves me and has a wonderful plan for my life. I learned that I was broken and searching, but God was perfect and holy. God desires to be with us, but in between us stood a wall of all my sins, my past, and my failures. Since God wanted so badly for us to be together in a relationship he sent his son Jesus down to be a bridge over our sin.
Before college I knew about God, and I knew Jesus was there, but not until college did I make the individual choice to walk across the bridge of Jesus and leave my old self behind. It was only then when I made the decision to walk across that bridge and begin a personal relationship with God that I could experience pure joy.
I am continuing to learn and process what this all means. But I do know that since crossing that bridge, I have experienced more ultimate bliss than ever before.
Some days I still struggle with thinking other things will give me joy, but I remind myself of how those things took joy away from me, while Jesus continues to give me joy.
In high school I began a search for happiness. If you would have known me in high school you would have known I longed for what I called Ultimate Bliss. This was another way to say complete happiness or joy. I was a happy person, but I just felt like there had so be something more.
I began looking for happiness in many things -> relationships with friends, boyfriends, weight loss, acceptance, but they were never enough. At this point in my life I knew who God was and I knew some things about him, but I did not know he desired a personal relationship with me.
Then, I entered college with the mind set of how can I find fulfillment. I searched, but I never found it.
Finally, I realized that nothing on this earth could fill that void in my heart. Nothing. After many nights of heart ache and asking if this was all there was, I began to read the bible for the first time. I began to finally understand that only through a personal relationship with Jesus could I find complete satisfaction.
After realizing this, I learned that God loves me and has a wonderful plan for my life. I learned that I was broken and searching, but God was perfect and holy. God desires to be with us, but in between us stood a wall of all my sins, my past, and my failures. Since God wanted so badly for us to be together in a relationship he sent his son Jesus down to be a bridge over our sin.
Before college I knew about God, and I knew Jesus was there, but not until college did I make the individual choice to walk across the bridge of Jesus and leave my old self behind. It was only then when I made the decision to walk across that bridge and begin a personal relationship with God that I could experience pure joy.
I am continuing to learn and process what this all means. But I do know that since crossing that bridge, I have experienced more ultimate bliss than ever before.
Some days I still struggle with thinking other things will give me joy, but I remind myself of how those things took joy away from me, while Jesus continues to give me joy.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
New Leadership!
Last night we had a banquet to celebrate the staff. We all gave toasts for our leaders and hugged them goodbye. This means that project is already halfway over and now is when the students take over. Every role that the staff had will now be filled by a student. Our leadership will be tested and grown as we complete all our responsibilities.
For me, I have 2 jobs. I'm pretty excited about these jobs. I will be leading my small group of girls. This means that every week I will write up the questions for our bible study and facilitate discussion. I also get a chance to meet one on one with each girl in the group and go share our faith together and just get to grow close to each other and to Christ. This is a semi new experience for me, because I have led a bible study for 3 semesters, but this one is different. There is no material, or pre-written questions. I am just told what chapter from the bible to go over each week and I create the rest from there. I'm very excited for this role!
My second role is to write a devotional for every Sunday. On Sundays we have a 2 hour extended quiet time with God. It is a great time to just relax with God and reflect on what He has shown you during the week. I'm also so excited about this role because writing is something I am becoming more and more passionate about.
Here are some photos from the banquet:
For me, I have 2 jobs. I'm pretty excited about these jobs. I will be leading my small group of girls. This means that every week I will write up the questions for our bible study and facilitate discussion. I also get a chance to meet one on one with each girl in the group and go share our faith together and just get to grow close to each other and to Christ. This is a semi new experience for me, because I have led a bible study for 3 semesters, but this one is different. There is no material, or pre-written questions. I am just told what chapter from the bible to go over each week and I create the rest from there. I'm very excited for this role!
My second role is to write a devotional for every Sunday. On Sundays we have a 2 hour extended quiet time with God. It is a great time to just relax with God and reflect on what He has shown you during the week. I'm also so excited about this role because writing is something I am becoming more and more passionate about.
