A lot has happened since my last post.
God has moved in some amazing ways through our evangelism on campus here in France.
The students in Montpellier are searching for something, but they often don't know what.
Many of the students I have been meeting the last few weeks know little about God. When I ask them "What is the meaning of life?" or "What is the origin of life?" many have never thought about them before. Students have given the answer such as It was by chance, Evolution, or I don't know; That's a good question. This is a very different spiritual climate than in the United States. Many students have not grown up in or even experienced a religion of any kind. But why? One reason is because their parents never taught them and another is because of the government of France. In 1905 the French government put into affect laicite that is the separation of church and state. Therefore taking religion out of public schools, government proceedings etc. Although many of the students we talk to don't know of God or know that you can have a relationship with God, God is working in their lives. He has directed us to students to talk to and has given us many opportunities to share the Gospel with the students. Although, to our knowledge, no student has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior because of our conversations, God is moving. We are connecting with the students and I have had the opportunity to share the Gospel and share how God has show up in my life. How He has helped me through tough losses, and how He has provided for me in times of need. God has given me circumstances and hard times in my life in order for me to relate with the French students who are hurting because of a lost family member or friend or a student who struggles with finding purpose in life.
Before coming to France I had some ideas of what life would be like. I had a conception that French were rude. The people are actually very friendly to talk to and willing to help you with anything. I thought it would be hard to do everyday logistical things without knowing any French. I was wrong. I have learned some basic survival French and can go through the city with ease. And last I thought that discussions with French students would be very intelligent and hard to get the Gospel across. Wrong again. God has empowered me with His power and courage and given me truth to share with the French students.
Prayer Requests:
For the French Friends that we have made at the university. That the Lord would soften their hearts and make them receptive to the Gospel. That our group would be a healthy Body of Christ that can be a witness of Christ's love and compassion to the French students. Last, that every conversation we have with a French student is seasoned with salt and that by God's will every conversation can be about spiritual things.
Merci
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.
The let you know I made it to France! It has been the second full day here in Montpellier. God you are great. We spent 24+ hours traveling to the city, but God was gracious and got us all here safe. It was a tough first day yesterday running on little to no sleep, but I managed. We spent the last two days on the university campus talking with the students. It's been a little nerve wracking. The language barrier is the only thing that holds me back from talking to people about Jesus. However, I start each conversation with the magic phrase: "Boujour. Excusez-moi de vous deranger, mais parlez-vous anglais?" (Hello. Sorry to bother you, but do you speak english!)
We've been very busy and have lots to do. I'm going to keep this post short. Today we met a French student named Paul. He said he was a Catholic and believed in God. We asked him what the meaning of life was and he said it was to be a good moral person and help those around us. I don't know where he sits with God and I have no grounds to judge his salvation. However, would you please join me in praying for Paul and men and women like him. That God would reveal himself to him, and that I would have God's love for each person I speak with on campus.
We have not spent all time on campus. We have had some chances to explore the city center. The history is apparent everywhere you turn. There's even a Roman aqueduct that's maybe a little over 1 mile away from our residence. Here are some photos.
Merci for the prayers and support.
Au Revoir
We've been very busy and have lots to do. I'm going to keep this post short. Today we met a French student named Paul. He said he was a Catholic and believed in God. We asked him what the meaning of life was and he said it was to be a good moral person and help those around us. I don't know where he sits with God and I have no grounds to judge his salvation. However, would you please join me in praying for Paul and men and women like him. That God would reveal himself to him, and that I would have God's love for each person I speak with on campus.
We have not spent all time on campus. We have had some chances to explore the city center. The history is apparent everywhere you turn. There's even a Roman aqueduct that's maybe a little over 1 mile away from our residence. Here are some photos.
 |
| Pool of water at end of aqueduct |
 |
| Mallard in pool |
 |
| Sunset over the city |
Merci for the prayers and support.
Au Revoir
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Counting the Days
Where to begin. I have to admit life has been everything but perfect. These last few weeks I have given in to fear, insecurities, doubt, and everything but God's will. I have been heading down an ever winding road to self satisfaction and not seeking God's counsel. My actions remind me a speaker I listened to at a conference in Minneapolis called Kingdom Called. Kingdom Called was the conference for over-seas missionaries and state-side interns in Campus Crusade for Christ. The speaker spoke about the account of the battle between David & Goliath in the Old Testament.
To be frank, I have been acting like Saul and his soldiers wanting to fight Goliath, but not having the guts to leave their high ground in the hills to fight in the valley. 1 Samuel 17 gives the account of David's courage and trust in God.
When David found out about the Philistines slandering the name of Israel's God he was upset. David was just a shepherd boy after all. When he entered the army's camp, he was not treated with respect.
