I just had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.
Thursday we as a base had a huge Thanksgiving dinner, Friday was Black Friday Shopping day, Saturday was our annual Christmas season kick off party and Sunday was a day for relaxing. Beautiful weekend.
Thanksgiving is a lot of fun around here, everyone hangs out and plays games, there's plenty of laughs and lots of good family time. It's been very refreshing.
I really have so much to be thankful for this year.
I am so blessed to be able to be here full time. I'm so thankful for Gods provision and incredible faithfulness in making sure I have the things I need.
I have a sweet YWAM family and am surrounded by great friends.
I am dating a wonderful man that I hope many of you will be able to meet someday.
YWAM Orlando has been pursuing a large property just outside the city for a few years now and we just found out that the owners signed the contract. This was really exciting as we are growing far too much for the facility we are using right now.
God is so good.
Peace,
SJ
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Familia!
Hey everyone!
So I'm not going to lie, I've been feeling a tiny bit home sick the past couple weeks. Even though moving here is a huge change I didn't think homesickness would really be an issue since it wasn't during my training schools here. I suppose this is abit different since I don't really know when I'll be home next but it still wasn't something I was counting on dealing with. It's been weird not being home for thanksgiving, knowing I wont be home over Christmas and not really knowing when I'll get to see my family next.
Well good news...my family is coming to visit!!
They should get here on Tuesday night and they'll be here for about a week. I am so excited and SO thankful. Beautiful timing.
I'm looking forward to a week full of catching up, shopping, coffee and lots of hanging out!
Hopefully your week will be as wonderful as mine. :)
Peace,
SJ
So I'm not going to lie, I've been feeling a tiny bit home sick the past couple weeks. Even though moving here is a huge change I didn't think homesickness would really be an issue since it wasn't during my training schools here. I suppose this is abit different since I don't really know when I'll be home next but it still wasn't something I was counting on dealing with. It's been weird not being home for thanksgiving, knowing I wont be home over Christmas and not really knowing when I'll get to see my family next.
Well good news...my family is coming to visit!!
They should get here on Tuesday night and they'll be here for about a week. I am so excited and SO thankful. Beautiful timing.
I'm looking forward to a week full of catching up, shopping, coffee and lots of hanging out!
Hopefully your week will be as wonderful as mine. :)
Peace,
SJ
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Church Update
So we tried a church for the second time last week. It's called High Point Church of Orlando. It's definitely growing on me. The service last week was really good.
Pastor Keith preached a sermon titled "Leaving Boldly" He was talking about how it doesn't really matter how well we live our life here on earth and how many things we do if we're not passing that off to someone. He compared it to one of the relay races in the 2008 Olympics where Darvis Patton failed to pass the baton off to Tyson Gay and both were disqualified. Patton was an outstanding runner but without passing the baton his run meant nothing. This is the same for our lives. We might live awesome christian lives but if we don't pass that off to someone it stops with us, there's nothing to continue.
It sure gives ya something to think about right?
Near the end of the service there were a few baby dedications. Growing up in church I've seen numerous baby dedications and they're pretty much all the same, but these ones were different. The pastor and associate pastors took time to pray for each baby individually and then spoke out things God had placed on their heart for each child. It was really cool!
In YWAM we call this Original Design and it is often done for the students. We take time to pray and ask God how each individual was created, what gifts He has placed in them. It's really sweet. It was exciting to see it done in a church service.
I think we will continue going to this church. Thank you so much for all your prayers!
Peace
SJ
Pastor Keith preached a sermon titled "Leaving Boldly" He was talking about how it doesn't really matter how well we live our life here on earth and how many things we do if we're not passing that off to someone. He compared it to one of the relay races in the 2008 Olympics where Darvis Patton failed to pass the baton off to Tyson Gay and both were disqualified. Patton was an outstanding runner but without passing the baton his run meant nothing. This is the same for our lives. We might live awesome christian lives but if we don't pass that off to someone it stops with us, there's nothing to continue.
It sure gives ya something to think about right?
Near the end of the service there were a few baby dedications. Growing up in church I've seen numerous baby dedications and they're pretty much all the same, but these ones were different. The pastor and associate pastors took time to pray for each baby individually and then spoke out things God had placed on their heart for each child. It was really cool!
