I started this summer committed to working in the Grand Canyon for 3 months. I went through "A Christian Ministry in the National Parks" henceforth known as ACMNP, it's goofy when people pronounce this acronym. I was blessed to work with 15 students/grads who are my brothers and sisters in Christ. We had our victories and set-backs for sure, and God was at the center. We did sooooo much together. Some of us were charged by Mountain Sheep threatened by the Diamondback snake or faced another fear head on. There was a lot of growing within the team and we definitely learned how to love one another and those around us. Personally I was brought to a new level of surrender to God this summer.
I experienced in part what it means to be a teacher. I was privileged to see younger brothers and sisters grow in ministry through new experiences and responsibilities. I would be a liar if I did not say this was difficult at times. God was growing my capacity for patience. Someone else gave me the same opportunities my brothers and sisters got at the Grand Canyon and it was part of my mission at the canyon to make those opportunities were available for them. I talked a few of my co-laborers into sticking with their speaking engagements. Each team member was asked to preach in at least one service for about 8 to 12 minutes. Some were more than hesitant in undertaking this task. I in my own way came off as stubborn to a few and even though I never specifically said to them "You have to do this." I may as well had in my posture and tone... I do not regret this though, because they did great! One in particular did a few more messages after realizing it's really not that hard to let God speak through you. I loved being the stubborn one, because if that's what it took to get people out of their shell of self I was more than happy to do so in love knowing that it was good for the kingdom. So many good words were said by those who believed they had nothing to say or were incapable of saying what they wanted to say. By those words the Lord was praised and pleased I know this. Yeah I was a stubborn teacher and at times probably too serious for my own good, but I don't regret any of it.
So brothers and sisters you must ask me about the summer if you have questions, because I have more to share!
I'm at seminary! I've reached the place I have aimed at for over 3 years now! And I am so excited.
The first question asked at a small group orientation was, "What is the state of your soul?" I knew I was at the right place. I will be stretched academically and spiritually. Let me share my answer.
My soul is excited and plays air guitar for the Lord as I walk these new halls. My soul sings praise and seeks relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ. My soul loves where, what and why God has done what he has done to it. My soul is content and yet fueled by desire for the kingdom to pursue more of his grace in relationships, scholarship, and other parts of creation no amount of money could ever buy. Sisters and brothers my soul is learning what commitment is. I said good-bye to loved ones once again. I think that is part of my story, but the other half is the joy of meeting another soul deeply committed to a similar vocation as my own. This week I read 1 Peter and my soul was affirmed many times in this book. One verse in particular has become key in my joy.
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are
a chosen people,
a royal priesthood,
a holy nation,
God’s special possession,
that you may declare the praises of him
who called you out of darkness
into
his wonderful light."
My soul finds a purpose ringing loud and true in this truth.
I pray yours does too.
You are God's special possession. He HAS YOU. That you might declare in your soul, by word and deed the praises of Him who has brought you into His marvelous light.
I pray you have a content joy to pursue the Lord wherever He has placed you. Fear not brothers and sisters He goes before, beside, behind, underneath, and above you before you even take a step. Sing as you carry His light and there is no darkness that could overtake you for you are in Him.
Blessings and Peace
Thank you for the update and thank you for sharing the state of your soul. It is encouraging to see a brother in a wonderful state of surrender to our Lord.
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