world vision

So it has definitely been a WHILE since I have been on here and I apologize!! I would love to be writing more than just weekly updates, but the laptop I brought down here has decided to stop allowing me to type most letters; making it basically impossible to type any sort of message. My roommates have been kind enough to lend their laptops out to me so I can finally blog and email everyone :)

A lot has been going on here, as always! Because there is so much to say, I am going to split this into two separate entries. I will begin with the week of June 21st-27th. This was World Vision week for us. We focused on the international ministries CRU has partnerships with in East Asia, the Middle East (4th Journey), Australia, France, Ghana, and Latin America. There was a lot of time spent in prayer and seeking the Lord throughout this week for many students considering a summer or a full year of international ministry. We were challenged to be aware of what is going on in other countries and taking action in that, whether it be helping send others or being sent.

It was made so very clear that we are COMFORTABLE Christians in America. We are some of the richest people in the world, simply because we live in America. We are so blessed, but these blessings can keep some from God. If we allow ourselves to be completely consumed by this world, there will be no reason to seek Jesus. People in other countries do not have the same rights and privileges we have as Americans. We are not put in jail when we proclaim our faith. We are not struck down and beaten publicly for declaring Jesus as our Savior. We have so many freedoms that these people around the world could never imagine.

This brings me to Romans 10:14-15, a verse that really hits my heart, "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'"

This verse is so true and convicting to me. How will the people in this world, especially those internationally, ever hear about Jesus? How can they be saved if they never even have the chance? God has chosen us to be sent. Not just sent out into the mission fields of East Asia or Africa, but in our regions, our workplaces, our schools, and our homes. Throughout the week and in lots of prayer, I will definitely be thinking about missions internationally. Because I have already graduated, my options for this type of ministry within CRU are limited, but we will see what the Lord will do. My heart has definitely been changed in this area. I would have never imagined myself overseas a year ago, but after being away from home for over a month, I know a short term international mission trip is absolutely possible!

A lasting thought we were left with tonight to wrap up our Prayer & World Vision week was from staff member, Brandi. She STINTED (Short Term International trip) in East Asia a few years ago, and really challenged us with this: Instead of praying and seeking the Lord about being sent and waiting HERE to hear His voice, take the initiative to say "Lord, I am stepping out in faith and GOING out for you unless I hear you tell me not to stay."

More to come in the next blog...