Saturday night went well. The concert was for the church and we did our "Sin-Chair" skit. We were kinda put in the middle between a bunch of songs. It went very well. Afterward we went back to Robbie's house and kinda relaxed and prepared for Sunday.
Sunday was our last day of ministry. Bethany and Lucinda taught on focusing on the Lord during hard times. They did a very good job of it. Joe taught the second lesson and was able to use personal experience again about how to deal with tough situations. His focus was more on just being still in the hard times. The overall theme of the week was basically finding hope and peace in difficult situations. It's interesting because the whole week I was having a rough time. My mind was constantly filled with other thoughts and things I had to deal with or uncertainties of the future. They were really weighing heavily on my mind. Most of the time, I was at a complete loss of what to do. However, the constant reminder that God is in control was awesome.
Sunday night was probably one of the best nights. It was a Sunday Evening service. Pastor Frank opened the floor up to the church to say what our team was able to do for them, or how we were a blessing. The impact we had on the church was more than I thought. We impacted youth and adults and leaders. It made everything so worth it. We were also able to thank the church publicly. I can't even begin to describe the joy I received from the church and how they were a blessing in my life. The Body of Christ is so AWESOME!
Anyway, I'm sure I will have a follow up post on this soon. Probably consisting of some funny stories and such. Thank you all who continued to pray for us. I greatly appreciate it!
In Christ,
Adam
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Texico - Other stuff
So, it's been a couple of days since I updated. Sorry about that. I do believe the last place we left of is from Wednesday. So, from there I will start...
Wednesday morning we went to Grace, which is kinda like a co-op home school program. I don't really know how better to explain it. It is a facility with school and stuff, where the kids work on their workbooks at their pace. We did a skit there and then Robbie presented the Gospel. It was great fun! Afterward we went outside with the kids as they ate lunch and we played around with them. I played some basket ball with Robbie and the kids while Joe talked with some kids as well did Lucinda and Ashley. Bethany talked with some of the girls for a bit and then some of them wanted to play around with their own basketball. Overall, it was a fun time.
Later that night, we went to the youth group at Maranatha, which is the church we've been working with all week. We present 2 skits. One skit was about sin and how it can hinder our relationship with Christ, Robbie spoke after that one and presented the Gospel again. Our second skit was about witnessing, (and more so on how NOT to witness). It was quite humorous. After that I was able to quickly speak on witnessing and how to go about it in the right way. It was a good time.
Thursday, we just kinda relaxed. It was awesome. We went to the beach. It was windy and it made me cold. That was not awesome. I laid on the sand and it was warm. That was awesome. I got sunburned. Not awesome. I got buried in the sand and the windchill got cut off and I fell asleep. That was awesome. I got sand in my ears, pants, shirt, eyes, mouth and every other place I can think of and I'm still trying to get it out. Not awesome. While we were there, I tried skim boarding and kinda got the hang out it. It was awesome. I fell a lot and hurt myself. Not so awesome. I went exploring and found a boogie board. Awesome. Afterward I chased some seagulls and couldn't catch any....not awesome. Overall though, the beach was fun. :-D
Friday we were able to sleep in. I slept in the longest, of course. I slept until 1:00. I loved it so much. Others slept until like 10:00 or so. I don't know what they were thinking. The rest of the day me and Joe kinda hung out at Robbie's house. He was out with Ashley running some kind of errands. We worked on some skit stuff. Later on in the day, the team re-grouped after being refreshed and we got ready for the lock-in. That was a crazy night for sure. I think I had energy all the way through, though, I could feel my body saying, "Adam, what are you doing? You know you should be sleeping. Since you're not, I'm going to make you say and do weird things with-out your consent." And oh did it ever. But I did not relent. :-). It was a great night. Played some games, ate some food, watched a movie. I spoke for a little bit on the truthfulness of the Bible. That was at 3:00. They all payed attention actually. I was impressed, because I was even zoning out and I was the one speaking. It went well though.
We ended at 7:00. We came home, and I know that I slept from about 8:00 to 3:00. It was a gooood sleep. Anyway, I don't have much else to say for now. We are going to a concert tonight that the church is putting on. We are doing the "sin-chair" skit. It's going to be a great skit.
Please continue to pray for energy. I know a lot of the team is going to be exhausted.
In Christ,
Adam
Wednesday morning we went to Grace, which is kinda like a co-op home school program. I don't really know how better to explain it. It is a facility with school and stuff, where the kids work on their workbooks at their pace. We did a skit there and then Robbie presented the Gospel. It was great fun! Afterward we went outside with the kids as they ate lunch and we played around with them. I played some basket ball with Robbie and the kids while Joe talked with some kids as well did Lucinda and Ashley. Bethany talked with some of the girls for a bit and then some of them wanted to play around with their own basketball. Overall, it was a fun time.