Here are some photos from the banquet:
Friday, June 28, 2013
Sharing Your Story
One cool thing they train us here in Miami is how to tell your story- aka your testimony of how you have come to know Christ and how He has changed you. The challenge is to be able to tell it in 3 minutes because when sharing with others that is the amount of time people will normally listen to you.
Here are the 5 parts to your story:
1. You need a theme. -> How you connected to Christ.
- Some examples could be love, acceptance, approval, or any way that Christ changed your life. This will be your theme throughout the whole 3 minutes.
2. Who were you before Christ?
-Describe who you were as a person.
3. How have you come to have a personal relationship with Christ?
-What changed in your life? This could be a gradual collection of events, or one main event that made you realize how broken and sinful you were and how much you needed and wanted to surrender your life to Christ.
4. Describe your life after giving your heart to Christ.
-How has your theme been affected through Christ.
-This is also a great time to throw in the 4 key points of the gospel from one of my previous posts.
5. Close with a take away point. Talk about how even after becoming a Christian you still have struggles, but how God helps you get through them. Remember you are still just a broken as whoever you are sharing your story with, so do not try to act like you are above them.
I challenge you if you haven't written out your story to do so today. It is a great tool to use when sharing your faith. I'm hoping to video mine and post it on here by the end of the summer =]
Here are the 5 parts to your story:
1. You need a theme. -> How you connected to Christ.
- Some examples could be love, acceptance, approval, or any way that Christ changed your life. This will be your theme throughout the whole 3 minutes.
2. Who were you before Christ?
-Describe who you were as a person.
3. How have you come to have a personal relationship with Christ?
-What changed in your life? This could be a gradual collection of events, or one main event that made you realize how broken and sinful you were and how much you needed and wanted to surrender your life to Christ.
4. Describe your life after giving your heart to Christ.
-How has your theme been affected through Christ.
-This is also a great time to throw in the 4 key points of the gospel from one of my previous posts.
5. Close with a take away point. Talk about how even after becoming a Christian you still have struggles, but how God helps you get through them. Remember you are still just a broken as whoever you are sharing your story with, so do not try to act like you are above them.
I challenge you if you haven't written out your story to do so today. It is a great tool to use when sharing your faith. I'm hoping to video mine and post it on here by the end of the summer =]
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Beauty = Value
In Miami, beauty is pursued at all costs for oneself or else one does not have value.
A lot of people, but especially Miami-ans, find their value in wealth and appearance. If they have these two things they think they are satisfied. This could be compared to sitting down for a big dinner and being served chips, candy, pop, and other junk foods. Although the foods look good, and taste good, they will not leave you full for long or satisfied. Still, people think this junk food will be enough for them. In reality, the only thing that will satisfy the needs of every persons soul is the gospel.
What is interesting about Miami is there are a lot of people who have heard of Jesus before, and some actually call themselves Christians. For these people, they think they have the gospel, yet they are still consuming junk food.
In training, they taught us the gospel in 4 simple points as a way to easily teach it to others.
A lot of people, but especially Miami-ans, find their value in wealth and appearance. If they have these two things they think they are satisfied. This could be compared to sitting down for a big dinner and being served chips, candy, pop, and other junk foods. Although the foods look good, and taste good, they will not leave you full for long or satisfied. Still, people think this junk food will be enough for them. In reality, the only thing that will satisfy the needs of every persons soul is the gospel.
What is interesting about Miami is there are a lot of people who have heard of Jesus before, and some actually call themselves Christians. For these people, they think they have the gospel, yet they are still consuming junk food.
In training, they taught us the gospel in 4 simple points as a way to easily teach it to others.
- God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.
- All of us sin and our sin has separated us from God.
- Jesus Christ is God's only provision for our sin. Through Him we can know and experience God's love and plan for our life.
- We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives.
