Things like sending your son to school knowing he’ll be bullied because he was born without limbs. Or a baby being born with only half a heart who lives, after multiple surgeries, to be 19, but then dies from cancer.
Those things seem unfair. They are things we would never chose for ourselves, nor would we ever want to watch our children go through those things. However, the reality is that these things happen everyday all over the world. Christianity teaches that God is sovereign. He is in control over everything and knows everything. He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. God is good all the time. At least that’s what we’re told. That’s what we want to believe. But sometimes we just can’t.
Sometimes we get angry at God.
It seems wrong of Him to allow a child to be born without limbs. Why would He let such a terrible thing happen to anyone?
Knowing that God knew a young woman would die of cancer after struggling with a complex congenital heart defect seems so misleading. How can God allow such things to happen?
Why would He get hopes up just to watch them come falling to the ground?
I had a friend who was speaking at a camp I was working at. For some reason I missed a session where she was speaking so I asked her about it. She started telling me about her opening activity and how surprised she was about the way it turned out. At the beginning of her session she started with a slideshow and the kids had to yell out “good” or “bad” in regard to the picture on the screen. Here’s an example:
"Good"
"Bad"
Pretty simple. The campers were yelling out the correct answers when each new picture appeared. After she had flipped through a couple of pictures she came to a picture of a cross. The whole room yelled out “good!”
Thinking back, if I were there I probably wouldn’t have said anything, not knowing what angle she was trying to hit this picture from. But “good” was not the answer she wanted or expected! A cross is not a good thing. But that is the beauty of God.
He can take any situation and use it for good if we let Him.
Those kids knew that the only way we are saved and have freedom is through Jesus dying on the cross AND rising from the dead. If Jesus would have just died, it would mean nothing to us. He wouldn't be any different from any of the other thousands of people who died on a cross.
Sinners. Liars. Deceivers.
But He’s not those things. He didn’t just die. He rose. He did what He said He would do.
He will continue to do what He said He would do. He wants to partner with you in order to advance His Kingdom. He doesn’t need you, but He wants you.
If Megan’s parents would have lost their hope in Christ because of her death, God wouldn’t be partnering with them in the way He currently is. Megan’s parents could have been angry at God forever over the loss of their daughter’s life, but they CHOSE to allow God to use their story for His glory. They CHOSE to allow God to fill what could have been dark forever with His eternal light. Now they get to share Christ’s love with those waiting on a miracle. (You can read more about my friend Megan and how God is working through her story here.) If Nick Vujicic did not exist many people wouldn’t know of the hope God brings. Nick is an inspirational speaker/evangelist who has inspired many people to live their life for God and to push through their struggles. He has spoken in many countries in front of football stadiums full of people. The irony is that Nick’s main tool for inspiring people is missing.
Nick could have given up. He could have chose to lose this battle. But instead he CHOSE God. He CHOSE to let God in. He CHOSE to share his story for the glory of God.
God really is good. We have to let Him show His goodness through us. “If you don’t get a miracle, you can still be a miracle.” - Nick Vujicic
Quick update! I have been enjoying my time here at OMS so much. This past week a Hope61(OMS) missionary, Emily Rinehart, came to help us with rewriting our Hope61 training. Emily has been doing work in Aulstralia and New Zealand and is currently funding to go back. You can check out a little more about her here! I've really gotten to know Emily's heart this past week and I know God is going to work through her!
The director of Hope61 is leaving for Mexico today and taking our new training with him. We are all very excited about all the content and feel the training is more prevention focused now with a clearer vision. Hope61, as a team, is VERY excited!
Over Easter weekend I was able to fly home and surprise some of my family. I had a TON of fun seeing everyone!
We also celebrated my bro's 19th birthday.
A few of my cousins.
Poppin'
Love this little brat. So glad I got to hear her talk!
When I arrived back in Indiana I got a nice welcome home too!
Over this past weekend we celebrated my friends birthday while Emily was here. Emily made her a wonderful cake!
It's a zebra cake! ...I promise.
Happy Birthday Sarah!
We also went to neat little town about 35 minutes away. There were a ton of cute little shops. It reminded me of Jim Thorpe.
We took some fun pictures there too.
I am so thankful for all of your ongoing support. It was great to be encouraged all over again after visiting Sharptown Church over Easter. I couldn't be more thankful for the congregation there!
Thanks for helping to advance the Kingdom in all the ways that you give and serve. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
Thanks for being obedient and allowing God to work through you!
So... I meant to post a while ago but keep completely forgetting!