Later that night, we went to the youth group at Maranatha, which is the church we've been working with all week. We present 2 skits. One skit was about sin and how it can hinder our relationship with Christ, Robbie spoke after that one and presented the Gospel again. Our second skit was about witnessing, (and more so on how NOT to witness). It was quite humorous. After that I was able to quickly speak on witnessing and how to go about it in the right way. It was a good time.
Thursday, we just kinda relaxed. It was awesome. We went to the beach. It was windy and it made me cold. That was not awesome. I laid on the sand and it was warm. That was awesome. I got sunburned. Not awesome. I got buried in the sand and the windchill got cut off and I fell asleep. That was awesome. I got sand in my ears, pants, shirt, eyes, mouth and every other place I can think of and I'm still trying to get it out. Not awesome. While we were there, I tried skim boarding and kinda got the hang out it. It was awesome. I fell a lot and hurt myself. Not so awesome. I went exploring and found a boogie board. Awesome. Afterward I chased some seagulls and couldn't catch any....not awesome. Overall though, the beach was fun. :-D
Friday we were able to sleep in. I slept in the longest, of course. I slept until 1:00. I loved it so much. Others slept until like 10:00 or so. I don't know what they were thinking. The rest of the day me and Joe kinda hung out at Robbie's house. He was out with Ashley running some kind of errands. We worked on some skit stuff. Later on in the day, the team re-grouped after being refreshed and we got ready for the lock-in. That was a crazy night for sure. I think I had energy all the way through, though, I could feel my body saying, "Adam, what are you doing? You know you should be sleeping. Since you're not, I'm going to make you say and do weird things with-out your consent." And oh did it ever. But I did not relent. :-). It was a great night. Played some games, ate some food, watched a movie. I spoke for a little bit on the truthfulness of the Bible. That was at 3:00. They all payed attention actually. I was impressed, because I was even zoning out and I was the one speaking. It went well though.
We ended at 7:00. We came home, and I know that I slept from about 8:00 to 3:00. It was a gooood sleep. Anyway, I don't have much else to say for now. We are going to a concert tonight that the church is putting on. We are doing the "sin-chair" skit. It's going to be a great skit.
Please continue to pray for energy. I know a lot of the team is going to be exhausted.
In Christ,
Adam
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Texico - A trip to Mexico
Yesterday, we took a trip into Progresso, Mexico. It's a smaller town right across the boarder. It was for sure a very interesting culture. As we went in, there was the Mexican military there who were inspecting all the cars. It was kinda cool looking.
We were only there for a couple of hours, but I was able to purchase a really comfortable Pancho (basically like a hoodie, but soooo much better), along with some Mexican candy.
While we were there, we were also able to hand out small things to people who were poor. We had a lot of small bottled shampoo, or hand lotion and the such. It was a neat ministry, although it was short. We also were able to deliver 3-4 big boxes of clothes to a small mission there who will distribute them to others around who need them.
Afterward some of the shopping and handing out stuff, we had some taco's. They were very good. I'm going to feel quite spoiled by the time I get back. All Mexican food I will have after I leave will taste like 2nd grade food.
Anyway, I must proceed to get ready for the day. Continue to pray for us. This morning we are going to be doing a skit and then presenting the gospel to some kids. Pray our message will be clear. Oh, and the weather is still awesome! Normally only one layer for me. :-)
In Christ,
Adam
We were only there for a couple of hours, but I was able to purchase a really comfortable Pancho (basically like a hoodie, but soooo much better), along with some Mexican candy.
While we were there, we were also able to hand out small things to people who were poor. We had a lot of small bottled shampoo, or hand lotion and the such. It was a neat ministry, although it was short. We also were able to deliver 3-4 big boxes of clothes to a small mission there who will distribute them to others around who need them.
Afterward some of the shopping and handing out stuff, we had some taco's. They were very good. I'm going to feel quite spoiled by the time I get back. All Mexican food I will have after I leave will taste like 2nd grade food.
Anyway, I must proceed to get ready for the day. Continue to pray for us. This morning we are going to be doing a skit and then presenting the gospel to some kids. Pray our message will be clear. Oh, and the weather is still awesome! Normally only one layer for me. :-)
In Christ,
Adam
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Texico - Painting the walls (and each other)
Today we painted the youth group room some fun colors! It was a fun time. I did a bit of painting, but for the most part I felt like I was constantly washing paint brushes and
such, :-P. We did have a fun time though. Music was in the background and people in the fore-ground. We then kinda broke out in a war with paint. EVERYONE got some paint on them. I got the most I think though. I had Joe's hand-print on my face, along with a few marks from others. I got a bunch of my arm and shirt. It was good though, I enjoy a good fight, and I did get them back, :-).
