I finally cracked....

To Facebook.

What have I gotten myself into?????

Random Thoughts On IMLC & STM Missions

For those who don't know. IMLC (International Mission's Leadership Conference) and STM (Short Term Missions).

I'm trying my best to avoid overly profound entries, but so many thoughts that I want to jot down.

The past two weeks have been an awesome ride. Being able to go on a trip that's goes beyond fun is something special. I've met so many people at the conference who have a passion to serve God. I hope to stay in touch with those people. Anyone who's got a heart to go on missions I encourage it. That being said (and I sound like a broken record at this point to some), be sure that if you go, you're strong in both prayer and bible devotions.

A few random thoughts:

• I would like to learn how to speak fluent cantonese and french one day. The language barrier is a difficult obstacle. I'm hoping this isn't a desire that doesn't fade away but one I'll strive for.
• The conference and mission's trip showed me that, sometimes you only get one or two chances to make an impact and build a relationship before you go. Relationships are everything in God's eyes.
  
• When you know time is finite, you really try to make the most of everything. I hope that stays true now that I'm back.
• Can my faith be bought at a price?
• A mission's trip has little to do with the location but everything to do with the lifestyle.

My biggest fear is having what I experienced turn into some sort of spiritual "high" only to have things return back to normal. God has shown me way too much to even think about remaining the same after this. At the conference, I made a commitment to fully submit my life to him. So, the question I ask myself is: If he calls me, will I stand up and go?

Missions Trip Time

Time for the big dance.

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http://mcaceuropestm2007.blogspot.com/

I've really been focusing more on devotions and prayer for this Mission's trip. Before, I used to be anxious about not really knowing what I'll be doing there, but now I'm slowly accepting and even embracing what's to come.

I remember reading on Elaine's blog about how mediocrity and laziness have no place in the Christian life. In other words, it is sin and by that, abhored by God. So, if I'm kicking it up a notch on my prayers and devotions now, what exactly was I doing beforehand? What does going to a foreign country have to do with the effort I put into my spiritual walk? I probably need a good kick in the pants to get me jump started.

On a seperate note, I left work at 7 pm two days in a row.

I have a blender just like the ones they use at the juice bars now.

Time to make some fresh juice!

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4

19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:19-21

I'm running through the book of Philippians for my devotions and the theme of humility has surfaced a couple of times. The line that struck me today was verse 21 "For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." I'm usually more concerned about appearing righteous before God, but sometimes I'm wondering if its really for myself or for the interests of Jesus. What does it really mean to be a servant and to imitate Christ's humility? Why do I find this incredibly difficult?

Fresh Festival With Starfield!

I had a chance to see Starfield perform at People's Church today for Fresh Festival. Part of me was expecting some flash and flair due to their relative popularity. What caught my attention was how humble they came across during their performance. They maybe a popular Christian Rock band, but before anything else, they're followers of Christ. At first glance, you would've sworn that they were merely another worship team, as if to not draw any attention unto themselves. I feel that's a sign of a really strong worship team.


I heard Tony Campolo for the very first time. Elaine told me he was a fantastic speaker and I definitely agree. The main theme he stressed in his talk was going out and living as disciples of Christ, rather than just believers. His challenge to us was whether or not we would make a public declaration of our discipleship on the spot, which left me examining how I'm living my life. A few quotes from the night:

"Isn't it time to decide to do something great in your life?"

"The worse thing you do is do less than the will of God in your life."

"You were created/predistined to do Good works."

"You've become Christian - up to a point."

"Being a disciple is allowing your heart to be broken by the things that break the heart of Jesus."

"What God wants you to do is say 'Yes' and take one step and trust him."

So it asks the question: "Am I a disciple or a believer?"