The Beginning of the End

In exactly 7 days, I will be back home in North Dakota. As much as I am excited, I am sad to be done with project and leave this amazing community. I was not sure when it was going to hit (the fact that I am leaving) but it hit this morning in church. It was one of those moments. I was trying to take in the moment-being in our last church service here in Seaside Park. This church has loved and served us so well in countless ways-thank you is not enough. 

I remember our first Sunday at church. It was a little overwhelming. I met a lot of people. There is one moment in particular I remember: We were singing "Amazing Grace" and tears filled my eyes. At that moment, I was not sure why I was here. And honestly, I really did not want to be here. I was questioning why I was on project and facing a lot of doubt. As I sang the lyrics "my chains are gone, I've been set free", I realized I did not have to be afraid of this summer. I've been given the ultimate freedom. I will never forget this moment and how God truly met me in a time of weakness. 

Now, nine weeks later, I sat in our last church service. It was emotional for me. We started worship by singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness". I could not help but reflect on how faithful God has been throughout the past 9 weeks of project. I was overwhelmed with emotions: thankfulness, sadness, and joy. He has been so faithful, even in my uncertainty. 

Leaving project is going to be difficult. There are going to be lots of tears. Even as I'm writing, there are tears. At the beginning of project, all I wanted to do was go home. Now I do not even want to leave. Being back with my family, first graders, and friends will be great, but nothing can replace my summer project family. God is faithful.

With Blessings,

Heather 

Self Confidence vs. God Confidence {Reflections from 2 Timothy 1:10-12}

During my time with the Lord, I have been reading the book of 2 Timothy. I have been studying it for a little over a week and I am only on verse 12-there is so much in each verse! Tonight, I was reading verses 10-12 and something really stuck out to me. Before I share what I have been learning, here is a little background on this book.

The author is Paul in which he is writing to Timothy-his disciple. Paul is in prison awaiting death yet he continues to point Timothy to the Gospel and encourage him to carry it on. Paul truly shows the perseverance in the Gospel, even among his suffering. It is in one’s weakness in which true character is revealed. Despite his suffering, Paul shows true life is found in Jesus Christ-not in anything in or of this world. 

(2 Timothy 1:10-12 ESV)

...And which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me”.

I have an ESV Study Bible with numerous footnotes, maps, and illustrations that I use during my quiet time. After meditating on this passage, I read the notes to see some of the context of these verses. 

In verse 10, Paul states: “But I am not ashamed, for I know who I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me”. This verse alone shows the confidence Paul has in God and for him to finish the work he has done through His apostle. Amidst Paul’s imprisonment, He claims Christ. Paul does not have confidence in himself, he has confidence in God. 

There is something different about Paul. From reading about his conversion in the book of Acts to reading about his imprisonment in 2 Timothy, you can see that transformation. Not only in this man’s heart but also his mind. See, Paul doesn’t have self-confidence, he has God-confidence. 

This got me thinking about what I chose-self confidence or God-confidence. I can tell you that many times I chose self-confidence. I do not choose to rely on the Lord or to be led by the Spirit. I often notice my own weaknesses instead of seeking out God’s strengths. With God-confidence I am: empowered, strengthened, chosen, cherished, bold, and capable. With self-confidence I am: weak, selfish, dependent on self, worried, and doomed for failure. 

I have never considered myself to be a bold individual. I do not usually take risks and live life on the edge. I weigh my decisions carefully, think logically, and stay within my comfort zone. Being on summer project has taught me a lot about boldness. Although I may not think I am bold, in Christ I truly am. 

Self confidence says I am not bold. God-confidence says I am bold.

Paul was not born with all these special skills and talents, rather, God equipped Paul and Paul depended on God. I often look at the authors of the Bible and think “Wow, they must have been extraordinary individuals”, but in reality, a lot of these men were just like us. They sinned. But they made bold steps of faith because of God-confidence. 

This summer has been filled with a lot of bold steps of faith. When I have tried to depend on my own strength and confidence, I simply failed. When I depended on the Lord and God-confidence, He did amazing things. With less than two weeks left of project, I want to depend on God-confidence, not self-confidence. Whether it is at work, sharing the Gospel, or encouraging a friend. 

So what are you going to choose: self-confidence or God-confidence?

With Blessings,

Heather 

Reflections on the term "Project": How the End is Just the Beginning

Yesterday at Bible study, the Lord gave me a thought-one that intrigued and made me reflect on what project really means. I started writing this blog but then stopped. I did not know if the Lord was still teaching me something about this. I often find myself starting a blog but then finishing it months later-sometimes the Lord starts teaching me something but it often turns into a continual process.