If you would like to experience God personally, want to experience the fullness that he will bring you, or if you are sick of feeling empty by junk food-> call, message, or text me and I would love to talk to you about how God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. <3 Joy
This article explains how to have a personal relationship with God. We use this to help others in Miami come to know Christ. -> http://www.cru.org/how-to-know-god/would-you-like-to-know-god-personally/index.htm
Monday, June 24, 2013
June 24, 2012
Here are some photos from the project so far!
This is almost the whole group!
This was one of our socials from a few weeks ago. We dressed up like old people and played bingo and then had a dance party!
Being in Miami when the Heat won the Finals was so sweet! After the win the City echoed with cheers. Every balcony was filled with people chanting GO HEAT! Today we got to go to the parade. This is my art-teacher partner in crime Erica and I at the parade.
GO HEAT!
A party fell from the sky!
This was taken at the University of Miami. This is where we go sharing our faith every Monday. It is a really beautiful campus, filled with beautiful loving people. It has been so cool to learn more about God as I share my faith with others and listen to their questions and ideas about God. So far on project 21 people have prayed to receive Christ!!!!
This is my girl Kelly Miller. We are roommates and have become quick friends. I am so thankful for her <3
The life of an art teacher =]
On one of our days off from work, a few of us went to South Beach. This is Becky and I'm blessed to have her at my campus USF! It has been so cool to experience Summer Project with her. <3
Another photo of Erica and I <3
My heart will be in this city for a while <3
Monday, June 17, 2013
From Death to Life
Do you know that Miami is the most unchurched city in America? I was shocked when our pastor told us this fact, but this became true to me as I talked to more and more students here in Miami.
Every Monday we go to college campuses in Miami and talk to students about the gospel. Our conversations always start with simple topics like what we are majoring in, but then soon go to spiritual topics. We ask students what they believe, what their spiritual backgrounds are, and many other questions. This can become very tiring because sometimes you find yourself walking around for a while trying to find students to have conversations with, or because the conversations can be draining. One night we went sharing and my partner Vince and I went up to 12 people asking if they would want to take a spiritual survey and each denied us. Today was more of a success because I was able to share the whole gospel with 4 people. None of them prayed to receive Christ, but you never know what seed might have been planted.
In the end, I know all of this is worth it because I am doing what God commanded me to do and lives are going from death to life. I am not sure of the exact number, but so far I think 10 or more people have prayed to receive Christ into their life just from us college kids evangelizing. This means that 10 more people will be going to Heaven than only a couple weeks ago. This is a party worth celebrating.
"He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." - Mark 16:15
"for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” - Acts 4:20
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Ultimate Bliss
If anyone knew me in high school, especially during my sophomore year, they would know that I often used this phrase, "Ultimate Bliss". This was another way to say complete happiness or joy. In high school I thought Ultimate Bliss came from worldly things. Mostly I thought it came from assurance of having affection, acceptance, and approval. I thought this could be achieved through a boyfriend, friends, and family. Thus, any time I was lacking one of the three groups or felt like one of the three groups did not feel that way about me, I lacked Ultimate Bliss.
A couple days ago I reread some surveys I had posted on Facebook during my sophomore year of high school. Do you remember when those were popular to do? They were 100 random questions about life that you were supposed to answer and then tag 10 friends for them to answer too. Well when I reread my responses I re-encountered my Ultimate Bliss concept. Here are a couple questions with my answers.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your life?
-I want Ultimate Bliss.
What is the best feeling in the world?
-Ultimate Bliss
Greatest fear?
-Not finding Ultimate Bliss.
Why was I so worried about not finding Ultimate Bliss? At this point I even had the boyfriend, had awesome friends, and a loving family, yet I was still scared I would never find it. Warning sign! This feeling can not be found though people.
This feeling can only be found through a personal relationship with our creator God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Only after I gave my life up for Jesus did I have the possibility to even find this joy. Knowing who I am in Christ is making me begin to feel affection, acceptance, and approval.
A couple days ago on project a staff member stated, "The only way to experience a deeper love of God is to experience deeper the way God loves us."
I am so excited for this summer to continue so I can learn more about what this means!
I pray that you would also experience joy from a relationship with God and not seek Ultimate Bliss from worldly things.