Afterward w
e went to Ashley's house and had a good time with hanging out and having some more good Mexican food. The food here has been amazing! I think I've gained weight since being here. It's sooo good.
Also a huge praise! Apparently, through the gospel presentations that we gave on Sunday, the attention of one of the kids was attracted. He went and talked to one of the youth leaders and through it accepted Christ as his Savior. That was for sure an encouragement.
Tomorrow, we are thinking of going into Mexico. Some logistics need to be sorted out still on whether or not we are going to go, but I'm not too worried about what's going to happen. God is in control.
Last night we had some fun playing wii. We do have an awesome hang out time as a team. Ministry is about the people, but it's also about team unity and we sure do have that, :-). Anyway, here is a bit of preview of it!
Anyway, that's it for now. Please continue to pray for us. Also please pray for safety if we go into Mexico. If we do, we'll be going into Progresso. It is a very safe town. No violence has happened there so far. However, also pray that if we can better glorify God through something else that might seem "ill-fated", that it would happen and that God would continually work through us.
In Christ,
Adam
such, :-P. We did have a fun time though. Music was in the background and people in the fore-ground. We then kinda broke out in a war with paint. EVERYONE got some paint on them. I got the most I think though. I had Joe's hand-print on my face, along with a few marks from others. I got a bunch of my arm and shirt. It was good though, I enjoy a good fight, and I did get them back, :-).Afterward w
e went to Ashley's house and had a good time with hanging out and having some more good Mexican food. The food here has been amazing! I think I've gained weight since being here. It's sooo good.Also a huge praise! Apparently, through the gospel presentations that we gave on Sunday, the attention of one of the kids was attracted. He went and talked to one of the youth leaders and through it accepted Christ as his Savior. That was for sure an encouragement.
Tomorrow, we are thinking of going into Mexico. Some logistics need to be sorted out still on whether or not we are going to go, but I'm not too worried about what's going to happen. God is in control.
Last night we had some fun playing wii. We do have an awesome hang out time as a team. Ministry is about the people, but it's also about team unity and we sure do have that, :-). Anyway, here is a bit of preview of it!
Anyway, that's it for now. Please continue to pray for us. Also please pray for safety if we go into Mexico. If we do, we'll be going into Progresso. It is a very safe town. No violence has happened there so far. However, also pray that if we can better glorify God through something else that might seem "ill-fated", that it would happen and that God would continually work through us.
In Christ,
Adam
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Texico - Fiesta and Sunday!
Saturday was an excellent day! We had a youth "Fiesta" (soon enough we are going to have a Siesta). Anyway...we started out singing some songs and then went and played some games, which was awesome. All the kids participated and we had a great time. After games we had a quick break and then broke up into groups for a counsel time. We spoke on the topic of purity (which is a huge topic for me now-a-days). We split up the girls and the guys. Robbie, Joe and I spoke on different topics for purity. I have no idea what the girls talked about other than speaking on the topic of purity and modesty.
After our breakout groups, we got back together, sang a few more songs, and then Robbie went over dating standards. The question came up a lot afterward about what to do if they were dating an unbeliever. It was interesting the reaction when I answered quite bluntly, "Breakup with them". The conversation was an interesting one, but we kept coming back to the Word of God and showing them what He has to say. It was an excellent time. Joe was able to talk with one of the youth kids. The talks on purity apparently were speaking right to him. He is going to break up with his girl-friend because of the path that he sees himself going down. It was encouraging to see almost immediate results like this.
Today, Joe and I taught two different Sunday Schools. I taught the first session on depression and it's affect on you. I covered the world's way of dealing with it (cutting, eating disorders, suicide, etc) and then covered the Biblical way (Philippians 4:4-11) of finding a way out of depression. Joe then covered having joy in difficult situations through the filling of the Spirit. We specifically decided to cover these topics because depression, suicide and cutting are very prevalent in the culture down here. As we found out later from the youth leader, a few kids are thinking about these things and one even hears voices in his head telling him things to do. Please pray for the youth here. Abi is the youth leader and he is also having a very hard month. He and his wife have been having nightmares and been having much oppression by what they believe are demons. Pray for Abi and that God would protect him and his family and give them strength and comfort.
Tonight a few of us shared our testimonies at the church. It was interesting because we had to go through translators. It went very well. The three girls, (Bethany, Lucinda, and Ashley) shared, and Robbie closed with a few thoughts.