In YWAM we call this Original Design and it is often done for the students. We take time to pray and ask God how each individual was created, what gifts He has placed in them. It's really sweet. It was exciting to see it done in a church service.
I think we will continue going to this church. Thank you so much for all your prayers!
Peace
SJ
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Why is everything still green??
Apparently we have entered into the season of Fall...but who would know it around here, nothing changes colour! I miss seeing red, yellow, and orange leaves all over the ground at home. It's disappointing really.
It's weird to think that at home you all will be getting snow soon and I will still be sweating my brains out here. Oy vey.
On Sunday I was drinking my coffee on the way to church and by the time we got there I still had about half of it left but I didn't want to bring it in, so I left it in the car. After church (almost 2 hours later) I went back to the car and my coffee was still hot...kinda weird.
This past month has been a busy time of settling in and figuring out my place for this quarter. Here are some brief updates.
The Fall DTS
The fall DTS has started and we have 43 students roaming about the base. Two of them live in my house which I am quite enjoying. They are now in their second week of teaching and it's so cool to see the transformation beginning already! It's exciting to watch and listen to them as they are learning to hear God's voice and discovering that God wants to speak directly to them. I'm really loving it!
This quarter
I am working in two departments for the next 3 months. Half the time I'm in the Youth department which organizes and runs all our trips for youth under 18. Right now it's alot of planning for next summer and keeping up with the students that went on trips with us this past summer. It's fun though, I get to call alot of the students that were here over the summer and see how they're doing, encourage them in their faith and walk with God, and pray with them.
The other half of the time I'm working in the training department. This involves working with the DTS leaders and helping them with the administrative side of their job. I'm really enjoying this as well.
In the evenings I have the opportunity to hang out with the DTS students and get to know them.
In the evenings I have the opportunity to get to know the DTS students and disciple them as they're growing in what God has for them during this time.
Pray for a church
The past couple weeks I have been looking for a church to start attending regularly. During both of my training schools here in Orlando I went to a young adults evening service that I really enjoyed. The downside of it is that the church is HUGE! I would love to find a smaller church that i could be involved in on a more personal level.
Nathaniel and I have been to two churches so far and we are going back to one of them this Sunday. Please keep this in your prayers as it's rather difficult. I always feel pretty awkward going to new churches and it's not really my favorite thing to do right now.
Working in YWAM I have the privilege to participate in regular teaching and worship times as part of my job, Please pray for a church that feels like family and that i can contribute to, thats really what I'm looking for right now.
Random...
I finally got a cell phone! I've managed just fine without one for a long time but it's proving to be a necessary thing to have around here. I enjoy talking to people on the phone so please feel free to give me a call. 1 407 247 7341
I hope you all are doing awesome.
Peace,
SJ
It's weird to think that at home you all will be getting snow soon and I will still be sweating my brains out here. Oy vey.
On Sunday I was drinking my coffee on the way to church and by the time we got there I still had about half of it left but I didn't want to bring it in, so I left it in the car. After church (almost 2 hours later) I went back to the car and my coffee was still hot...kinda weird.
This past month has been a busy time of settling in and figuring out my place for this quarter. Here are some brief updates.
The Fall DTS
The fall DTS has started and we have 43 students roaming about the base. Two of them live in my house which I am quite enjoying. They are now in their second week of teaching and it's so cool to see the transformation beginning already! It's exciting to watch and listen to them as they are learning to hear God's voice and discovering that God wants to speak directly to them. I'm really loving it!
This quarter
I am working in two departments for the next 3 months. Half the time I'm in the Youth department which organizes and runs all our trips for youth under 18. Right now it's alot of planning for next summer and keeping up with the students that went on trips with us this past summer. It's fun though, I get to call alot of the students that were here over the summer and see how they're doing, encourage them in their faith and walk with God, and pray with them.
The other half of the time I'm working in the training department. This involves working with the DTS leaders and helping them with the administrative side of their job. I'm really enjoying this as well.
In the evenings I have the opportunity to hang out with the DTS students and get to know them.
In the evenings I have the opportunity to get to know the DTS students and disciple them as they're growing in what God has for them during this time.
Pray for a church
The past couple weeks I have been looking for a church to start attending regularly. During both of my training schools here in Orlando I went to a young adults evening service that I really enjoyed. The downside of it is that the church is HUGE! I would love to find a smaller church that i could be involved in on a more personal level.