Here are some questions to think about:
1) Where do you go for affection, acceptance, and approval?
2) What are your coping methods to get them?
3) What do you wish you could change about your life?
A couple days ago I reread some surveys I had posted on Facebook during my sophomore year of high school. Do you remember when those were popular to do? They were 100 random questions about life that you were supposed to answer and then tag 10 friends for them to answer too. Well when I reread my responses I re-encountered my Ultimate Bliss concept. Here are a couple questions with my answers.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your life?
-I want Ultimate Bliss.
What is the best feeling in the world?
-Ultimate Bliss
Greatest fear?
-Not finding Ultimate Bliss.
Why was I so worried about not finding Ultimate Bliss? At this point I even had the boyfriend, had awesome friends, and a loving family, yet I was still scared I would never find it. Warning sign! This feeling can not be found though people.
This feeling can only be found through a personal relationship with our creator God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Only after I gave my life up for Jesus did I have the possibility to even find this joy. Knowing who I am in Christ is making me begin to feel affection, acceptance, and approval.
A couple days ago on project a staff member stated, "The only way to experience a deeper love of God is to experience deeper the way God loves us."
I am so excited for this summer to continue so I can learn more about what this means!
I pray that you would also experience joy from a relationship with God and not seek Ultimate Bliss from worldly things.
Here are some questions to think about:
1) Where do you go for affection, acceptance, and approval?
2) What are your coping methods to get them?
3) What do you wish you could change about your life?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Update!
Project has begun!
There are 60+ students here and it is a bit overwhelming. I still have not met everyone and am struggling learning names but besides that it has been awesome! I have 3 roomies. They all are great! The condos we stay in are gorgeous! I'm on the 21st floor and the view is beautiful. The balcony overlooks the bay and it is the perfect place to spend time with Jesus and think about the day.
In the past two days we have started orientation for project and began job hunting! I went to one job interview at a place called Game Time, and then went to another interview and got the job!!
SO this summer I will be working as an Art Teacher at a children's summer camp! It is the perfect job for me, getting paid to craft?!? Perfect.
Everything this summer is falling into place. I know I am not lucky, I know I am blessed. I am so excited for this summer. I am so excited to grow closer to God, closer to others, and grow in the sanctification journey.
Prayer requests: Jobs for the rest of the team
There are 60+ students here and it is a bit overwhelming. I still have not met everyone and am struggling learning names but besides that it has been awesome! I have 3 roomies. They all are great! The condos we stay in are gorgeous! I'm on the 21st floor and the view is beautiful. The balcony overlooks the bay and it is the perfect place to spend time with Jesus and think about the day.
In the past two days we have started orientation for project and began job hunting! I went to one job interview at a place called Game Time, and then went to another interview and got the job!!
SO this summer I will be working as an Art Teacher at a children's summer camp! It is the perfect job for me, getting paid to craft?!? Perfect.
Everything this summer is falling into place. I know I am not lucky, I know I am blessed. I am so excited for this summer. I am so excited to grow closer to God, closer to others, and grow in the sanctification journey.
Prayer requests: Jobs for the rest of the team
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
It is starting!
Today I am driving to Miami! Please pray for a safe trip for me and all the other students who are on the way to Miami!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
5 Days!
There are only 5 days till Miami!
This is crazy!
In preparation for the summer I have been job hunting. While on project, we work 5 days a week at a part time job. Our job becomes our mission field for the summer, so we can learn how to bring the gospel everywhere we go. So far I have set up 4 interviews for when I get to Miami. I need prayers that one of these places accepts me or that I find a job somewhere else. I have already been denied by multiple places for not having any retail experience. Thus I ask, how does a girl get her first job?
I know God has a plan, so I know it will all work out. I leave on Sunday to get on a plane and fly to Tampa where my friend April will pick me up and take me to get my car. I'm so thankful for friends!
I also just posted in my other blog if you want to check that out:
http://joyfullcircle.blogspot.com
This is crazy!