These past couple weeks have been great. I’ll do my best to quickly catch you up.
Four weekends ago I had some friends come here to OMS to attend a small missions conference. I was SO happy to see them even tho I had only been here for two weeks. That same weekend is when I started hanging out with my new friend Sarah. Ever since then, her and I slowly started hanging out more and more, and we hang out basically everyday now. No joke! I really appreciate her. HA
The weekend after that, I was in Columbus, Ohio to attend the Simply Youth Ministry Conference. It was such a good weekend! God blessed me in so many ways. I was able to see some of the youth leadership team from NJ, and it reminded how thankful I am to have them in my life. I love them so much.
The girls.
The guys.
I also got to see Rich who was a summer intern at SUMC in 2012. He is like a brother to me, so to see him at the conference was so awesome! I almost forgot how cool he is!
We got to eat at BD's, which is a very rare thing in Jersey.
So fun to watch.
During the conference, I took an 8 hour training called Building a Ministry that Builds Disciples with Duffy Robbins who is a professor at Eastern University. The guy is SO funny. Like seriously hilarious. I almost wish I were him... The group of people I sat with during the training were great too. We had some good conversations before and after the sessions, and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere during training. Overall, that weekend was amazing. My face never hurt so much from laughing so hard.
We ate at Buca di Beppo. It's a family style restaurant, but the pictures on the walls did not reflect that...
And we celebrated Tanya's birthday! So glad I could be there with her for that!
Ray trying to win a prize during the pre-session games.
Of course he got the whole thing. There was about 10 book, a huge frog and a football all wrapped up in that saran wrap.
Skit Guys.
"Would You Rather..." One of the many reasons why I love SYMC.
He's so pretty.
The conference ended on Monday, so I made my way home (only a three hour drive!). Then Tuesday I started some training at OMS. The training was put on by Medical Ambassadors, or CHE (Community Health Evangelism). I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the training. I had absolutely no idea. I tried looking up what it was and couldn’t find much about it. When I got to the training on Tuesday (I missed the training on Monday), I learned some of the basics about what CHE is. Throughout the week, I slowly fell in love with the “CHE method.” I feel like it’s training every missionary, or even Christian should have. It’s basically about figuring out the root beliefs of those in whatever community you’re working in, development in the community, evangelism, community ownership, and teaching health. The training was from 8 - 5:15ish everyday with a couple of short breaks. I’m pretty sure I took more notes in this training than I did in my 4 years of college. I didn’t want to miss or forget anything! The concepts taught will also be great to use within Hope61, which was one of the reasons Tonya and I went.
This past friday night, we had “Crock Pot and Craft Night” which happens once a month at OMS. This was my second time going, and I actually did a craft this time! I painted some sun catchers to hang on my window.
They're obviously not on my window yet.
Afterwards, a couple of us went to a family’s house here on campus to roast some marshmallows. However, I didn’t partake in the festivities. I just watched.
I know. I’m boring.
The smell of the fire totally reminded me of home and times with my family and friends. Fire has so many memories.
Saturday morning, I went to a local park with my neighbor, her friend Jordan, and Sarah. We walked around the trails, laughed, got kind of lost, Sarah sang, and then somehow found our way back. Then we played on the playground, which I enjoyed way more than the trail somehow. I love pretending to be a kid.
I also went to some outlets about a half hour away. It was really nice, but way to expensive for me. They’re not like the outlets in Lancaster that’s for sure! But I did buy some Neapolitan popcorn and chocolate covered potato chips, so it was worth it! Then later Saturday night a couple of us went to a fast food place called Culver’s. I’m still trying to get over the fact that there are so many more fast food burger places than just Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s.
On Sunday after church, a couple of us went to get some frozen yogurt and then we watched frozen (how fitting?). I saw half of the movie, because I was too busy being kissed by Paul.
Oh yeah..Paul’s my new boyfriend. He’s 4. We’re getting married.
