Not too terribly much has happened since the staff has left. I do feel a whole lot more busy since I have responsibilities as an action group leader. So with my job and cru responsibilities, I have learned to manage my time a lot better than I have in the past, which was much needed. My group's outreach became interesting with only us three adults working it. Nothing really turned out like we thought it would. But at the same time, we feel we impacted the kids that came consistently in a positive way. Our best way of reaching out to these kids actually happened after every time we met. We would go to Taco Bell afterwards and pay for their meals and just talk. It was great getting to know the kids and talking to them and trying to point them in the right direction.
The past three weeks we have been taught lessons on leadership and stewardship from the pastor of the church most of us go to, Faith Christian Community. Steve had a whole lot of insight into being a leader, it was fantastic to hear. He revolutionized how I look at various passages in the Bible. For example, read Genesis 1-3 to see God's examples of leadership. Here are a few.
- Leaders use there words to initiate change (Genesis 1:3)
- Leaders have a plan (Genesis 1...creation order)
- Leaders know when to rest (Genesis 2:2, God didn't need rest because He is in fact God, but gave us the example)
- Leaders are life givers (Genesis 2:7)
There are so many more examples in there, it is amazing if you just go and look. There is no realm of life you as a Christian are not called to have an influence. In class, at work, walking, driving. Anything. Our words and actions to speak loudly. Are you going to stand up and lead in a Christ-like manner? Showing love and compassion?
This past weekend we decided to drive up to the Artic Circle. 66.33 degrees latitude. It was a 12 hour drive north, past Denali and Fairbanks. We got there, took a picture and came back. It was quite the trip.
This is a picture of the guys who went.
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| Car 1...the roads were muddy! and quite bumpy. At that point it was half paved half dirt roads...we preferred dirt since the paved roads were very bumpy. |
Then we drove back. Some of us decided to check out the hot springs since had some time. It was an hour out of the way, but we did it anyways. Then we went to the North Pole on the way back. We stopped at santa's shop and met the guy. He was great talking to. We found out he did Cru when he was younger and used the four spiritual laws, which we call Knowing God Personally now. Even Santa Believes in Jesus!
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| notice the light poles...in the North Pole! |
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| The guys who went to the north pole |
This past tuesday was also my last day of work. We made it back from the Artic Circle at 2:30 am Tuesday morning. I had to be at work at by 6. I was and I ended up working until 5:30, so it was a long last day. It was a day full of mixed emotions. I was happy to be done, but at the same time I had developed some friendships between coworkers. Some of those started rough, but ended well. I never got to outright share the gospel with them since I had to be professional. But I hope my attitude and work ethic spoke for itself. Every person I said goodbye to asked if I was coming back next year. One guy even gave me his number just in case we come back. The best way to put it is it was a bittersweet moment. I will miss those people as hard and stressful as it was at times. But I'm excited to be done. I'm pumped to come home and start things back up at school. I miss all my friends there. I will miss all the brothers I've made here though. Leaving will be bittersweet as well. I will probably never see most of these guys again this side of Heaven, which is a sad thought. But I'm happy to say I believe full and well that we will meet up again in Heaven.
That pretty much wraps up project until now. Today we leave for Denali for a 5 day backpacking trip. We will cover 27ish miles in the park in a traverse hike. It is about a 6 hour drive there, but it is an enjoyable one in the mountains. It definitely won't be a safe adventure. Two weekends ago, some hikers were mauled by a bear. But to put it plainly, they were stupid. If we stay together as a group, we shouldn't surprise a bear and should be totally fine. We have taken precautions, such as bear spray and a small shotgun just in case.
So prayer requests in regard to the trip.
- safe travel to and from Denali
- Good weather (the forecast is RAIN!)
- safety on the trails
- good communication as a group
- that our brotherhood would grow on the trip
- safe travel home
Well. This is my last post before I start my trek home next thursday. Thank you all for following me on my adventures! I plan on continuing writings on various things happening in my life.
Even Santa believes in Jesus!
Leaders are LIFEgivers
Until we meet again, may you bring God glory.
I'm going to miss you guys, my brothers, my band of brothers. I know there it may not be until we are all in heaven, but it isn't goodbye, but a see ya later. Praise God for that. Praise God.