In preparation for the summer I have been job hunting. While on project, we work 5 days a week at a part time job. Our job becomes our mission field for the summer, so we can learn how to bring the gospel everywhere we go. So far I have set up 4 interviews for when I get to Miami. I need prayers that one of these places accepts me or that I find a job somewhere else. I have already been denied by multiple places for not having any retail experience. Thus I ask, how does a girl get her first job?
I know God has a plan, so I know it will all work out. I leave on Sunday to get on a plane and fly to Tampa where my friend April will pick me up and take me to get my car. I'm so thankful for friends!
I also just posted in my other blog if you want to check that out:
http://joyfullcircle.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 28, 2013
1 MONTH UNTIL MIAMI!!!!!
In exactly one month I will be starting my summer project in Miami. I am excited and nervous, but mostly excited. I'm really thankful to have two friends going with me, Becky and Brianna. This is very comforting and I am so excited to grow with them and then be able to come back to USF together in the fall. Here is a photo of the three of us at the last Cru leadership meeting! Becky is in the center and then Brianna. Becky and I will both be juniors in the fall and Brianna will be a sophomore. I am so thankful for these two and our friendships.
Thank you for all the prayers for this summer! Please continue to pray for me and the other students that will be there and all the people we will meet this summer. Pray that there hearts will be open to hearing about Jesus. Also thank you so much for supporting me and praying about my support. I have reached my goal of $3,000 and it would not have been possible without my wonderful supporters. It has been so cool to see God provide through all of your generous hearts. I am truly touched at your generosity, love, and support. God is just so cool and so good. He is really working in my life and preparing my heart for Miami. This semester I have already grown so much, and I know it is in preparation for what God has planned for the summer.
Thank you for all the prayers for this summer! Please continue to pray for me and the other students that will be there and all the people we will meet this summer. Pray that there hearts will be open to hearing about Jesus. Also thank you so much for supporting me and praying about my support. I have reached my goal of $3,000 and it would not have been possible without my wonderful supporters. It has been so cool to see God provide through all of your generous hearts. I am truly touched at your generosity, love, and support. God is just so cool and so good. He is really working in my life and preparing my heart for Miami. This semester I have already grown so much, and I know it is in preparation for what God has planned for the summer.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
I GOT BAPTIZED!
Hello Supporters! Here is a life update!
Last Sunday, I got to be baptized at my church here in Tampa- Alethia. It was so perfect! My parents got to be there, some of my closest friends came to support me, and two of my closest friends got baptized too! It was so beautiful to witness them take a step of faith and choose to be baptized. I am forever unified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. So thankful that I was able to publicly show my love for Jesus.
Last Sunday, I got to be baptized at my church here in Tampa- Alethia. It was so perfect! My parents got to be there, some of my closest friends came to support me, and two of my closest friends got baptized too! It was so beautiful to witness them take a step of faith and choose to be baptized. I am forever unified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. So thankful that I was able to publicly show my love for Jesus.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
So thankful for Level Green Presbyterian Chruch!!
Today I went to check the mail and found 3 more checks and this wonderful article written in my PA Church's newsletter. I am beyond thankful for how much encouragement this church has provided me not only in supporting my summer project, but also just by loving me and encouraging me through out the years. The letters of encouragement I have received from some of the members have put a smile on my face for days. I am so thankful that I got the chance to begin to grow in my relationship with Christ in a place filled with people who love Jesus and love each other. I am so excited for Danny and I as we become ambassadors for Christ this summer!
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.- 1 Corinthians 12:12
LGPC has truly exemplified this verse! Love and miss you all! <333
Support Update! - So close!!
New total: $2825!!
Left to raise: $175
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.- 1 Corinthians 12:12
LGPC has truly exemplified this verse! Love and miss you all! <333
New total: $2825!!
Left to raise: $175
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Good Friday
Hello Supporters!
I hope you all have wonderful plans with your family this Easter weekend. I just wanted to take some time to write about today, Good Friday. Today is the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross. This death was for us, while we were still sinners, so we could have eternal life.