Nathaniel and I have been to two churches so far and we are going back to one of them this Sunday. Please keep this in your prayers as it's rather difficult. I always feel pretty awkward going to new churches and it's not really my favorite thing to do right now.
Working in YWAM I have the privilege to participate in regular teaching and worship times as part of my job, Please pray for a church that feels like family and that i can contribute to, thats really what I'm looking for right now.
Random...
I finally got a cell phone! I've managed just fine without one for a long time but it's proving to be a necessary thing to have around here. I enjoy talking to people on the phone so please feel free to give me a call. 1 407 247 7341
I hope you all are doing awesome.
Peace,
SJ
Friday, August 21, 2009
I am finally back in Orlando!
I left my cute yellow house in Edmonton two weeks ago, spent a week in Chicago with Nathaniel and then on Sunday night we arrived in Orlando after 20+ hours of driving!
This past week has been spent in training and the first half of next week will be similar. Then on Thursday the staff team here in Orlando is going on "Staff Retreat". This a four day adventure which will probably include more food than anyone needs, a lot of games and plenty of good bonding time. I'm pretty stoked for this as it will be a great time to get to know some of the staff better before the next quarter starts.
Many of you are asking what I will be doing here in Orlando specifically and I promise I will give you more specific details as I get them. Because I am new to this it will take a few weeks to figure out exactly what my role will be this upcoming quarter.
What I do know is this, new students come in on September 24th and I'm so excited to meet them! I will have the opportunity to get to know them and encourage them as they grow in their faith and further discover the character of God. How cool is that??
I am preparing a monthly newsletter that I would love to send you! It will have regular updates on what God is doing in my life and ways that you can pray for me and my ministry here.
If you are interested in receiving this feel free to email me your address and I will send that out to you!
sarahjanerinas@gmail.com
Peace,
SJ
This past week has been spent in training and the first half of next week will be similar. Then on Thursday the staff team here in Orlando is going on "Staff Retreat". This a four day adventure which will probably include more food than anyone needs, a lot of games and plenty of good bonding time. I'm pretty stoked for this as it will be a great time to get to know some of the staff better before the next quarter starts.
Many of you are asking what I will be doing here in Orlando specifically and I promise I will give you more specific details as I get them. Because I am new to this it will take a few weeks to figure out exactly what my role will be this upcoming quarter.
What I do know is this, new students come in on September 24th and I'm so excited to meet them! I will have the opportunity to get to know them and encourage them as they grow in their faith and further discover the character of God. How cool is that??
I am preparing a monthly newsletter that I would love to send you! It will have regular updates on what God is doing in my life and ways that you can pray for me and my ministry here.
If you are interested in receiving this feel free to email me your address and I will send that out to you!
sarahjanerinas@gmail.com
Peace,
SJ
Monday, June 15, 2009
Garage Sale Weekend
The Garage Sale is finally over! Sitting in the sun for four days is exhausting - rough life eh. haha.
It was pretty busy on Thursday and Friday and then slowed down on Saturday and Sunday was nearly dead...but I still managed to make $1080.05!! Part of that money will get me back to Orlando in August and part of it will go towards buying a plane ticket to see my family at Christmas. Thank you so much to all of you guys who donated stuff - I couldn't have made that much without you!
It was a pretty fun experience. All four days were hot and sunny - wonderful for sitting outside all day long. Although I was a little over excited about the sunshine on Thursday and burnt my shoulders and my neck...but I'm hoping my skin wont all peel off and it'll turn into a lovely tan!
I got to talk so so many people and tell them what I'm doing and where God is taking me.
So overall it was pretty awesome!
Praise God!
It was pretty busy on Thursday and Friday and then slowed down on Saturday and Sunday was nearly dead...but I still managed to make $1080.05!! Part of that money will get me back to Orlando in August and part of it will go towards buying a plane ticket to see my family at Christmas. Thank you so much to all of you guys who donated stuff - I couldn't have made that much without you!
It was a pretty fun experience. All four days were hot and sunny - wonderful for sitting outside all day long. Although I was a little over excited about the sunshine on Thursday and burnt my shoulders and my neck...but I'm hoping my skin wont all peel off and it'll turn into a lovely tan!
I got to talk so so many people and tell them what I'm doing and where God is taking me.