The past two weeks at work have been fun. I’m finally working on some Hope61
stuff in the communications department. I’m currently working on a book
that is at a very low reading level that raises awareness about human
trafficking, and also tells about how much God loves us. The book (only
about 6 pages) will be used in other countries (directed more towards
children) so it must also be easily translatable. There will be a ton of
pictures in it just in case children cannot read very well and have no
one to help them. Hopefully, the pictures will be able to help them
understand what the book is saying. After the CHE training was just about finished, the facilitator, Galen, decided we would all take communion together. He went on to say that the next time we'll all be in the same room together again, will be when we're in heaven. It was kind of emotional, but a great reminder. Then I started thinking about how I've made some great friends here, who don't want me to leave (I don't really want to leave either) but I have to at some point. I've also been thinking about all the wonderful people I've met here at OMS who have surrendered and dedicated their lives to Christ, and have story after story of how God has worked thru them. It's crazy to think that one day we'll all be in heaven together again. Even if I leave OMS and never come back, I will still see all these amazing people. Or even if I never went back to Jersey ever again, I'll be able to see all my mentors, friends, and youth co-leaders again, and thankfully, most of my family. It's an awesome thing to remember! It's a great reminder of just how short this life is and to make the most of it so you can see more of your friends in heaven with you.
That is the only thing that lasts beyond this life anyway. Plus, sharing the joy of Christ with others is just fun.
In conclusion, I have been really enjoying my time here. God has provided for me in so many ways this past month that go far beyond friendships.
Thanks so much for all your support. I wouldn't be here without you, and I thank God for you! I will forever be grateful for His faithfulness and love.
I’m officially done my first week at One Mission Society!
It’s definitely been an adjustment tho.
I know you’re dying to know what the adjustments are...so I’ll tell you.
Living alone. - Welp...I have to live alone. I LOVE cooking, so I don’t mind that, but it gets a little lonely at night. My family left last Tuesday morning, but I had a blast while they were here. We ate out every meal because there are so many restaurants around here. It was fun, but none of our body’s were used to eating out that much! Here are some of the fun things we did while they were here, and on the way to get to Indiana!
We ate at McAllisters...of course.
Who do you think is enjoying this more?
I introduced my parents to Steak'n Shake. My dad seemed to love it.
My little brother added on to a picture that was in my apartment.
He wanted to have a house warming party for me (That's why the house is on fire and the little man running out of it is yelling "FIRE!").
Sasha bought me that rooster...she wasn't serious in case you were wondering. But I did leave it on the door.
I forget what the name of this place was, but those are bacon corn fritters!
I don't know what's happening here...
We went to Incredible Pizza, which was a blast!
That's at Krogers...in public...
Okay, I think Sasha had more fun.
Maybe...
Mom is whooping Justin's butt!
Super Ninjas.
Miss that face!
We got kind of bored and put a good book to great use.
The internet. - I only have internet in the corner of my kitchen, and sometimes when I’m lucky, at the window in my living room.
Sitting at a desk for 8 hours. - This is NOT fun. It makes me very restless! So I have to switch from project to project. BUT they have coffee break here at 10am and 3pm everyday, plus chapel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings...with coffee. So...that’s awesome!
The siren. - Apparently there is a tornado siren here, but it also goes off when there is a severe thunderstorm too. WHICH MAKES NO SENSE TO ME!!!! Thursday night I thought a tornado was about to hit because the weather said there was a moderate chance for a tornado...and the siren was blaring (I thought it was like the movie twister or something)! SO I was ready to hit the basement! But, turns out it was just damaging winds or something. And they test it every Friday at 11 even if there is a storm (when people might think there could be a tornado). It doesn’t make sense hahahaha. I guess I’m only going to go to the basement if I actually see a tornado.
Wearing socks- This stinks. I’ve already made the decision to where my slip on shoes so I can take my shoes off without wearing socks. And one of my boss’s is pretty supportive of it!
Weekends - They’re kind of boring.
More sirens. - I went to school in Philadelphia and I thought fire trucks and police cars made a lot of noise there. But here...It’s way worse. I heard 3 fire trucks yesterday at three different times. There must be something wrong with electrical wiring in the houses in Indiana. Thats my only conclusion! haha
I think that’s it....
BUT, I am pretty much settled into my new apartment.
That's my crib.
That's my first sighting of grass! It made me so happy! The weather has been really nice since. But I hear it'll be cold this upcoming week.
It is really nice, and the perfect size!
I now have two closets instead of none!
That is where I sometimes get internet (over in the pink chair).
I just can't get used to the floral tho.
It's small, but it works!
I didn't pick that out haha! I'm still working on putting up some pictures too.
I know. I know. It's starting to grow on me tho.
One of my favorite places.
Apparently this is a can opener. It is so confusing!
I found a church that I really like. A couple from OMS has invited me out and I really like it. It’s called Stones Crossing. All the churches around here seem to be HUGE, but this one is a bit smaller (relatively). It’s about 500 people each service, which still seems like a lot of people to me. Stones Crossing started a sermon series on Galatians last Sunday (perfect timing because it was my first week). The pastor is a great speaker and teacher.