Some people wonder does God really love us?
The answer is found on the cross. I think we all need to spend some time today just thinking about the cross. That is the true definition of love. God said, "I love you" to us when he sent his son to die to save us from eternal hell. Now that takes true love.
Today I just want to spend some time praising and thanking Jesus for being the perfect sacrifice for my sinful self.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. "
— Hebrews 12:2
Enjoy your day and thank you for continuing to support me financially and though prayer.
New total: $2600!!
Left to raise: $400
I hope you all have wonderful plans with your family this Easter weekend. I just wanted to take some time to write about today, Good Friday. Today is the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross. This death was for us, while we were still sinners, so we could have eternal life.
Some people wonder does God really love us?
The answer is found on the cross. I think we all need to spend some time today just thinking about the cross. That is the true definition of love. God said, "I love you" to us when he sent his son to die to save us from eternal hell. Now that takes true love.
Today I just want to spend some time praising and thanking Jesus for being the perfect sacrifice for my sinful self.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. "
— Hebrews 12:2
Enjoy your day and thank you for continuing to support me financially and though prayer.
New total: $2600!!
Left to raise: $400
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Where do you go to find rest?
Today in church my pastor talked about something I thought was really cool. I thought I would share with my supporters. After a busy day at work or school, we come home and we just want to rest. When you think of things that bring you rest what do you think of? I come home from a busy day and I want to nap, watch an episode of Gilmore Girls, or talk to my roommate about our days. All things I think will bring me rest. Sometimes I just want to get away from the world thinking these things will make me feel more rested. But today my pastor said the only thing that can bring us rest is Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."- Matthew 11:28
Worldly things will not bring us rest. Only Jesus can. I had someone say to me that she couldn't believe I was giving up 10 weeks during my summer to go be busy on a project in Miami. She said her summers were her time to rest after a crazy school year. I had the same goal last year. I went home for the summer to "rest", but really I was more exhausted than I was during the school year because over the summer I spent less time with Jesus. I am so excited for this summer because I will be spending 10 weeks resting with my man Jesus. Today this clicked in my brain and made me understand why after last summer I felt more worn out than my actually busy school year.
So I just wanted to thank my supporters for giving me this opportunity to rest in Jesus this summer. To spend 10 weeks in a community of people who also want to find rest in Him. I am so close to my financial goal of 3000. I am completely amazing at how fast God's people have helped me. Thank you for supporting me!
New total: $2180!!
Left to raise: $820
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."- Matthew 11:28
Worldly things will not bring us rest. Only Jesus can. I had someone say to me that she couldn't believe I was giving up 10 weeks during my summer to go be busy on a project in Miami. She said her summers were her time to rest after a crazy school year. I had the same goal last year. I went home for the summer to "rest", but really I was more exhausted than I was during the school year because over the summer I spent less time with Jesus. I am so excited for this summer because I will be spending 10 weeks resting with my man Jesus. Today this clicked in my brain and made me understand why after last summer I felt more worn out than my actually busy school year.
So I just wanted to thank my supporters for giving me this opportunity to rest in Jesus this summer. To spend 10 weeks in a community of people who also want to find rest in Him. I am so close to my financial goal of 3000. I am completely amazing at how fast God's people have helped me. Thank you for supporting me!
New total: $2180!!
Left to raise: $820
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Miami Update!
Here are some stats from last year's group that went to Miami:
-38 students went on project
-23 people outside of that group came to know Jesus through initiative evangelism throughout the ten weeks
Those are awesome statistics! I had two friends go to Miami last summer, so I have been asking them all about it for months. Listening to their funny stories, about the friendships they made, and about how God worked in their lives.
I can not wait for this summer! I can not wait to have stories to share with the next group of kids who will go on Miami Summer Project 2014!
Update on where we stand:
Right now I am job searching. I am looking up places online and calling to see if anyone has a job for me over the summer. While in Miami, all the students have part time jobs. The goal is to make the job your mission field. So please pray that I find a job!