David had to leave behind many things to fight Goliath. He left behind his sheep, negative thoughts & comments of his brothers, false accusations and doubt from soldiers, comparisons between his small stature and the towering Goliath, and he left behind Saul's armor that would only weigh him down.
In order for me to follow Christ, I also have to leave behind many things. I have to leave behind my fears of people not liking me, my insecurities, comparing my appearance to others, and my parents apprehension about raising support and making an impact in France.
What did David bring with him to battle Goliath. He brought courage, God's honor and in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, God's faithfulness, who he was (a shepherd), confidence in who God is, and the assuredness of victory.
David didn't act like someone else. He knew who he was. He was a son of the living God. He didn't let others skew his view on life. His life was to serve God and honor His name. David was selfless, resilient, courageous, strong, bold and victorious.
Often times I am caught in the mindset of the soldiers. I doubt God's impact in my life. I feel as though I am not good enough, that I have wronged God too many times, that God can't possible forgive me for what I've done. I give into Satan's lies telling me that since I've committed so many horrible sins that God cannot use me in France. That I am too broken & scarred to make an impact for Christ.
I don't know why I listen to or even believe these sly lies, but I do. I find myself believing these things because I am not rooted in God's word, that I am not seeking His counsel, and that I am not continuously empowered by the Holy Spirt, having God's presence in my life.
Despite all this. God has called me to His mission in France. He has a greater purpose and plan for me there than I know at this time. I'm sick of the Christian mantra that you have to keep everything in and one has to keep all their struggles to themselves. People are dying every day who don't know Jesus. I believe that should be a big enough motivator to share the love of Christ with those around us.
14 days until I am in Minneapolis preparing to travel to France. I'm praying that God would help me to trust in Him. That I would not do anything on my own power, but rely on Him whom gives me strength.
Thank you Lord Jesus for dying on the Cross to bridge the gap between death and eternal life. Your actions speak volumes of how the Father loves His created people. Lord, may Your will be done.
To be frank, I have been acting like Saul and his soldiers wanting to fight Goliath, but not having the guts to leave their high ground in the hills to fight in the valley. 1 Samuel 17 gives the account of David's courage and trust in God.
When David found out about the Philistines slandering the name of Israel's God he was upset. David was just a shepherd boy after all. When he entered the army's camp, he was not treated with respect.
David had to leave behind many things to fight Goliath. He left behind his sheep, negative thoughts & comments of his brothers, false accusations and doubt from soldiers, comparisons between his small stature and the towering Goliath, and he left behind Saul's armor that would only weigh him down.
In order for me to follow Christ, I also have to leave behind many things. I have to leave behind my fears of people not liking me, my insecurities, comparing my appearance to others, and my parents apprehension about raising support and making an impact in France.
What did David bring with him to battle Goliath. He brought courage, God's honor and in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, God's faithfulness, who he was (a shepherd), confidence in who God is, and the assuredness of victory.
David didn't act like someone else. He knew who he was. He was a son of the living God. He didn't let others skew his view on life. His life was to serve God and honor His name. David was selfless, resilient, courageous, strong, bold and victorious.
Often times I am caught in the mindset of the soldiers. I doubt God's impact in my life. I feel as though I am not good enough, that I have wronged God too many times, that God can't possible forgive me for what I've done. I give into Satan's lies telling me that since I've committed so many horrible sins that God cannot use me in France. That I am too broken & scarred to make an impact for Christ.
I don't know why I listen to or even believe these sly lies, but I do. I find myself believing these things because I am not rooted in God's word, that I am not seeking His counsel, and that I am not continuously empowered by the Holy Spirt, having God's presence in my life.
Despite all this. God has called me to His mission in France. He has a greater purpose and plan for me there than I know at this time. I'm sick of the Christian mantra that you have to keep everything in and one has to keep all their struggles to themselves. People are dying every day who don't know Jesus. I believe that should be a big enough motivator to share the love of Christ with those around us.
14 days until I am in Minneapolis preparing to travel to France. I'm praying that God would help me to trust in Him. That I would not do anything on my own power, but rely on Him whom gives me strength.
