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