As of today, 31 people and families have joined together to partner with me financially and through pray! This blows my mind! God is so great! Thank you to all who have joined our team.
New total: $1695!!
Left to raise: $1305
-38 students went on project
-23 people outside of that group came to know Jesus through initiative evangelism throughout the ten weeks
Those are awesome statistics! I had two friends go to Miami last summer, so I have been asking them all about it for months. Listening to their funny stories, about the friendships they made, and about how God worked in their lives.
I can not wait for this summer! I can not wait to have stories to share with the next group of kids who will go on Miami Summer Project 2014!
Update on where we stand:
Right now I am job searching. I am looking up places online and calling to see if anyone has a job for me over the summer. While in Miami, all the students have part time jobs. The goal is to make the job your mission field. So please pray that I find a job!
As of today, 31 people and families have joined together to partner with me financially and through pray! This blows my mind! God is so great! Thank you to all who have joined our team.
New total: $1695!!
Left to raise: $1305
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
New total: $1300!
We have officially reached the thousands! I am blown away by how generous people are. I know that God is going to do great things this summer in Miami! None of those great things would be possible if it was not for all your support financially and through prayers.
New total: $1300!!
Left to raise: $1700
I received this little note attached to one of the checks today. It defiantly made me smile and miss LGPC, my home church. The amount of love the members of LGPC have given to me over the years is just a glimpse of how much love there will be in Heaven.
"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:12
Just think about that verse. Not only are you helping me get to Miami, but then you are also helping all the people who I will meet. All the people who will hear the gospel and hear maybe for the first time that Jesus loves them! You are expressing thanks to God for blessing you by blessing others. I thank you so much for being so kind and so generous!
Just think about that verse. Not only are you helping me get to Miami, but then you are also helping all the people who I will meet. All the people who will hear the gospel and hear maybe for the first time that Jesus loves them! You are expressing thanks to God for blessing you by blessing others. I thank you so much for being so kind and so generous!
New total: $1300!!
Left to raise: $1700
I received this little note attached to one of the checks today. It defiantly made me smile and miss LGPC, my home church. The amount of love the members of LGPC have given to me over the years is just a glimpse of how much love there will be in Heaven.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Thanks for the Encouragement!
I love checking the mail!!
New total: $725!!!!!
Left to raise: $2,275
God has truly blessed me! I am so lucky to have such a supporting home church. So many of the members of my home church, Level Green Presbyterian Church, back in PA have decided to support me financially and through prayer. It means so much to me to see others want to contribute to this project, and most importantly to God's commission. I have been so encouraged to receive notes from them! Here are some of the encouraging quotes!
"So excited to see what God will do through your ministry, Joy!!!!"
"We will certainly pray for you and your mission. You will be great! You are doing amazing things!"
"We are so proud of you! I would fly, drive, walk - to hear you talk about our LORD Jesus!"
"It is so encouraging to a Sunday school teacher when you have a little bit in the forming of your student's character, faith in Christ, and future plans."
These kind words have meant so much to me! Thank you for sending them!
New total: $725!!!!!
Left to raise: $2,275
God has truly blessed me! I am so lucky to have such a supporting home church. So many of the members of my home church, Level Green Presbyterian Church, back in PA have decided to support me financially and through prayer. It means so much to me to see others want to contribute to this project, and most importantly to God's commission. I have been so encouraged to receive notes from them! Here are some of the encouraging quotes!
"So excited to see what God will do through your ministry, Joy!!!!"
"We will certainly pray for you and your mission. You will be great! You are doing amazing things!"
"We are so proud of you! I would fly, drive, walk - to hear you talk about our LORD Jesus!"
"It is so encouraging to a Sunday school teacher when you have a little bit in the forming of your student's character, faith in Christ, and future plans."
These kind words have meant so much to me! Thank you for sending them!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Support Update!
Today I checked my mail and received $325.00! I want to thank the generous supporters who have contributed so far! You are all a blessing in my life. I will personally be thanking each and every one of you because it means so much to me that you are joining me and partnering up with me to help further God's kingdom. I can't wait for summer!!!!