 According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word "project" has many different meanings. Here are a few:

-to put or set forth

-to attribute (one's own ideas, feelings, or characteristics) to other people

I often find myself saying: "When project ends..." or "After project is over.." but it is not something that ends. The actual project itself may end but the experiences and the things we have learned will continue to shape how we live our lives. When I first thought of the word project, I thought of something like a school project-it demonstrates what we have learned and can close up a unit of study. Summer project is the opposite. We sign up, raise support, trust God, and learn more about Him. We are truly being equipped for the rest of our lives.

In Hoboken, NJ (NYC is right behind us)

Watching fireworks with my house

I can bet that most of us, if not everyone, desires to have that "project experience" and to leave with amazing stories of what God did. I know I do. We try to pinpoint one single experience to define our time on project but it is impossible. Project is made up of the many moments-the fun, hard, and scary moments. God is doing something different in each of our lives. Not one experience will be the same.  The Lord has convicted me of how I desire this type of experience-not for His glory, but for my own. I should be desiring stories that point others to Him and allow God to be glorified.

Lately, I have been cherishing the time I have here on project because I know our time is limited here. Come August 2nd, project will end but it will not be over. In reality, project will never end for us. On August 2nd, we will leave each other and the community we have formed over the past ten weeks. The things that we have learned, the impact this community has had, and the training we have received will not leave us. In reality, the end is just the beginning! It is hard to look at project that way-August 2nd will be a day full of hard goodbyes, but just to each other-the lessons we have learned will live on.

I am definitely ready to go home but not ready to leave. It's a difficult contrast to have. I cannot describe how much I love this community and how genuine it has been over the past 7 weeks. I've only known these people since the end of May and we are already closer than ever. I've experienced close community before, but this one takes the cake. This is my last summer as a college student and I am so thankful I am spending it on project. As of today, we have three weeks left here. In three weeks I am going to say some of the hardest goodbyes. 21 days. I'm ready to be back in the Midwest but not ready to leave. The next three weeks are going to be great. God is going to do big things. And that is just the beginning.

With Blessings,

Heather

Halfway

Last night we said goodbye to the staff and officially took over project as student leaders. I felt a lot of emotions in that moment-excitement, sadness, and the feeling when my parents first left me at college. It is hard to believe that we all arrived a month ago not knowing why we were here and how our community would look like. Now, here we are a month later, with a community that the Lord has soverignly picked out for each individual to be here at this time. It is mind-blowing to see the community here and how we each play a part in this project.

My Impact Group

Green House Ladies-I love living with these girls more than words.

Like I mentioned before, a month ago was the beginning of this difficult, exciting, faith-stretching journey. We arrived with many expectations, nerves, and excitement. Some of us arrived not wanting to be here. But the Lord has been faithful. So faithful. I have seen this community quickly become my family, my encouragers, and my supporters. I have been so encouraged by my brothers and sisters to take big steps of faith, trust God, and allow Him to work in and through me. These people truly are my family here.

Watching the staff walk out of the church was bittersweet. They have all been so great. When we arrived a month ago, they trained, encouraged, and prayed with us. They prepared us. They trusted God to do something bigger than ever through us. They discipled and pushed us to be bold. To look at our lives and follow Christ more whole heartily. Seeing the people who have trained and equipped us by the Lord's guidance to leave us was hard. I am so thankful for these Godly men and women. To carry on project without them feels strange, but it is possible. The Lord has picked each student to be here for a reason and purpose. It is not always evident, but it is always good.

My discipler Kristen and I.

Laughter is beautiful, especially with these women.

Our summer here is officially halfway over. Only five more weeks with my family. Although we are all going back to different places, our summer here will continue to resinate in our hearts and the Lord will use us back home. For the next five weeks, the Lord is going to crazy things. Big things. Unreal things.

Five weeks, 46 college students, and most importantly, the Lord. Ready or not, the next five weeks are going to fly by but we are going to experience Him in a deeper way, grow our community, and seek to live out the Gospel in our lives.

With Blessings,

Heather

Facing the Giants/All for One {JSSP-Weeks 3-4}

One month ago I left for the longest roadtrip of my life to go to New Jersey, a state I knew nothing about and to live closely in a tight community with 45 other college students-38 of those who I had never met. I came in with a lot of excitement, nerves, and anxiety. I had a 28 hour drive to attempt to process what I was doing and how I was feeling. Now, a month later, project feels like the new normal. 