So overall it was pretty awesome!
Praise God!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
random note
This morning in church we had a guest speaker - He was really great. He made this comment about how he just loves missionaries and how they adopt a people group and love them no matter how different they are- they adjust to the food they eat even if it wreaks havoc on their bodies and they love the people even if they look and act quite differently. This kinda made me laugh and think about my own situation. I am a missionary based out of Orlando FL. I love the food that is made for us even though I inevitably eat far too much of it and my body expands and complains as a result. I love the people even though they speak with weird accents and tease me about my own supposed accent. This is the life of a missionary i suppose...with a few other random things thrown in there of course. Love it.
Peace,
SJ
Peace,
SJ
Monday, May 25, 2009
garage sale correction!
Shoot guys I totally lied about my garage sale date...by accident!
It's actually the second weekend of June - not the first. So thats Friday the 12 - Sunday the 14th.
COME CHECK IT OUT!!
I spent this last week with my wonderful boyfriend. He got here last Sunday and left last night. It was Nathaniel's first trip to Canada and while I've worked hard to convince him the stereotypes of perpetual winter are NOT true...the snow on Monday threw that all out the window! But anyway, we had a great week of shopping at West Edmonton Mall, walking on Whyte ave, playing dutch blitz, watching movies and lots of randomness in between!
Now life is back to normal - kinda disappointing.
Back to support raising and trying to figure out my visa situation.
But on the bright side, the weather is finally looking like spring/summer!! Bethany is training for a triathlon - how cool is that?! I have a random job interview tomorrow and I made the best sweet and spicy cashew chicken for dinner I've ever had! I was quite proud of myself.
Well it's 9:40pm and mom and I are making coffee. Good times.
Peace.
Sarah Jane
It's actually the second weekend of June - not the first. So thats Friday the 12 - Sunday the 14th.
COME CHECK IT OUT!!
I spent this last week with my wonderful boyfriend. He got here last Sunday and left last night. It was Nathaniel's first trip to Canada and while I've worked hard to convince him the stereotypes of perpetual winter are NOT true...the snow on Monday threw that all out the window! But anyway, we had a great week of shopping at West Edmonton Mall, walking on Whyte ave, playing dutch blitz, watching movies and lots of randomness in between!
Now life is back to normal - kinda disappointing.
Back to support raising and trying to figure out my visa situation.
But on the bright side, the weather is finally looking like spring/summer!! Bethany is training for a triathlon - how cool is that?! I have a random job interview tomorrow and I made the best sweet and spicy cashew chicken for dinner I've ever had! I was quite proud of myself.
Well it's 9:40pm and mom and I are making coffee. Good times.
Peace.
Sarah Jane
Monday, May 18, 2009
I have officially given up on having spring this year.
This morning I was sitting at my kitchen table and I looked out my window and saw teeny tiny snowflakes falling from the sky... IN MAY?!! This is getting a little ridiculous.
I am now enjoying my second cup of coffee for the morning while watching Nathaniel play monopoly junior with my sister...she's definitely kicking his butt...poor guy. He drove all the way here and now he's being beaten by an 11 year old at a game he probably hasn't played since he was in grade school.
I finally have a date set for my garage sale - the first weekend in June. I'm crossing my fingers that we will have some nice weather by that point.
Well I'm off to H&W for some fruits and vegetables!
Peace,
Sarah Jane
This morning I was sitting at my kitchen table and I looked out my window and saw teeny tiny snowflakes falling from the sky... IN MAY?!! This is getting a little ridiculous.
I am now enjoying my second cup of coffee for the morning while watching Nathaniel play monopoly junior with my sister...she's definitely kicking his butt...poor guy. He drove all the way here and now he's being beaten by an 11 year old at a game he probably hasn't played since he was in grade school.
I finally have a date set for my garage sale - the first weekend in June. I'm crossing my fingers that we will have some nice weather by that point.
Well I'm off to H&W for some fruits and vegetables!
Peace,
Sarah Jane
Thursday, April 30, 2009
What am I doing with my life??
Alright so it's time for an update.
Well for starters I have been accepted on Staff with YWAM Orlando! I'm super excited about that!!
I cannot wait to get back to Orlando - both for the ministry and the people - but I'm planning to be home until early August. I'm excited to have this time to spend with my family since we've been in different countries for quite a while, so this should be fun.