Tomorrow, we get to sleep in a bit, and then we head back to the church and we are going to be doing some painting in the youth room. I'm looking forward to it, :-)
Prayer request:
In Christ,
Adam
After our breakout groups, we got back together, sang a few more songs, and then Robbie went over dating standards. The question came up a lot afterward about what to do if they were dating an unbeliever. It was interesting the reaction when I answered quite bluntly, "Breakup with them". The conversation was an interesting one, but we kept coming back to the Word of God and showing them what He has to say. It was an excellent time. Joe was able to talk with one of the youth kids. The talks on purity apparently were speaking right to him. He is going to break up with his girl-friend because of the path that he sees himself going down. It was encouraging to see almost immediate results like this.
Today, Joe and I taught two different Sunday Schools. I taught the first session on depression and it's affect on you. I covered the world's way of dealing with it (cutting, eating disorders, suicide, etc) and then covered the Biblical way (Philippians 4:4-11) of finding a way out of depression. Joe then covered having joy in difficult situations through the filling of the Spirit. We specifically decided to cover these topics because depression, suicide and cutting are very prevalent in the culture down here. As we found out later from the youth leader, a few kids are thinking about these things and one even hears voices in his head telling him things to do. Please pray for the youth here. Abi is the youth leader and he is also having a very hard month. He and his wife have been having nightmares and been having much oppression by what they believe are demons. Pray for Abi and that God would protect him and his family and give them strength and comfort.
Tonight a few of us shared our testimonies at the church. It was interesting because we had to go through translators. It went very well. The three girls, (Bethany, Lucinda, and Ashley) shared, and Robbie closed with a few thoughts.
Tomorrow, we get to sleep in a bit, and then we head back to the church and we are going to be doing some painting in the youth room. I'm looking forward to it, :-)
Prayer request:
- Abi and his family
- Continued openness of the youth
- Unity in the team (we've been quite unified the whole time, with many inside jokes already and we've been having a BLAST!
- Wisdom and strength
- Focus on God and that we would do all for His glory
In Christ,
Adam
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Texico, Day 1
The adventure begins. Our team had to leave one day early because of a snow storm. We drove to Denver and stayed at a church where we had lots of fun. It was a really crazy night. It started snowing around midnight and was snowing hard all the way up to the time we took off. The plane had to be de-iced. We took off around 2:30 or so. We had a layover in Chicago for about an hour and then took off again for San Antonio. Fairly uneventful flights all around. The whole time though we were having fun with each other and playing around. I have been designated as the "tail-gater" for the trip, thanks to Joe, (ask later).
After our flight, we had a four hour drive or so down to McAllen. That was an easy trip. Most of us inspected the back of our eyelids most of the time. It was great!
Today, we are going to a youth Fiesta. The 6 of us are going to be playing games with them and then doing a lesson on purity. Please pray we will be clear in our presentation.
I do believe the thing I am most excited for right now (despite being down here on a mission trip) is the weather. I love the humidity and such right now. I'm in shorts and ONE t-shirt. I can smell the water in the air. MMMMmmmm.
Ok, this message was very dis-jointed because I do not have much time. We are leaving in about 1 minute. Pray for alertness and energy. Most of us didn't get much sleep last night since we got in around 4:30 and got up at 10:30.
In Christ,
Adam
After our flight, we had a four hour drive or so down to McAllen. That was an easy trip. Most of us inspected the back of our eyelids most of the time. It was great!
Today, we are going to a youth Fiesta. The 6 of us are going to be playing games with them and then doing a lesson on purity. Please pray we will be clear in our presentation.
I do believe the thing I am most excited for right now (despite being down here on a mission trip) is the weather. I love the humidity and such right now. I'm in shorts and ONE t-shirt. I can smell the water in the air. MMMMmmmm.
Ok, this message was very dis-jointed because I do not have much time. We are leaving in about 1 minute. Pray for alertness and energy. Most of us didn't get much sleep last night since we got in around 4:30 and got up at 10:30.
In Christ,
Adam
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thoughts on prayer...
I recently finished a book for a class I'm in. The title is "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala. What was originally an assignment, turned into a very convicting read. I had to read the whole book in a day, due to lack of preparation, but I don't think I'd want it any other way, because reading it all at once made a larger impact on my life than if I were to spread it out. Through conviction of apathy, thoughts on God, being broken down and tears, I've come to a conclusion about prayer today in American Christian Churches - We need more!