Week 3 was “Killing the Giants”-a week in which we set a goal to share the Gospel with 2,000 people within 7 days. We set goals for emotional giants-people who might intimidate us or family members we get scared to share the Gospel with. Staff literally made a giant which sat at student housing and the church throughout the week. The week consisted of a lot of spiritual warfare and mixed emotions. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed and exhausted that Saturday night-not exactly feeling ready to take on the week. The weather was challenging throughout the week-a lot of overcast and rainy days which caused the week to start of slowly. Almost all of my free time was spent going to the boardwalk and sharing. By the end of the week, we surpassed the goal by sharing the Gospel with 2,200 people! We celebrated the week by having a "Beach Bash" as a project!

The Giant
Photo Credit-Kamaya Singer

The Giant-after we destroyed it!
Photo Credit-Kamaya Singer

Our team's sand creation- FIFA 2014!

Week 4 was “All for One”-a week where the students had to come together. The staff gave us clues throughout the week and made interesting rules. We were not allowed to use social media and had to use face to face interaction in order to communicate the clues to one another. This week was challenging to me because it consisted of a lot of changes within the regular schedule and I did not exactly know what was going on. And if you know me, you know I love my schedules/planners. Seriously. But this week was about building a stronger community and being able to work together well. The staff leave this Saturday and then we take over all the positions. I will be directing “Operations” which consists of the overall project budget and banking, housekeeping with the houses, and holding office hours for support checks. Overall, a lot of organizing and detail oriented things so I am pretty excited! Seeing the staff leave will be sad, but it will be a great experience for us as we grow together in a community. 

I love these girls!!

The game had a few "rule changes" thanks to the staff

The two shortest girls on project (go us!)

Prayer Requests:

-Support Raising: I still have a large amount to raise for full support by August 1st. Please pray for God’s provision and that I will continue to trust Him with support raising. 

-Safe travels for the staff as they drive home

-For the Lord to truly give us a heart for world vision and nations that have not even had the opportunity to hear the Gospel. 

-Transitions as the staff leave and students take over leadership positions

With Blessings,

Heather 

Backup Plans {JSSP Week 2}

Hello friends! I cannot believe I have been on project for two weeks already! It has flew by but also seems like we have been here for a long time! This week was a fast one and kept us pretty busy. Between working, project activities, and our vision trip to NYC, it has been crazy! Last Sunday, I was able to share my testimony with the church here in Seaside Park. It was really exciting to be able to share this with others! On Wednesday we had the opportunity to go to New York City on a vision trip to see what God is doing in the city and to hear about the plans to plant a stint team in order to reach the multitudes of people who live in this incredible city. I had a great time seeing NYC for the first time and experience the pace and culture of this city. We had the opportunity to talk to students about the spiritual climate of NYC along with sharing what we are doing. Two other girls and I talked to two PhD students from New York University who were international students from China. They were super friendly and we were able to talk about our beliefs and introduce them to what CRU/Bridges is about. This conversation and day in the city really challenged me to think of NYC as a place with people than just a huge city. 

Green House won the golden plunger this week for having the cleanest house!

JSSP group photo on top of the Rock

Rachel and I on top of the Rock

The Big Apple

This week’s theme is Thirsting for Him. The week has really emphasized spending time with God and getting to know Him more. Honestly, it has been really challenging with my schedule this week. This week I was really convicted of something I was doing. As I am continuing to trust God to provide the remainder of my project support, I have been trying to make a backup plan. I have been trying to make other plans to cover support. Here is where I was convicted: If I am fully trusting God, I do not need a backup plan. God has a plan. As a person I constantly try to be prepared, make plans, and rely on myself to solve my problems. This week I was pretty convicted of this sin in my life. Learning to fully trust God through the process of support raising has been the most stretching thing so far on project. It is not easy. It is not fun. But it is possible. Please pray with me as I continue to strengthen my trust in the Lord. Pray that I do not depend on my own strength to come up with funds and continue to be convicted and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

I really want to challenge you. What kind of backup plans do you make just in case if God does not come through? 

With Blessings,

Heather 

Hang On and Enjoy the Ride {JSSP-Week 1}

Greetings friends! I have officially been in Jersey Shore for 9 days. What a journey it has already been as I adjust to life on the shore with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I just want to share a little recap of what my time has looked like.

