So this year did not start off as expected, but like what they said in WM (World Mandate), the year only starts after WM. If the latter remains true, than my year is already off to a good start. So because the year did not start well, I was excited to spend the weekend with people that I love. What better way than to sit in a conference and see their faces for 14 hours per day?
First week of school and the cold, cold wind left me exhausted honestly. If I were to be totally honest, I had zero expectations whatsoever. In fact, the conference was some sort of obligation - but I wanted to be there, just not the entire time. But man, was I wrecked.
Wow, with everything going on in the world today, we often wonder, where is peace? Where is God in all of this? Jim Yost said that if disaster were to befall anywhere, it was a sign that greatness was coming. The superficial disasters were Satan's last effort to stop anything great from exploding into amazing things. Yes, the Syria war is undoubtedly inhumane and no country should have to face that ever. And wow, the refugees trying to make their way out is referred to as the worst inhumane thing. Yet, Jesus always turns evil into good.
Wow this weekend I learned that the church was the ultimate answer. That when disaster befalls, we ought not to simply pray and hope for the best, we ought not run from the war. Instead, we ought to run towards the problem and Engage the Crisis. When the world fears and turn its back around, the church should be the first to say that help is on its way. Engage the Crisis is a movement founded by Antioch. Primarily, they will be helping refugees get onto the shores of Europe. It goes without saying that a journey like that will result in emotional or physical trauma. Antioch purposes to ensure each refugee finds meaning in life. Washed up on the shores, these refugees left behind homes, jobs, everything - in hopes of surviving. Bear in mind that these refugees are just like you and I, big dreams. Other than their geographical location, I don't see how they differ. So yeah, these people get onto these shores and continue the journey into Europe (making several stops to rest and re hydrate). But wow, Engage the Crisis opens doors for students to go in and to serve, to talk, to share the message of hope to these precious lives. These people of different religions are so so so open to anything that is real. And God is so real guys. He heals, he cares and he has compassion. Compassion, meaning the deepest type of love, one that feels the pity for another.
Forget about what I just typed out, I do not know where I am going with that. But during WM, we sang this song that goes:
"You can have my life, You can have it all, Lord, all I am is yours"This month, I knew what I meant when I sang that - literally. I've been thrown overboard and Jesus is the only one with the life saver. Literally, my life is dependent on him right now. I just can't help but think - how did I stop depending on Him? How did life go on without Him? Wow. How did I settle so quickly. Honestly.. life should be a race where survival is dependent on Him alone. Wow life. Wow Jesus. I guess when you did this, you already knew what my future holds, so for that, and all that is worth, I am holding on to you. Please, help me know You are there, even when it seems hard.
Here is the scariest part - I was so ready to pack my bags and go to Europe. I see these people in the videos ministering to the refugees, and I wonder, if there is more to life than living the cliche go-to-school-get-a-job-earn-money way of living. Man, I definitely know I am here for a reason and a purpose, yet I am so ready to serve, and to literally change the world! But then I realise, I may not change the world (not yet) but I get to change someone's world here. In a Uni as big as OU, I get to change so many someone's world.
I am still a little overwhelmed, but there with have it. First impression post. Literally hours after WM ended.
Till then.
**
Side Notes:
1. The Antioch tribe is so legit guys. They have a station on Pandora. Of course God is just going at it. I wrote down the lyrics to this particular song (To You Be The Glory) and it is an Antioch Live original song. Of course it has to be the first song that plays when I found the channel.
2. Who would have thought 14 hours spent not studying could be so life-giving.
3. Target has pretty journals, next I would go to Barnes and Noble, then Hallmark
4. Mardel only has journals with verses on them
5. Ephesians 3 - the prayer we all need
6. Organisations to be a part of today (donate, pray, check it out) World Mandate, Engage the Crisis, Be a part of one today!, UnBound
0 comments:
Post a Comment