Thank you Lord Jesus for dying on the Cross to bridge the gap between death and eternal life. Your actions speak volumes of how the Father loves His created people. Lord, may Your will be done.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Blessings Go Both Ways
It's been a week since my last update. God has been working in my life in more ways than I realize. He has been introducing me to people that have similar connections and experiences with people I have met. He is showing me how one person can make an impact on multiple peoples lives leaving a lasting legacy. I have been blessed far more than I could ever imagine and this is just the end of the beginning. God has a plan for me and all people. As I've been preparing to travel to France on a mission trip this summer, God has been growing me. He has been disciplining my heart and showing me His love and forgiveness that I need to reflect onto others. I have been greatly blessed with the support that has come in to fund my missions trip. Less than a week ago I was a little over 1/2 way from reaching the total needed to fund the mission trip costs. As of yesterday, God has blessed me with over 80% of the funds raised because of generous ministry partners listening to His call. Also this last Wednesday I was on an overnight trip for my internship. I was riding with one of my co-workers down to Burlington and God blessed the ride with a spiritual conversation. My co-worker asked me what I was doing this summer and I had the opportunity to inform him of the missions trip to France. As the conversation went along I was able to ask him about his religious beliefs and I learned about how he was saved as a child and how he came to know Christ as his savior and Lord. It's been a blessing to see how God is working in my life. I think I just need to take the time each day and look for His fingerprints in my life. If I actually did, I would be forever thankful and conscious of God's never ceasing love and mercy. I encourage you to stop now and think of how God is working in your life. I guarantee He is blessing you to be a blessing to others.
Here is a song that sums up what I want to live out, however my sin and flesh keeps feeding me lies. Every time I hear this song on the radio I think of how I've neglected the opportunities God has given me to do His work. How I have punked out and haven't listened to the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart to move. I want to be a positive influence to those around me. I want to be a reflection of Christ to those who need hope, love, a friend, security, truth, forgiveness. I want to be able to share with them how Christ has worked in my life and how He loves them as His children. That they are a chosen people. Adopted through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection victory over death. Thank you Jesus.
Here is a song that sums up what I want to live out, however my sin and flesh keeps feeding me lies. Every time I hear this song on the radio I think of how I've neglected the opportunities God has given me to do His work. How I have punked out and haven't listened to the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart to move. I want to be a positive influence to those around me. I want to be a reflection of Christ to those who need hope, love, a friend, security, truth, forgiveness. I want to be able to share with them how Christ has worked in my life and how He loves them as His children. That they are a chosen people. Adopted through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection victory over death. Thank you Jesus.
Friday, April 20, 2012
1 Month Until France
Monday, April 9, 2012
Blessed More Than I WIll Understand
Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
“His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
he has become my salvation.
than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!
16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high;
the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!
16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high;
the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 The LORD has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.
has become the cornerstone;
23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 The LORD has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.
25 LORD, save us!
LORD, grant us success!
LORD, grant us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.[b]
27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up[c] to the horns of the altar.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.[b]
27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up[c] to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
his love endures forever.
Praise be to Jesus. No love is greater. No love is purer. The giver of love. The lover of the downtrodden; the restless; the hopeless; the broken; the lost; the poor; the weak; the lame; the blind; those in need; the afflicted; those in pain; the guilty; the sinner; the rejected, the foolish. Nothing is too big for Jesus to carry. No sin is too great. Praise be to the lamb that was slain for the sins of all people. The gate has been opened for all to pass through. Are you longing for significance? Are you lost trying to find your way? Are you looking for someone to trust?
You were created to be in a relationship with God, but because of you sin and rebellious will you went your own way. You were separated. However, God had a plan. He sent His Son to earth as a living sacrifice.
John 3:16- For God so love the world that he gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 10:9 Confess Believe & Be Saved.
What is holding you back from surrendering your pain, suffering, insecurities, fear, addiction, guilt to Christ?
Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
I have to confess that I am not perfect. I worry. I don't trust in God at time. I think I can live life on my own with no help. I try to be my own but I was bought at a price. Jesus blood was shed at my expense. The pure lamb was slain on my behalf. I don't deserve it. I didn't earn it. If anything I owe Jesus everything. But He all he asks for is praise. That He would consume our life. That we would live each day in light of what He has done for us. That we would be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled in all that we are.
Lord God. This is the cry of my heart. That I would not live for myself, but live each day in tune with your will. That I would remember each day what You have done for me on the cross. That you died and rose on the third day victorious over death and sin. And you ascended into heaven to reign on high.
You called me to be a disciple of all nations. To reach every tribe, tongue, and nation. To live life as a fool. To live out of my comfort, outside the status-quo. To be courageous, strong, firm in the faith, grounded in Your word, blameless, and without fault.
However sin still lives in me. I am still tempted daily and often. Please empower me with your Spirit. Guide me in your ways. Lead me down the path of righteousness. Give me courage to live a life of love and compassion for all. To be overflowing with your presence. To share the blessings you have given me with those around me.
Lord I lift up my support raising for the missions trip to France to you. I can't control whether people become financial partners in Your plan. I cannot sweet talk anyone to give. Only you can move a person to give to You missions. Only you can work on a person's heart. Only you can intercede. I ask that your will be done and not mine. Amen!
