As I reflect upon these past 8 weeks my mind flashes as it recalls the many friendships, unforgettable memories, and challenges I have faced while here in San Diego. I am anxious and bubbling with excitement to return home to my family and friends; however, as the days pass it is becoming more difficult to digest the fact that my time here is coming to a close. No longer will I call “Condo Four on Santa Clara by Tower 19” my home. I won’t wake up beside some of my best friends, share funny stories, late night adventures, and experience God in our lives together. On August 6th we will go back to reality.
But with reality comes power and potential. We have been equipped with skills and confidence to further build up the kingdom of Christ. Timidity has been transformed into boldness. First hand I have not only witnessed, but experienced the work of the Lord in His children’s lives. Instead of choosing to dwell on the fact that project won’t last forever, I will direct my focus onto putting into action the things that God has taught me and exercising the new skills I have acquired. This summer has consisted of both input and output. With input comes responsibility: output. What use are the gifts have I been given if they are not put into action to bring glory to God.
Back in Knoxville I pray that I will surrender and die to myself, allowing Christ to avail in all my thoughts, actions, decisions, and words. I long to be a servant and for God to be glorified in everything- in my joy, pain, excitement, or suffering. I know this will be a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit, and for that reason I ask you to pray for me.
As many of you know I am involved with Uganda. For the past two summers I have had hands on experience with the poor and needy, and seen first hand the consequences of injustice, selfishness, and sin. However, I still struggled with the idea of poverty. As much as I loved the idea of helping those in crippling, hopeless situations, I fought apathy, and feared I would soon loose my battle. Terrible thoughts such as, “if God is going to fix everything anyway then what’s the point as long as people are saved?” “If I can’t help them all why even try?” “Does this really matter and make a difference in the end?” I know… a very sick heart.
I began reading a book called “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns who is President of World Vision. Filled with scripture, conviction, and answers the Lord has transformed my heart and given me a passion.
The Message Translation
Isaiah 1: 10-17
“Listen to my Message, you Sodom-schooled leaders.
Receive God’s revelation, you Gomorrah-schooled people.
“Why this frenzy of sacrifices?”
God’s asking.
“Don’t you think I’ve had my fill of burnt sacrifices, rams and plump grain-fed calves? Don’t you think I’ve had my fill of blood from bulls, lambs, and goats? When you come before me, whoever gave you the idea of acting like this, running here and there, doing this and that- all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship? Quit your worship charade. I can’t stand your trivial religious games: monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings- I can’t stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer performance, I’ll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong
Learn to do good.
Work for justice.
Help the down-and-out.
Stand up for the homeless.
God to bat for the defenseless.
I am talking to myself here too, but we have got to STOP it. Just stop. If we are not serving the poor and needy (either physically, emotionally, or spiritually) then what are we doing?
"'He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD." Jeremiah 22:16
What are we doing with our lives? Life isn’t just about going to church every week and being in a bible study, having great community, helping out people every once in a while. NO. We have been commanded to love those who are poor and needy. So please, stop trying. If you aren’t going to really live for the Lord then why are you wasting your time? This is an all or nothing thing. The church is missing this because if we were really committed to loving those in need our world would look different than it does now. Imagine if the church stepped up and was outwardly focused. Christ is exemplified and known when we love others. People would take notice because consumerism defines our culture; and self-denial, service, and humbleness defies it. Wherever we have been put we need to live what we would call “radical.” Everyday we must live for the one who came and died on the cross for our sins. I could go on, but I will stop. I recommend this book though- it’s full of scripture which makes it good.
Also, I ask that you will pray for a vision I feel the Lord has put on my heart. There is an old African saying, “If you educate a man, you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” Imagine if we really invested into the women of the Wakiso village in Uganda (an area we work with). I feel like we need to focus on empowering the women/girls there. Giving them an education, business loans, informing them about health precautions, and building deep, Christ-centered relationships. Women are innovative, creative, motivated, determined, and responsible. Richard Sterns says, “An educated girl is more likely to acquire skills to improve the economic stability of her family, and she is also more apt to ensure that her daughters receive and education too. Educating girls pays dividend after dividend to the whole community.”
This is just what has kind of come off the top of my head, and I can’t wait to see where the Lord takes it.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Go Barefoot. Everywhere.
Gloom June.
A term I have never heard before used to describe California, however, it's true here in San Diego. It's cloudy in the morning, sunny, then cloudy again. It's also chilly. Sweatshirts are a necessity.
