RAW

What a long, exhausting and amazing week its been!!

Ready and Willing, a short term mission for teenagers over March break. That's what happened this week. Those of us at the War College had the privilege to be involved and help in the planning, organizing and the running of this event. What a blessing it was!!

Throughout the week I was lucky enough to have a few jobs that allowed me to get to know some of the teens who came. First, I got to sleep at Cariboo Hill and chill with all those who asked for accommodations. That was great, and very little sleep was had!! Things went well there and I owe a big thanks to everyone at Cariboo for allowing us to come into their home for 3 nights.
Second, I was able to lead a cell with Joel(whom I'm going on summer assignment with) and that was probably the biggest blessing of the week. We realized that we could work together and get along(I'm sure Doug will be happy to read this!), and we also were able to really get to know some of the youth from New Westminster(where we've been going to church). They made RAW for me!
Just before the event happened, I received an e-mail from the Corps Officer(pastor) at New West asking me if I would watch out for his kids as the female leader(unfortunately their youth pastor wasn't able to make it. She was missed!). I gladly accepted and things went from there.
Funny story...to me anyway! When the teens arrived at the event, I introduced myself to them and found that they were all kind of looking at me funny. Initially I didn't think anything of it because I really don't know them and they only see me for a little while on Sundays. After thinking about it some more, I thought, they should at least recognize me! I mean, I do attend their church almost every Sunday(for the past 3 months!!!). But no, they really didn't know me!! However, they did know Joe and Joel(what's up with that?!)so the boys were very pleased with themselves for that!
After our second cell group on Tuesday(tunic Tuesday when we are all dressed in uniform), I go into the bathroom, settle into a stall and then hear voices from outside. Two of the girls are discussing me and how they didn't remember me until that moment!! Then it clicks..."She's been coming to our church!!" It took me coming with my uniform on and hair pinned up for them to even remotely recognize me! Goodness!!! How funny is that?!
I've since shared my bathroom eavesdropping experience with the 2 girls and we had a big laugh about it. But I have a challenge for them and all the New West group(should they ever come across this post). Their challenge is to seek out someone new at church on Sunday. Someone they may have never seen before, or someone who may look familiar but they just haven't said hello. Strike up a conversation with them. Say hello, how are you? Find out a little about the person. And pay attention in the weeks to come; notice if they return(so you can talk to them again...go figure!).

So yeah, these teens really inspired me. They were truthful and transparent. They were spirit filled and led. Hallelujah!! Their zeal to reach out to the poor and their communities has sparked a new fire and vision within me; something that has been dwindling down slowly with comfortability. No more compromise. No more complacency. Let the flame burn brighter in the heart of the darkness!!
Praise the Lord!

To MJ, Ashley, April, Brent, Christine, and Ashley, and Cory too...
I want to thank you all for your passion and compassion. It was a great pleasure for me to serve along side of you this week. God has blessed me through you all and my prayer for you is that you will continue to seek His face. Keep praying for and encouraging each other, continue to die to yourselves for Jesus, be prayful about the work that you want to begin in New West. God is going to move in a HUGE way through you all. I am happy to know you and look forward to seeing this fruit!!

This is only part of my experience at RAW. I'm sure I'll share a little more when I'm not so tired and maybe don't have to get up so early in the morning.

Be blessed.