1. So I was praying that our students would be bold during the times that are set aside for witnessing, and they have been. But yesterday when "witnessing time" was over the kids did not stop. When we left "the hood" and got back on the bus to come back to Moody they just kept on going. By the time we got back about another 15 people were either prayed for or witnessed to. I was blown away.
2. Last night several kids were talking about how to bring this back to Grand Rapids!!!!
3. Another student led a person to Christ!
Even with all of these things accomplished on the trip, the most intimidating task is left for today. Each student will be writing letters to loved ones back at home. How is this more intimidating than witnessing in the hood? Because these are people we see and love in our everyday lives, and that makes it feel like there is that much more to lose.
Please pray between 1:30 - 5:00pm Central time
1. That students would be bold and brave.
2. That the students would be filled with compassion.
3. Pray that the students will view the lost with the eyes and heart of Jesus.
4. Pray that the hearts of those receiving the letters will be softened.
5. Pray earnestly that many people would come to faith by these letters.
6. Tonight were are going out to dinner as a youth group, pray that we have a blast!!!
7. Pray for David Alcook, as he was attacked by a very mean bug in his sleep. He has bites all over his body, pray for relief.
8. Pray for me (Pastor Aaron) as last night I kind of hit a wall in regards to energy. Also I am still feeling kind of sick, so please pray for me. Last night I felt like I wanted to be an introvert, pray that The Lord would anoint me with a fresh wave of the Spirit so that I can pour out what I have in me to these students.
Here is a pic from yesterday's trip.
Over the past year I have underlined all of Romans 12 in my Bible. It has been an encouragement to me and I hope it will be to you!
ReplyDeleteRomans 12. . .
"Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodes as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God- this is true and proper worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve of the God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of your selves more highly than you ought, but rather think of ourselves with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts,according to the grace given to us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportions to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving; let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
whoa!
DeleteI did not realize how long that was?
Our God is an awesome God and what I read from you has been amazing. The excitement pours out of the words and I will continue to uphold all of you in prayer. Thanks for the pic of Taylor, it warms my heart
ReplyDeletePraying for you guys right now. Also praying you'll each be responsive to God's Spirit...let him guide what you feel should be said in letters, as each situation is totally different. Ephesians 6:19. - Scott
ReplyDeleteI love the interpretation of this in The Message. I have been praying for all of you all day.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 5:14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Paula Creswell
We are praying for all of you as you write your letters; may the Holy Spirit give you the words to say and soften the hearts of those who will receive them. Pastor Aaron is right, you may have more to lose, but also more to gain since you can influence these people often and have many opportunities to follow through with them. You are all doing AMAZING things through His AMAZING grace!
ReplyDeleteWe just finished singing this song
ReplyDeleteI see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees
I hope all of you had an AMAZING trip!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you all returned safely!!!