I haven't found a job... and although I am still looking... in the meantime I am volunteering at Invisible Children and am hoping to work with the Ronald McDonald house. I also realized, just this morning, that maybe not being busy every second of the day isn't so bad. Once I get back to school I am not sure when I have time to breathe. So maybe, I can spend a lot of time reading some books and studying some of the Old Testament (something I have always wanted to do). So I decided not to overbook myself. Enjoy it out here and not be so caught up on being occupied. This is a once in a lifetime thing, and I want to soak every minute up.
I went body surfing and boogie boarding this past week. The waves are so strong out here. And huge! It was really fun though. Today (Saturday) I am going to go surfing after I finish my laundry.
Cool story. I went to my church for the first time this past Sunday. It's called New Break Pacific Beach. The were saying goodbye to a couple and announced they were moving to Knoxville, TN. Afterward, I went up and introduced myself. Turns out that Freddy applied for a job at West! I sent the principal an email asking him to consider giving Freddy an interview for the position. When he moves to Knoxville, I plan on having him, his wife, and daughter over for dinner.
Also, I absolutely love my church. The people are friendly, the worship is fantastic, and most importantly they are teaching truth. The pastor is so humble and it is clear that he loves Jesus.
This past week has been called "Killing the Giants." We focus on struggles in our life that hold us back. Fears. Sin. Anything. One of mine was trusting in the Lord's promises. I tend to think "what if He doesn't show up?" So this week I stepped out in faith. I EXPECTED Him to keep His promises. Mostly, the focus was on being filled with the Holy Spirit and the frustration that I was experiencing due to His lack of presence in my life. Thankfully, this past week I have been so encouraged. I have such a peace now knowing that He is never going to leave me be. I had the head knowledge but not the heart knowledge.
I have also been learning how to have quiet times and pray. The importance of verse memorization is another important topic I'm realizing it's necessity.
Talking to people on the beach and campus can sometimes be encouraging and other times discouraging (or saddening). I have talked to only 2 people who know how to become a Christian. The majority say the have no idea or make up some crazy explanation. It's neat to see how open a lot of them are and willing to discuss spiritual matters. At first, it was hard for me to not look at them as a "target." I had the method in my head: survey, KGP. Now, I simply go up and try to get to know them and understand who they are. If the Lord leads to share the KGP, then great! If not, that's okay, too. I invite them to Friday Night Live (a ministry we put on).
The friendships here on project are real and honest. We know each others hurts and struggles, weaknesses, frustrations. Everything. Everyone is encouraging, but also ask the tough questions and hold you accountable. I feel like I have know these girls for years.
So all in all, things are going fantastic. I have been here for 3 weeks. Although it feels like months. haha. My mom is visiting in a week and a half. I am looking forward to going out to eat... oh yeah and seeing her, too. Just kidding, love you mom!
A term I have never heard before used to describe California, however, it's true here in San Diego. It's cloudy in the morning, sunny, then cloudy again. It's also chilly. Sweatshirts are a necessity.
I haven't found a job... and although I am still looking... in the meantime I am volunteering at Invisible Children and am hoping to work with the Ronald McDonald house. I also realized, just this morning, that maybe not being busy every second of the day isn't so bad. Once I get back to school I am not sure when I have time to breathe. So maybe, I can spend a lot of time reading some books and studying some of the Old Testament (something I have always wanted to do). So I decided not to overbook myself. Enjoy it out here and not be so caught up on being occupied. This is a once in a lifetime thing, and I want to soak every minute up.
I went body surfing and boogie boarding this past week. The waves are so strong out here. And huge! It was really fun though. Today (Saturday) I am going to go surfing after I finish my laundry.
Cool story. I went to my church for the first time this past Sunday. It's called New Break Pacific Beach. The were saying goodbye to a couple and announced they were moving to Knoxville, TN. Afterward, I went up and introduced myself. Turns out that Freddy applied for a job at West! I sent the principal an email asking him to consider giving Freddy an interview for the position. When he moves to Knoxville, I plan on having him, his wife, and daughter over for dinner.
Also, I absolutely love my church. The people are friendly, the worship is fantastic, and most importantly they are teaching truth. The pastor is so humble and it is clear that he loves Jesus.