This is not Stones Crossing. It is just the Student Ministry building of a HUGE, random church.
I’ve been trying to meet everyone I can here on campus at One Mission Society. And I have met SO many people. Names are really hard for me to remember, but most people have name tags which is great! I didn’t realize how many different components there are that go into a missions organization. They have someone who runs the mail room, someone who takes care of prayer letters when they are sent back (because of change of address or a death), someone who has to edit automatic withdraws of people who were giving to a missionary, but have passed away (if OMS is still taking money out of the deceased persons account they can be sued!), the communications department who takes care of basically all promotional materials, the kitchen staff, payroll staff, people in charge of all financial decisions, people on prayer teams, others who are assistants, staff who trains and mobilizes missionaries, counselors, and so, so, sooooooooooooooooooooooo much more. There are about 90 people who work on campus, and ALL the jobs are equally important and keep OMS running smoothly!
This past week at work was kind of an orientation, get-to-know everyone type of week. I was given an overview of some of the Hope61 projects that need to be done, in order to start looking through them. I also had to print out some flyers and cut them. This might not seem like a big deal to you, but it was to me...only because I was scared for my life. Well maybe not my life, but my hands. Take a look at this monster.
I don't know if you can see the name, but it's called Challenge Champion. That's intimidating.
There’s a crank, foot pedal and everything. It cut thru about 75 pieces of thick card stock. It was intense! My mom is afraid of me doing missions in another country because she doesn't want me to get hurt, but honestly, I think using this is more dangerous. Hahahaha!
I’ve been doing a lot of research this past week about which country I feel led to do a cultural analysis on. I’ve also been familiarizing myself with Hope61’s work. I start Hope61 training tomorrow and will then be able to start on some projects when I’m finished training.
On Friday night, I went to craft night. No, I didn’t do anything except eat a baked potato with all sorts of toppings, which was amazing! I just hung out and tried to get to know some people. It was fun! There was a lady there who is SOOOOOOO funny. She was making everyone laugh so hard that night! It was a fun time, and I’m glad I went.
One last thing about my week.
I was able to join a gym for four months for only a one time fee of $25, thanks to Andrea! Andrea has been great since I’ve gotten here. I am so thankful for her and her husband who have made me feel at home here! Anyway, this gym is at a church. The actual gymnasium has two basketball courts for kids rec teams, and an indoor soccer field, plus a track around the outside of these things. That’s crazy! They also have a locker rooms, cardio equipment (with legit stair climbers), free weights and weight machines, a racquetball court, and a ton of fitness classes. It’s a really cool outreach for people who are just using the gym as a gym and not because they’re a part of that church. A lot of sports teams come to play matches and stuff there too. It’s seems like an awesome way to reach the community. But of course the first time I went I was on a stationary bike, which is next to a row of treadmills, and a really old guy gets right on the treadmill next to my bike and starts singing really awkwardly (not to mention all 7 of the other treadmills were empty)! So I cut my time on the bike short because it was really hard not to laugh. I felt so awkward! Hahahaha it still makes me laugh!
I had no idea there was such a thing!
Before I quit writing for the day, I want to leave you with something...
In church this morning we went thru Galatians 1:10-24, which is the apostle Paul’s story. The pastor was explaining that as Paul is telling his story, he mentions that God’s grace was at play in his life even while he was persecuting Christians...and even before that.
“But when God, who set me apart at birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal His son to me that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man...” - Galatians 1:15-16
I think God shows His grace to everyone. Some of us just may not accept it or don't see it.
Maybe you lose your job and you bring in the only income for your family of 5. What do you do? Do you trust and let God’s grace play into your life, or do you try and cope by trying to make yourself feel better with drinking, or buying things. Do you ruin your relationship with your wife and kids by trying to overcome your feelings of worthlessness or guilt (which are lies)? Which story do you choose? Do you accept God’s grace, because He WILL give it to you, or do you choose to handle things your own way...the wrong way?
(I know that was a dramatic example, but it’s the one the pastor used...so I kind of stole it!)
I found this quote on the Hope61 blog the other day...
“May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.” – a Franciscan Benediction
LOVE IT!
Have you ever thought of bad experiences that you’ve had as God trying to bless you?
Because He might be.
Let Him show you His grace.
Let Him redeem you.
Which story will you choose?
If you have the time, check out this song, or the lyrics here. Life makes a little more sense knowing what she's singing about.