During this time I will also be support raising. I am required to raise a minimum of $1000 per month. If you would like to be part of this, I would love to tell you how you can be involved!
I have also been taking some driving lessons...it's about time eh!
My American friends would laugh at me for my constant apologizing to the other drivers on the road - they would tell me I'm SO Canadian! Driving is not my specialty yet as I am still quite chicken...
Right now I am reading through the gospel of John and quite enjoying it. During my time with YWAM my desire to not only read but understand my bible has grown tremendously. During my first training school I was required to read the new testament and in my second school I read the old testament. I'm kinda embarrassed to admit that was the first time I had read through my entire bible... While it was good to get through the whole thing, the time limit doesn't allow much time to really study it. I am really enjoying having the time now to pick through everything and read different translations and be able to research some of the stuff I'm learning. I love it!
Well I think concludes this update on my life.
Until next time,
Peace
SJ
Well for starters I have been accepted on Staff with YWAM Orlando! I'm super excited about that!!
I cannot wait to get back to Orlando - both for the ministry and the people - but I'm planning to be home until early August. I'm excited to have this time to spend with my family since we've been in different countries for quite a while, so this should be fun.
During this time I will also be support raising. I am required to raise a minimum of $1000 per month. If you would like to be part of this, I would love to tell you how you can be involved!
I have also been taking some driving lessons...it's about time eh!
My American friends would laugh at me for my constant apologizing to the other drivers on the road - they would tell me I'm SO Canadian! Driving is not my specialty yet as I am still quite chicken...
Right now I am reading through the gospel of John and quite enjoying it. During my time with YWAM my desire to not only read but understand my bible has grown tremendously. During my first training school I was required to read the new testament and in my second school I read the old testament. I'm kinda embarrassed to admit that was the first time I had read through my entire bible... While it was good to get through the whole thing, the time limit doesn't allow much time to really study it. I am really enjoying having the time now to pick through everything and read different translations and be able to research some of the stuff I'm learning. I love it!
Well I think concludes this update on my life.
Until next time,
Peace
SJ
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Everything must go!
So I'm sitting in my room right now looking at the piles of stuff...EVERYWHERE!
I have so much stuff it's just ridiculous. It's crazy to me that while I've been gone, I've been able to live out of two suitcases - considering the amount of stuff in this room i think that's pretty impressive.
So the conclusion I've come to is this...I really don't need most of the junk in here.
So what do I do about this?
I've decided to have a garage sale!
I'm pretty excited to be able to get rid of all this junk that I really don't need.
I'll keep ya posted on when the big sale will be!
Peace.
I have so much stuff it's just ridiculous. It's crazy to me that while I've been gone, I've been able to live out of two suitcases - considering the amount of stuff in this room i think that's pretty impressive.
So the conclusion I've come to is this...I really don't need most of the junk in here.
So what do I do about this?
I've decided to have a garage sale!
I'm pretty excited to be able to get rid of all this junk that I really don't need.
I'll keep ya posted on when the big sale will be!
Peace.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Fresh Start
So this morning I decided I need a fresh start with my blog. It needed some color for starters, and perhaps some consistent updates...
Here's the thing, it was mentioned to me the other day that since I'm at home I should have lots of time to blog, but since I've been home I just haven't felt like anything blog worthy has happened.
Maybe my expectations of what is blog worthy are too high? hmmm things to consider.
So anyway, All that to say that I'm going to try to be more consistent about my blogging.
Wish me luck.
Alright so I'm finally in my own house again! I've been home for almost a month but only managed to move into my house 4 days ago. I have really enjoyed living with Grammy and Grampy for the past few weeks but it's wonderful to be in my own space with my own things again.
Well I'm off to make some muffins.
Peace
Sarah Jane
Here's the thing, it was mentioned to me the other day that since I'm at home I should have lots of time to blog, but since I've been home I just haven't felt like anything blog worthy has happened.
Maybe my expectations of what is blog worthy are too high? hmmm things to consider.
So anyway, All that to say that I'm going to try to be more consistent about my blogging.
Wish me luck.
Alright so I'm finally in my own house again! I've been home for almost a month but only managed to move into my house 4 days ago. I have really enjoyed living with Grammy and Grampy for the past few weeks but it's wonderful to be in my own space with my own things again.