First of all, the road trip here was a blast. It all started with a huge frap from Starbucks and four college students. I got to experience tolls for the first time and see various states. After 28 hours, we finally arrived at the shore! The first day was filled with a lot of activities, people, and new experiences. I had the opportunity to go to the boardwalk on the first day. This was the point where it hit me that I am no longer in the Midwest and way out of my comfort zone. Speaking of new experiences, I have learned a few things since being here:

1. If a guy approaches your car at a gas station, don’t worry, it’s normal. Apparently it is against the law to pump your own gas. 
2. Left turns are almost non existent in this state. To turn left, you first have to turn right. 
3. Sand dunes. These Jersey people really love em. It’s a $1500 fine if you are caught walking on them. During Hurricane Sandy, the sand dunes took the brunt of the storm and prevented a lot of damage in Seaside Heights/Park.
4. It is against the law not to recycle. On top of that, they are very picky about what you can and cannot recycle. I am still trying to distinguish what to recycle.
5. NJ has scary birds on the beach and boardwalk. They will try to get your food. Frankly, I do not like them and am scared of these birds. I am hoping to overcome this fear in the near future.
6. Pop is non existent in this state. It is soda.
7. Some people do not know where the midwest is (confused it with another country)/ know that North Dakota is a state in the United States.
8. Opening your mouth to speak will result in people asking where you are from and comment about the accent. 
9. It is “wa-ta” not water. I’ve been practicing ;)
10. People are lost and looking for answers. We have spent a lot of time on the boardwalk talking to people about the Gospel. 

Down by the bay

The Boardwalk

Green house ladies before church. I am blessed to be living with these ladies and enjoy all the laughter we share!

Breathtaking.

Some of the damage from Ortley Beach. This place got hit really bad from Hurricane Sandy.

My first cannoli!

The first 5 days consisted of a lot of training/sessions/community building. We have spent time digging into the Word, worshipping, and praying. We have also had the opportunity to go to the boardwalk and share with people. So far, 8 people have come to Christ! This has already been a stretching experience and I have seen growth in myself and so many others.

Project has been very exciting and fun, but it has not been the easiest transition. I’ve been missing home a lot lately-just really not wanting to be here and questioning why I am here. Other times I am so glad I am on Project. It’s been very back and forth. It’s been hard to be away from my 1st graders at work and to be in a completely new environment. There was a time at the beginning of training week where we had worship. I remember just sitting there and (literally) crying out to God. I did not know why He placed me here. I still do not know why. But one thing I know is that I am here for a purpose. A purpose much higher than my own understanding. A purpose I might not ever know. At this point, I just need to hang on and enjoy the ride. I am going to be pushed out of my comfort zone (even more) and change as a person. This summer is going to impact me for the rest of my life. Throughout the past 9 days, I felt myself “dragging my feet” as God continues to shape and pull me even more out of my comfort zone. I feel myself sometimes resisting that growth and need to grow. I am not sure how to sum up the past 9 days. There have been good and bad times, scary and exciting times, and times of uncertainty. I guess I just have to hang on and enjoy the ride. 

Prayer requests:
-Pray for the community of Seaside Heights and the opportunities we will have to love and share within the community

-Pray that I continue to trust God as I work toward gaining full support along with the other students who are working on support raising

-Pray that as students we can impact each other, our coworkers, and people back on campus as we return to school

-Pray for a desire to learn and grow as we become busy with jobs and other project events

With Blessings,

Heather 

Imperishable, Undefiled, and Unfading {Reflections from 1 Peter 1:1-9}

Hello Friends!

Life continues to bring craziness, joy, and growth, but I am loving every minute of it (or at least trying to). Most days I am clinging to the cross-my strength alone constantly fails me, but God continues to be gracious to me. I am very thankful for Scripture and the opportunity to read God's word, learn about Him, and be encouraged on a daily basis.

I decided to start reading 1 Peter and I have been amazed at the context within the first 9 verses! Here is what 1 Peter 1:1-9 says:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of athe Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to bthe foreknowledge of God the Father, cin the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and dfor sprinkling with his blood:

May egrace and fpeace be multiplied to you.

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 gBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! hAccording to his great mercy, ihe has caused us to be born again to a living hopejthrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to kan inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and lunfading, mkept in heaven for you,5 who by God's power are being guarded nthrough faith for a salvationoready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by pvarious trials, 7 so thatqthe tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes rthough it is tested by sfire—may be found to result in tpraise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 uThough you have not seen him, you love him. vThough you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining wthe outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

We have been born again. But only through Jesus. He is our living hope. He is our inheritance (along with everlasting life) that is:

                 1) Imperishable (enduring forever)
                 2) Undefiled (pure)
                 3) Unfading (not losing value)

Verse 6-7 really hit home for me. My walk with God is never perfect, nor will it ever be. But I know in those times of trials, my relationship with Him is strengthened. "..though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith..". This year has been crazy, overwhelming, yet wonderful. There have been many times where I feel I have had to "fight" for my faith-spend time praying, reading the Word, find my joy and identity in Christ-it has been challenging. Yet, I know my faith is being strengthened.

