Sep 7, 2012

Argentina.

Well this is long overdue...
 Hola.



Let me begin by telling just a sprinkle of sugar about my summer. I have to say it was one to remember. I spent six weeks in Argentina with the Christian organization I'm involved with--called Cru [or known as Campus Crusade for Christ]. While over there, I shared the Gospel all summer with students of University of Buenos Aires and was blessed to help build up a college ministry for ones who have no Christian community whatsoever.
  I worked on the Economics Campus  in BA

 During the six weeks while I was living in Buenos Aires I saw God do some incredible things not only in the big city, but also in my life. He blew me away with His grace and love. I was blessed to personally see 4 girls come to know Jesus Christ! And our Summer Project team of 24 saw 20 people come to Christ over the few short weeks we were there!! It was absolutely incredible how our Holy God used us sinners to be a part of bringing people to His Kingdom. God has big plans for the lost city of Buenos Aires and we continue to hear confirmation of that even after we left.


 Some of these girls here gave their live to Christ and are currently growing and learning more about God's Word and what it means to be a Christian as they're involved with Vida Estudiantil [Cru].

 It was very challenging and exhausting at times, but it was an experience of a lifetime. It's also an experience that is hard to put into words. Our team was very close and during those tough moments of spiritual warfare or weakness, we were able to encourage and pray for one another. The Lord has definitely given me a passion for the Spanish culture and for traveling and while there-- I fell in love with Jesus all over again.
 Our team.

 Chao.

ROMANS 10
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
 
For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”






Here's our Buenos Aires Summer Project's video, to get more of a picture of our team.
http://vimeo.com/45522697


 

Jan 12, 2012

Take the jump?

One thing that I've always wanted to do before I kicked the bucket is to skydive. But unfortunately I am just a tad bit scared out of my mind. To be thousands of feet up in the air in a plane is okay for me, but when that time comes to take a leap out of it.....now that's just what scares the you-know-what out of me.

Why shouldn't I be able to take that step though? Many people have done it before. I seek the rush of thrill and excitement. I want to take that step of accomplishment. So shouldn't I be able to step out of that plane with ease? What am I afraid of? Injury? Broken parachute? Death???

It's just a leap of faith.
but that [leap of faith] is hard to get past isn't it?

Just take a look at this, doesn't skydiving seem familiar with our walks with God? I know my walk did.

I was comfortable in my plane. I was flying that airplane with ease. I controlled it. I flew it to where I wanted it to go, and
I was on my way to living my life the way I wanted it to be lived.
But unfortunately I was not a very good pilot. I was crashing. I was on my way to death.


The thing is, that everyone who tries to fly their own plane-- will always be led to death.

To have life, we have to let God take the wheel.

I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. God is craving our attention.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
He asks you one question and one question only... "Will you take a leap of faith?"
And Jesus says... "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:40 
"Don't be afraid, just believe." Mark 5:36


"The law was created because we were sinful. We were slaves to sin. The wages of sin is death. I was dead. God gave us a gift-- Jesus, who defeated death. Through FAITH in Jesus, I have been set free from sin. I am a slave to righteousness. I am released from the law. I serve the new way of the Spirit. I am alive."
-Lynda's journal
Romans 6-8 


God tells you that if you don't take that jump, you will die. He says that you can take that leap and be blessed with equipment to guide you home; your parachute---> the Holy Spirit. Then you will receive life, a life that's everlasting
Who wouldn't want to take that leap?

Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
Revelations 1:17
 __________________________________________________________________________________
He Maketh No Mistake
My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Though night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break,
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll surely trust
And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He'll make;
Through all the way, though dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
(A. M. Overton)