Well I'm off to make some muffins.
Peace
Sarah Jane
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Aah It's been TOO long!
Oh my goodness, I cant believe how long it's been. I feel like I havent had internet in so long! Right now we're having dinner at a friends house and we are fortunate enough to be able to use their computer!
The past two weeks have been great! My week in Charleston was packed! The days were long but it was definitely amazing. We did alot of dowtown evangelism and alot of work with the college group at the church we were staying in. When we were praying about our week God was really putting the church youth and college groups on our hearts so we really dug into that. We were able to do a couple services with them, share testimonies, do some dramas and get to know the students. It was a very fruitful experience.
Last week we were in greenville south carolina. That was a big week for ministry as well as for our team. We again spent alot of time in the downtown area which was great. We met alot of people that we will be keeping in contact with and hopefully be able to see again. Our team spent alot of team time praying for each other and really working through our struggles together. God really moved and alot of healing took place.
I'm currently in Atlanta, we got here yesterday and were able to spend the day exploring dowtown and getting a feel for the city.
Tomorrow we're going to spending the day working with kids! I'm so stoked!
Well we're on our way out so i gotta be going. Keep praying for us, i would really appreciate that!
Peace!
The past two weeks have been great! My week in Charleston was packed! The days were long but it was definitely amazing. We did alot of dowtown evangelism and alot of work with the college group at the church we were staying in. When we were praying about our week God was really putting the church youth and college groups on our hearts so we really dug into that. We were able to do a couple services with them, share testimonies, do some dramas and get to know the students. It was a very fruitful experience.
Last week we were in greenville south carolina. That was a big week for ministry as well as for our team. We again spent alot of time in the downtown area which was great. We met alot of people that we will be keeping in contact with and hopefully be able to see again. Our team spent alot of team time praying for each other and really working through our struggles together. God really moved and alot of healing took place.
I'm currently in Atlanta, we got here yesterday and were able to spend the day exploring dowtown and getting a feel for the city.
Tomorrow we're going to spending the day working with kids! I'm so stoked!
Well we're on our way out so i gotta be going. Keep praying for us, i would really appreciate that!
Peace!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Good Bye Miami...
We have left Miami and are spending the night in Orlando on our way to South Carolina. I have grown to love Miami over the past weeks and it was definitely sad to leave.
This next week is a big one...I'm leading it!
We're going to Charleston South Carolina where we'll be working with a few different ministries over the week. Please pray for my leadership team (Stacie, Nathaniel and I) for patience as well as wisdom and discernment. We're pretty excited to have this opportunity to lead out.
I'll let you know more as the week goes on.
If you could pray for my health as well that would be much appreciated. Ever since I left home last January my body hasnt been able to make it through a cold front without getting sick. I've been working on this cold for about two weeks now. I really dont want this to be a hindrance to my ministry so prayer would be great!
Thank you!!
Peace
This next week is a big one...I'm leading it!
We're going to Charleston South Carolina where we'll be working with a few different ministries over the week. Please pray for my leadership team (Stacie, Nathaniel and I) for patience as well as wisdom and discernment. We're pretty excited to have this opportunity to lead out.
I'll let you know more as the week goes on.
If you could pray for my health as well that would be much appreciated. Ever since I left home last January my body hasnt been able to make it through a cold front without getting sick. I've been working on this cold for about two weeks now. I really dont want this to be a hindrance to my ministry so prayer would be great!
Thank you!!
Peace
Friday, January 23, 2009
His ways are higher
So it turns out God works in mysterious ways. Go figure eh.
Last Monday a team mate and i went to give blood at one of the college campuses we were evangelizing at. We figured it would be quick and then we could go out and talk with some students.
I'm not sure what made me think i wanted to do this since blood makes me kind of squeamish and i have a strong dislike for needles. But regardless, I found myself in the "blood bus" with a needle in my arm stealing a large quantity of my blood. I'll admit the needle wasn't so bad so long as I didn't look, it was after the needle came out that the problem started. The lovely nurse took the needle out, gave me a band aid and some powerade and sent me on my way. She of course asked how I was feeling and such and I was fine so off I went.