New total: 450!
Left to raise: 2,550
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:19
A little update about my life, yesterday was my birthday! I love birthdays, I mean who doesn't. My day was full of wonderful surprises from my friends and family. I received some of the cutest gifts and loved all the phone calls. My friends at USF took me to dinner and here is a picture of the group! It has been a great week and recieving support letters today made it even better. I hope you all are having an awesome week as well! Love you!
New total: 450!
Left to raise: 2,550
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:19
A little update about my life, yesterday was my birthday! I love birthdays, I mean who doesn't. My day was full of wonderful surprises from my friends and family. I received some of the cutest gifts and loved all the phone calls. My friends at USF took me to dinner and here is a picture of the group! It has been a great week and recieving support letters today made it even better. I hope you all are having an awesome week as well! Love you!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
New total: $125!
Today is my birthday!!! And for my birthday one of my best friends gave me $20 to go towards Miami. How did I get such loving friends who have hearts that love Jesus?!
New total: $125
Left to raise: $2875
Let's do this!!!!!
Also today I was added to the Miami Summer Project facebook group. So I got to see all the people I will be meeting this summer! Everything about this summer is becoming more real!
I'M SO EXCITED!
New total: $125
Left to raise: $2875
Let's do this!!!!!
Also today I was added to the Miami Summer Project facebook group. So I got to see all the people I will be meeting this summer! Everything about this summer is becoming more real!
I'M SO EXCITED!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Prayer Team
Hello!
I think I am focusing too much on raising support and not enough on prayer. It hit me today that without prayer, I will not get support. So I am asking God to raise up a team of believers to join me in prayer. I pray that through this experience and this blog you will see the power of prayer first hand. God is going to raise the $3000 because he is calling me to Miami.
Here are some specific prayer requests:
-For Miami the city
-The people we will meet
-The other students on the project
-My supporters who will read this blog
-Support raising
-And for me =]
Thank you for all your support, especially prayer!
I think I am focusing too much on raising support and not enough on prayer. It hit me today that without prayer, I will not get support. So I am asking God to raise up a team of believers to join me in prayer. I pray that through this experience and this blog you will see the power of prayer first hand. God is going to raise the $3000 because he is calling me to Miami.
Here are some specific prayer requests:
-For Miami the city
-The people we will meet
-The other students on the project
-My supporters who will read this blog
-Support raising
-And for me =]
Thank you for all your support, especially prayer!
Support Update!
A couple days ago I received this note with a $100 donation. This brings my total to $105! God is providing for this summer! Thank you so much for the support B!!!!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
God will provide!
Today I found this awesome note and gift from one of my roommates. It was one of the most encouraging post-its I've ever seen. I know God is going to provide all that I need for this trip. I know this because of what he has provided for me in the past. I was worried about finding roommates last year. And not only did God give me roommates, but he gave me the sweetest, loving, and most awesome ones he could find! I'm so excited for this support raising process to see God answer my prayers!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Starting to raise support!
This summer I am going on a missions project to MIAMI! But before I get to do that I have to raise $3000. The money will go towards travel, housing, food, and the ability to spend 10 weeks with a community of believers growing in relationships with God. I'm stoked!
Now I start the support raising process. I will be sending letters out to people asking if they could donate and asking if they would pray for my journey.
I will be posting updates on here so you can know where I stand in my financial goals. Also, once summer starts I will be posting about what is happening in Miami so you will be in the loop!
If you or anyone you know would like to partner with me on this journey send me an e-mail!
joypedrow@mail.usf.edu
Thanks so much!
"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27
Now I start the support raising process. I will be sending letters out to people asking if they could donate and asking if they would pray for my journey.
I will be posting updates on here so you can know where I stand in my financial goals. Also, once summer starts I will be posting about what is happening in Miami so you will be in the loop!
If you or anyone you know would like to partner with me on this journey send me an e-mail!
joypedrow@mail.usf.edu
Thanks so much!
"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)