I have about 46 more days until I drive down to Jersey Shore for Summer Project to love on the community and share the Gospel with my coworkers and community. I will face trials. Satan will try to stop this. But the result will be a more genuine and stronger faith. God is going to do some crazy things this summer-not only in my life, but in the lives of so many people who do not yet know Him. As summer approaches, please continue to pray for the people of Seaside Heights, boldness in Christ, and for funds to be raised in order to reach people with the truth of the Gospel. If you would like to learn more about what I will be doing, please check out http://give.gosummerproject.com/heather-brasel/ 

With Blessings,

Heather

What Most (Single) People Won't Admit

I'm going to be completely open and honest. I am not going to sugarcoat anything. Last week was not my favorite week for mainly one reason-Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I love celebrating with my kiddos and friends, but sometimes it can be a way for the enemy to attack you.

Being single can be great at times, but it can also be challenging. Yes, I am still young and have my whole life ahead of me, but at this part of my life, people are starting to plan. Plans for after graduation-including getting married. I don't want to put on this fake "I am happy to be single" act for those around me-somedays I am glad to not be in a relationship, but most days are not like that. I have reached this point in my life where I realize most of the people around me are either in a relationship, engaged, or married. I am happy for my friends, really. But here is the lie the enemy tells me: "You're not ___ enough". Fill in the blank. Any insecurity, fear, or thought, it has been in that sentence and it has ran through my mind.

So Valentine's Day is just one more reminder that I have not reached that stage in my life. Part of me is content, while the other part is asking God why I am single. I start to play the guessing game-am I not ready yet? What do they have that I don't? Is it because I'm not strong enough in my faith? Am I ever going to get married? These are all questions I have and things I struggle with from time to time.

Married people always say to enjoy your single years. My response to this is ignoring it. What are they to say about being single? They are married. They don't need to worry about finding their spouse. After facing a challenging situation, it is always easier to say it was worth it. I feel like it is the same with being single.

Like I said, no sugarcoating. This is really how I feel at times. Some days are better than others. I do not want you to think that I sit around all day thinking about this, because I really don't. My life is occupied with school, work, and a lot of other things. I have no idea how long my singleness will last-it could be a year, it could be a lifetime. All I can do is continue to know my Savior better and pray for my future husband and his relationship with Christ. I can also be praying for myself as a wife and that the Lord would prepare me and continue to grow fruits that I lack.

I truly look forward to the day God unites me with my husband. It will be worth the wait, the pain, and the prayers. It will be a new way to experience Christ and who He is, and I know it will be challenging, joyful, but most importantly, honoring to God.

With Blessings,

Heather

The journey has already begun.

I am thrilled to share with you a journey I have already begun! I will be spending the summer sharing the Gospel, loving on the community, and learning how to serve Christ more closely and whole heartedly with a community of 50 other college students in Jersey Shore. Everything is starting to to fall in place, and now I will sit back and let God continue to prepare my heart and resources for this summer.

Choosing to go on Summer Project was not an easy decision. It has been on my heart and mind since freshmen year, but I never felt like it was the right time. This summer is my last official summer as a college student, so what better time to give my summer to God? Originally, the thought of having to raise support was really scary. Yes, I knew that God provides, but I had my doubts. Somedays I still do. I am a sinful person, and I doubt and worry. Even though project doesn’t officially start until May, I already feel the Lord working in my heart. It’s good to remind yourself that God is the ultimately provider despite our unbelief at times. 

Jersey Shore is going to challenge me. I love the Midwest-it is my comfort zone. Jersey Shore...ehhh...not so much. I remember first hearing about a new project in Jersey Shore and I thought to myself ‘I would not want to go there’. Well, here I am, following where God is leading...and He is leading me to Jersey Shore. The culture and people are going to be different. It is going to be eye opening. But most importantly, God is going to work in this city! Please pray for the people of Seaside Heights and that the Lord would prepare their hearts to hearing the truth of the Gospel.

Support raising is a concept new to me-I have personally never had to raise support for a missions trip. Yes, it is scary. Very scary. But I am learning to trust God through this process. It is also weird having to ask people for money-it’s something our Midwest values do not agree with. Although this process is scary, I am really excited. I think the Lord is going to teach me a lot through this process, and ultimately strengthen my trust in Him. 

To say I am excited for this summer is an understatement-I am so pumped. I am going to be pushed out my comfort zone beyond belief. People are going to be impacted eternally. And God is going to be glorified about all. 

The journey has already begun.

With Blessings,

Heather