I forgot the power of prayer. Many have forgotten and apathy has been spread across many churches. I see it in my life, and I'm tired of it. I don't want to live my life without passion anymore. Today, Christians either down play prayer (conservative) or they play it up and make it mystical (Charismatic). Isn't there a balance? There is an old saying that goes, "If you have only the Word, you dry up. If you have only the Spirit, you blow up. But if you have both, you grow up." There needs to be a balance.
How often do I go and pray to the God who saved me from eternal damnation in Hell? I should continually be talking to Him. Why can't I spend an extra 10 minutes...an extra 20 minutes...an extra hour out of my "busy" day to spend time with Him who cares so much for me!
I have a vision in so many ways to see things happen. I want to see youth come to Christ. I want to see the small town of Bayard that I have come to love so much, begin to flourish again with people. God wants to use me...I just have to be willing and talk with Him about it.
As I was talking to one of my good friends about this, I asked her essentially, "What are we gonna do about it?" It's good to recognize the fact that we've failed in an area in our life. It's good to recognize that something needs to change. The hard part is going through with it.
The past semester and this semester have been emotionally draining on me, in so many aspects. I look back as I write this and wonder how often I really poured out to God and asked Him to take charge and make things happen. I was so caught up in doing it on my own. BAD idea. How much more could God have worked had I given all to Him?
At the end of my conversation with my friend, it was late into the night. I was broken and it seemed she was too. It wasn't by anyone's words, the book or any human work. It was God showing how we need Him, and how I have neglected. I couldn't do anything else but just say that we both needed to go off and pray. Next thing I knew, I was on the floor on my knees, praying about whatever came to mind. It went from people, to churches, to situations to myself to praising God for His awesome glory. 10 minutes flew by....I went to bed praying. I fell asleep praying. I woke up that morning...praying. I'm not charismatic. I try not to run my life based completely off emotions. However, God gave us emotions, and the joy I felt when I talked to Him was overwhelming.
Lord, I pray that I continue to seek You in everything I do. Give me a passion for prayer, and a passion to pray for people. I want to praise You. I want to seek You. Move in me in such a way that I can't keep still. Use me, change me, mold me. You are my strength and my source of joy. You give me victory. You make life worth living, when living isn't worth it. Give those around me a desire to have a relationship with you, not just a "conversation". Give the church a desire to pray. May all praise and honor go to You in everything I do, say and pray....
I forgot the power of prayer. Many have forgotten and apathy has been spread across many churches. I see it in my life, and I'm tired of it. I don't want to live my life without passion anymore. Today, Christians either down play prayer (conservative) or they play it up and make it mystical (Charismatic). Isn't there a balance? There is an old saying that goes, "If you have only the Word, you dry up. If you have only the Spirit, you blow up. But if you have both, you grow up." There needs to be a balance.
How often do I go and pray to the God who saved me from eternal damnation in Hell? I should continually be talking to Him. Why can't I spend an extra 10 minutes...an extra 20 minutes...an extra hour out of my "busy" day to spend time with Him who cares so much for me!
I have a vision in so many ways to see things happen. I want to see youth come to Christ. I want to see the small town of Bayard that I have come to love so much, begin to flourish again with people. God wants to use me...I just have to be willing and talk with Him about it.
As I was talking to one of my good friends about this, I asked her essentially, "What are we gonna do about it?" It's good to recognize the fact that we've failed in an area in our life. It's good to recognize that something needs to change. The hard part is going through with it.
The past semester and this semester have been emotionally draining on me, in so many aspects. I look back as I write this and wonder how often I really poured out to God and asked Him to take charge and make things happen. I was so caught up in doing it on my own. BAD idea. How much more could God have worked had I given all to Him?
At the end of my conversation with my friend, it was late into the night. I was broken and it seemed she was too. It wasn't by anyone's words, the book or any human work. It was God showing how we need Him, and how I have neglected. I couldn't do anything else but just say that we both needed to go off and pray. Next thing I knew, I was on the floor on my knees, praying about whatever came to mind. It went from people, to churches, to situations to myself to praising God for His awesome glory. 10 minutes flew by....I went to bed praying. I fell asleep praying. I woke up that morning...praying. I'm not charismatic. I try not to run my life based completely off emotions. However, God gave us emotions, and the joy I felt when I talked to Him was overwhelming.
Lord, I pray that I continue to seek You in everything I do. Give me a passion for prayer, and a passion to pray for people. I want to praise You. I want to seek You. Move in me in such a way that I can't keep still. Use me, change me, mold me. You are my strength and my source of joy. You give me victory. You make life worth living, when living isn't worth it. Give those around me a desire to have a relationship with you, not just a "conversation". Give the church a desire to pray. May all praise and honor go to You in everything I do, say and pray....
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