Monday, March 19, 2012
All I Am Is Yours!
May this be the cry of my heart every morning I wake. I am not my own. I was bought at a price. I am your slave God. Let your will be done. I surrender myself for Your Glory Your Honor Your Fame Lord Jesus. I am no longer my own. I sing to you. I praise your name Jesus.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
God, Am I Up to the Challenge?
It's been a while, and it's time for an update.
I am in my junior year at Iowa State University. I study the ever changing discipline of journalism and mass communication. I currently am interning at Iowa Public Television in the Des Moines metro. I'm learning a lot at the station, however I don't feel that I am being called to workplace ministry.
Don't get me wrong. There are many people in the workplace that need to be saved, but I don't feel qualified to minister to them. Of course who am I to state whether I am qualified. Instead of thinking am I qualified, I should ask "Am I trusting in God to use me? Am I stepping out of my comfort zone to share Christ with colleagues whom need His saving grace?"
Honestly (however unfortunate this may be) I am to scared of being rejected. I would rather be in good standing with my co-workers. I don't want them to think of me as some "Jesus Freak." I gave one colleague a booklet explaining what I believed as a Christian, but I have yet to follow up with him. Do you know what it means to be Christian? I haven't drawn up the courage to ask him what he thought about Christianity. Please pray that I would build the courage to ask him.
In other news. I have applied and been accepted to a missions trip in France this summer. I will be traveling to Montpellier, France with a small team composed of Cru staff and students. A short few weeks ago I decided to apply to spend my summer in France. I didn't have a clear plan for my summer and knew there was a need for men to join the team in France. I prayed about joining the team after receiving an email challenging men in Cru to consider spending a summer in Montpellier. I gave it a day and realized that I was available and am teachable and trusted God that He would make it clear if He wants me in France. I took the step of faith, applied, had a phone interview, received an acceptance email, and now am in the process of raising support. I need to raise $4800 by May 20 for the missions trip.
If you would like to know more about the mission trip to France and how you can support me with a financial gift check out the teams website. http://www.arkpages.com/france2012/ There are photos of the area we will be staying in Montpellier and more information on how we will be ministering to French students.
This will be a challenging time trusting in God. I need to stay rooted in His word and draw upon His understanding, not mine. I often think I can do it on my own. I try to be my own man, but I was bought at a price. Jesus died on the cross for my sins and all peoples. I have a responsibility and privilege to share Christ with those around me. Please pray that I would continually rely on God, and that I would faithfully follow His calling and not maintain the status quo.
Gods Blessings.
I am in my junior year at Iowa State University. I study the ever changing discipline of journalism and mass communication. I currently am interning at Iowa Public Television in the Des Moines metro. I'm learning a lot at the station, however I don't feel that I am being called to workplace ministry.
Don't get me wrong. There are many people in the workplace that need to be saved, but I don't feel qualified to minister to them. Of course who am I to state whether I am qualified. Instead of thinking am I qualified, I should ask "Am I trusting in God to use me? Am I stepping out of my comfort zone to share Christ with colleagues whom need His saving grace?"
Honestly (however unfortunate this may be) I am to scared of being rejected. I would rather be in good standing with my co-workers. I don't want them to think of me as some "Jesus Freak." I gave one colleague a booklet explaining what I believed as a Christian, but I have yet to follow up with him. Do you know what it means to be Christian? I haven't drawn up the courage to ask him what he thought about Christianity. Please pray that I would build the courage to ask him.
In other news. I have applied and been accepted to a missions trip in France this summer. I will be traveling to Montpellier, France with a small team composed of Cru staff and students. A short few weeks ago I decided to apply to spend my summer in France. I didn't have a clear plan for my summer and knew there was a need for men to join the team in France. I prayed about joining the team after receiving an email challenging men in Cru to consider spending a summer in Montpellier. I gave it a day and realized that I was available and am teachable and trusted God that He would make it clear if He wants me in France. I took the step of faith, applied, had a phone interview, received an acceptance email, and now am in the process of raising support. I need to raise $4800 by May 20 for the missions trip.
If you would like to know more about the mission trip to France and how you can support me with a financial gift check out the teams website. http://www.arkpages.com/france2012/ There are photos of the area we will be staying in Montpellier and more information on how we will be ministering to French students.
This will be a challenging time trusting in God. I need to stay rooted in His word and draw upon His understanding, not mine. I often think I can do it on my own. I try to be my own man, but I was bought at a price. Jesus died on the cross for my sins and all peoples. I have a responsibility and privilege to share Christ with those around me. Please pray that I would continually rely on God, and that I would faithfully follow His calling and not maintain the status quo.
Gods Blessings.
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