This past week has been called "Killing the Giants." We focus on struggles in our life that hold us back. Fears. Sin. Anything. One of mine was trusting in the Lord's promises. I tend to think "what if He doesn't show up?" So this week I stepped out in faith. I EXPECTED Him to keep His promises. Mostly, the focus was on being filled with the Holy Spirit and the frustration that I was experiencing due to His lack of presence in my life. Thankfully, this past week I have been so encouraged. I have such a peace now knowing that He is never going to leave me be. I had the head knowledge but not the heart knowledge.
I have also been learning how to have quiet times and pray. The importance of verse memorization is another important topic I'm realizing it's necessity.
Talking to people on the beach and campus can sometimes be encouraging and other times discouraging (or saddening). I have talked to only 2 people who know how to become a Christian. The majority say the have no idea or make up some crazy explanation. It's neat to see how open a lot of them are and willing to discuss spiritual matters. At first, it was hard for me to not look at them as a "target." I had the method in my head: survey, KGP. Now, I simply go up and try to get to know them and understand who they are. If the Lord leads to share the KGP, then great! If not, that's okay, too. I invite them to Friday Night Live (a ministry we put on).
The friendships here on project are real and honest. We know each others hurts and struggles, weaknesses, frustrations. Everything. Everyone is encouraging, but also ask the tough questions and hold you accountable. I feel like I have know these girls for years.
So all in all, things are going fantastic. I have been here for 3 weeks. Although it feels like months. haha. My mom is visiting in a week and a half. I am looking forward to going out to eat... oh yeah and seeing her, too. Just kidding, love you mom!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Week One: Whirlwind
Greetings from San Diego!
I have been here for a week and so far am loving it. There are about 110 students and 40 staff.
Day one I moved into my apartment with 13 other girls. Yes, that’s right… I share a bedroom with 7 other girls and one shower. No worries though, it’s been completely fine so far. I love everyone in “Condo 4” aka The Upper Room. We have a kitchen and got lucky by having the nicest sofa set and curtains at project. We are envied by all.
I am in a growth group, which is 3 girls and a leader. My leader’s name is Mallory and the other two girls are Lauren and Mercedes. We get along great and I am enjoying getting to know them better. It’s basically a small group that we meet with and do activities with. Also, I meet with Mallory for discipling.
This summer I will serve on the Community Life team. We are in charge of “uniting the project through intentional situations.” Okay, we may be referred to as the “party group,” but in all honesty we play a crucial role. We serve other teams and plan fun events to bring everyone together. I am enjoying it so far.
Alright, so a huge part of project is WORKING. Currently, San Diego is experiencing 13% unemployment. Everyone is persevering in pursing jobs. I have a few leads, but no success yet. If worse comes to worse I plan on working with Invisible Children or another non-profit.
Location, location, location!! I am about 25 steps away from the bay and a block from the beach. It is absolutely beautiful here. It’s so fun to people watch, too. Everyone is so athletic and loves to run, skateboard, inline skate, surf, boogie board, et cetera. I have access to free surf rentals so I plan on being a pro by the time I return to Knoxville.
Spiritually, this week has been encouraging and exhausting. Finding time to have quiet time means being disciplined by getting up early or dismissing yourself from social time at night. However, the revelation of its importance has dawned upon me. Without time in the Word I am more exhausted and rely on myself instead of Christ throughout the day. Being around and pursing relationships and spiritual conversation everyday is draining. So it’s a lesson I am learning quickly. ☺
We have had some training with the Knowing God Personally booklet and have already been sharing with people on the beach and college campuses. I have been assigned to Grossmont Community College, which is also known as the “Harvard” of community colleges in San Diego. There are 20,00 students. We will hold a weekly bible study on Mondays for anyone on campus who wished to attend.
There has certainly been lots of fun in between meeting times and job hunting. We had a staff hunt the other night. They walked around “in plain sight." Most of them dressed up like a different person. We had to find them and get them to sign a paper. It was all over Mission Beach so we had a vast area to cover. It was a blast.
This past week has felt like a month, but once we get a schedule going I have been told that time flies… and I believe it. I will attend Newbreak Pacific Beach Church. I have been told it is a beach bum church. It is held in an elementary school. I am so excited.
This is all I can think of now…. One week in a nutshell! I appreciate all of your prayers and interest in my project. Feel free to leave a question in the comments area of my posts- I would love to answer them!
Love,
Olivia
P.S. ALL pictures will be on my Facebook under my San Diego album. It takes forever to upload them on here!
I have been here for a week and so far am loving it. There are about 110 students and 40 staff.