Well I didn't make it more then 5 feet past the bus when i started feeling light headed and blacked out. The nurse came out and with the help of my team mate managed to get me back in the bus. Talk about kinda embarrassing... They kept me on the bus for another 45 minutes pumping me full of fluids. I was really quite annoyed with the whole situation...I don't enjoy being incapable. I kept thinking how i could be out evangelizing to people on campus but instead i was stuck in a blood bus trying to remain conscious. I really was not impressed.
Well while I was in there we started talking this guy giving blood across from me, that came in shortly after they brought me back. He was pretty interested in what we were doing with the campus ministry. He wasn't a christian but he was definitely seeking truth and seemed excited by the idea of a personal God who sent His own son to die for him. We were able to chat with him a few more times after that day and he actually gave his life to the Lord last week. What a blessing. It was such an encouragement to me to see how God used a situation that was really frustrating to me and brought something beautiful out of it. Praise God. He is continually showing me that in my weaknesses He is strong. Love it.
I hope this encourages y'all back home, God can use whatever situation we're in, it's not about what we can do it's all about Him.
Peace
Last Monday a team mate and i went to give blood at one of the college campuses we were evangelizing at. We figured it would be quick and then we could go out and talk with some students.
I'm not sure what made me think i wanted to do this since blood makes me kind of squeamish and i have a strong dislike for needles. But regardless, I found myself in the "blood bus" with a needle in my arm stealing a large quantity of my blood. I'll admit the needle wasn't so bad so long as I didn't look, it was after the needle came out that the problem started. The lovely nurse took the needle out, gave me a band aid and some powerade and sent me on my way. She of course asked how I was feeling and such and I was fine so off I went.
Well I didn't make it more then 5 feet past the bus when i started feeling light headed and blacked out. The nurse came out and with the help of my team mate managed to get me back in the bus. Talk about kinda embarrassing... They kept me on the bus for another 45 minutes pumping me full of fluids. I was really quite annoyed with the whole situation...I don't enjoy being incapable. I kept thinking how i could be out evangelizing to people on campus but instead i was stuck in a blood bus trying to remain conscious. I really was not impressed.
Well while I was in there we started talking this guy giving blood across from me, that came in shortly after they brought me back. He was pretty interested in what we were doing with the campus ministry. He wasn't a christian but he was definitely seeking truth and seemed excited by the idea of a personal God who sent His own son to die for him. We were able to chat with him a few more times after that day and he actually gave his life to the Lord last week. What a blessing. It was such an encouragement to me to see how God used a situation that was really frustrating to me and brought something beautiful out of it. Praise God. He is continually showing me that in my weaknesses He is strong. Love it.
I hope this encourages y'all back home, God can use whatever situation we're in, it's not about what we can do it's all about Him.
Peace
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Week One
Holla from Miami!
We've been here for a week now and I love it.
My team is working with a campus ministry at Miami Dade called WAVES. WAVES is a student run christian club on campus and is fairly well known by the students. Today was the first day of classes and our first day going out on campus and it went really good. The students are pretty open to hearing what we have to say and most of them are really searching for something. Today was a huge encouragement to me, I was able to talk to a lot of people and was able to share the gospel with ten different people - it really made me excited for the next month down here.
It occurred to me today how much God is doing in me and has done in me in the past year. Before coming to YWAM I dont ever remember sharing the gospel with someone on my own, I've never had the boldness to just start talking to people like that, but it's really become a lifestyle. I love it. This is what God has called us as Christians to do - Go into the world and share the gospel.
Please continue praying for my team as well as the students we'll be working with!
I'll keep you posted.
Peace.
We've been here for a week now and I love it.
My team is working with a campus ministry at Miami Dade called WAVES. WAVES is a student run christian club on campus and is fairly well known by the students. Today was the first day of classes and our first day going out on campus and it went really good. The students are pretty open to hearing what we have to say and most of them are really searching for something. Today was a huge encouragement to me, I was able to talk to a lot of people and was able to share the gospel with ten different people - it really made me excited for the next month down here.
It occurred to me today how much God is doing in me and has done in me in the past year. Before coming to YWAM I dont ever remember sharing the gospel with someone on my own, I've never had the boldness to just start talking to people like that, but it's really become a lifestyle. I love it. This is what God has called us as Christians to do - Go into the world and share the gospel.
Please continue praying for my team as well as the students we'll be working with!
I'll keep you posted.
Peace.
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