Day one I moved into my apartment with 13 other girls. Yes, that’s right… I share a bedroom with 7 other girls and one shower. No worries though, it’s been completely fine so far. I love everyone in “Condo 4” aka The Upper Room. We have a kitchen and got lucky by having the nicest sofa set and curtains at project. We are envied by all.
I am in a growth group, which is 3 girls and a leader. My leader’s name is Mallory and the other two girls are Lauren and Mercedes. We get along great and I am enjoying getting to know them better. It’s basically a small group that we meet with and do activities with. Also, I meet with Mallory for discipling.
This summer I will serve on the Community Life team. We are in charge of “uniting the project through intentional situations.” Okay, we may be referred to as the “party group,” but in all honesty we play a crucial role. We serve other teams and plan fun events to bring everyone together. I am enjoying it so far.
Alright, so a huge part of project is WORKING. Currently, San Diego is experiencing 13% unemployment. Everyone is persevering in pursing jobs. I have a few leads, but no success yet. If worse comes to worse I plan on working with Invisible Children or another non-profit.
Location, location, location!! I am about 25 steps away from the bay and a block from the beach. It is absolutely beautiful here. It’s so fun to people watch, too. Everyone is so athletic and loves to run, skateboard, inline skate, surf, boogie board, et cetera. I have access to free surf rentals so I plan on being a pro by the time I return to Knoxville.
Spiritually, this week has been encouraging and exhausting. Finding time to have quiet time means being disciplined by getting up early or dismissing yourself from social time at night. However, the revelation of its importance has dawned upon me. Without time in the Word I am more exhausted and rely on myself instead of Christ throughout the day. Being around and pursing relationships and spiritual conversation everyday is draining. So it’s a lesson I am learning quickly. ☺
We have had some training with the Knowing God Personally booklet and have already been sharing with people on the beach and college campuses. I have been assigned to Grossmont Community College, which is also known as the “Harvard” of community colleges in San Diego. There are 20,00 students. We will hold a weekly bible study on Mondays for anyone on campus who wished to attend.
There has certainly been lots of fun in between meeting times and job hunting. We had a staff hunt the other night. They walked around “in plain sight." Most of them dressed up like a different person. We had to find them and get them to sign a paper. It was all over Mission Beach so we had a vast area to cover. It was a blast.
This past week has felt like a month, but once we get a schedule going I have been told that time flies… and I believe it. I will attend Newbreak Pacific Beach Church. I have been told it is a beach bum church. It is held in an elementary school. I am so excited.
This is all I can think of now…. One week in a nutshell! I appreciate all of your prayers and interest in my project. Feel free to leave a question in the comments area of my posts- I would love to answer them!
Love,
Olivia
P.S. ALL pictures will be on my Facebook under my San Diego album. It takes forever to upload them on here!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Welcome
Hi family & friends!
I have created this blog to keep everyone informed with up to date pictures, stories, and lessons I am learning while on my Summer Project here in San Diego!
As most of you know, I will be in San Diego for 10 weeks this summer with Campus Crusade for Christ. Here I will have a job, undergo evangelism and discipleship training, be involved in outreach projects, weekly college campus outreach, be in a bible study, and be a part of a local church. As a result of these activities I know that I will learn many lessons and be challenged and pushed outside of my comfort zone. My faith and leadership skills will be stretched greatly.
I wish to share all of these experiences with you. Many of you have supported me financially and I cannot express to you how much of a blessing you are. Many of you have been praying and continue to pray for me. You, too, are a crucial part of this endeavor.
I leave on May 27th to begin my long drive to California. Project begins the 31st.
I look forward to the many things this summer holds. My hope is to have an update weekly. Thank you for being a part of my journey.
In Christ,
Olivia
I have created this blog to keep everyone informed with up to date pictures, stories, and lessons I am learning while on my Summer Project here in San Diego!
As most of you know, I will be in San Diego for 10 weeks this summer with Campus Crusade for Christ. Here I will have a job, undergo evangelism and discipleship training, be involved in outreach projects, weekly college campus outreach, be in a bible study, and be a part of a local church. As a result of these activities I know that I will learn many lessons and be challenged and pushed outside of my comfort zone. My faith and leadership skills will be stretched greatly.
I wish to share all of these experiences with you. Many of you have supported me financially and I cannot express to you how much of a blessing you are. Many of you have been praying and continue to pray for me. You, too, are a crucial part of this endeavor.
I leave on May 27th to begin my long drive to California. Project begins the 31st.
I look forward to the many things this summer holds. My hope is to have an update weekly. Thank you for being a part of my journey.
In Christ,
Olivia
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