Hey Everyone,
Sorry it has been a while since my last update.
God has been doing A LOT in me and in the community at CSULB!!
Winter break was not the most spiritually rejuvenating season, entirely of my own doing. Instead of adopting disciplines over the break (plan) to help me rest in God, I was watching Netflix (reality). Not saying Netflix is evil (though I am sure someone has made a connection before), but I found myself spending all this time watching shows and movies and almost none letting God restore my soul.
As you can imagine that did not help me prepare for another semester at CSULB. Fun fact about CSULB: New Student Outreach is a YEAR ROUND thing. For those familiar with the crazy month at the beginning of the school year… picture that over the whole year. Dying inside? I was a little too. My soul was in need of rest which I had deprived it and then I was back to work, work, work.
My traditional prognosis would be rest. I was spiritually dry, so I needed to go off on my own and find the one who is described as a Spring, welling up into eternal life. I needed that life back.
But God had a new lesson for me.
Perseverance. Endurance. Being faithful even when it was not immediately refilling, rewarding, renewing, exciting, or fun.
And you know what?
“But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
God is growing my character. When I thought “I am too broken to be here, to minister to students” God said “Yes. You were broken when I called you here. Nothing has changed.”
When I whined, “I am tired” God said, “Let Me be your rest.”
When I cried out, “I am so weak!” God said, “But I am strong.”
And then things began to change. As I trusted that God called me to CSULB knowing all of my faults, failures, sins and brokenness, I could be confident that I am where I am supposed to be. As I trusted in God for rest and not myself (or my hulu account), I began to feel restored and renewed. I was actually less stressed and more joyful, despite less time to myself and less sleep. (I have been struggling with anxiety about sleep. I want to protect it like a precious stone, and anything that took sleep away made me grumpy and irritated. God is working on that as I trust Him more.) And as I saw my weaknesses with more clarity than ever before, I saw more of God’s strength, power and glory than in seasons past.
God invited me into a season of “hope and joy.” I am beginning to think we had different ideas of how that would come about… but had I turned to Romans 5, I might have recalled that suffering is a necessary precursor to hope. If when I suffer I look to God and ask Him what I ought to do, then I find perseverance. As I persevere with God in life and faith, He works on my character. And, as my character grows in the LORD, I experience hope (and joy).
So that is my inner workings. What of CSULB InterVarsity?
THIRTY students are registered for Catalina Spring Conference! WOOT! It will be amazing!!!
A non-Christian student recently told me that she broke up with her boyfriend. Instead of being upset about this, she said “This is my time. Like Erna said, this time is for me and for Him—for God.” Oh, and this student happens to be the one prophesied to become a Christian by the end of this school year (which honestly, even the very beginning of the semester I was thinking to myself and praying to God, “Ok… You gotta do something major cuz I just don’t see it.) PLEASE keep praying for her! God is doing GOOD THINGS!
A student in a fraternity who hasn’t been very involved has been coming and is going to Spring Con. He usually leaves right after Sarah wraps up her talk. Last night he stayed after midnight and received prayer for physical healing!
God continues to bring new people each week to our meetings, including some non-Christians.
One of the students I am investing in is doing a God Investigation Group (GIG) with a guy in her dorm! He also comes weekly and will be at Spring Con!!
There have been monthly men's breakfasts that are helping the guys build community and learn what accountability and friendship can look like with Christ involved.
We consistently have 30+ people at Soul Thirst!
God is good!
OTHER NEWS: Brendan and I are getting wedding stuff finalized.
I got a new job at my church! I will start there after Spring Con doing administrative and special programs stuff.
I am very excited for this season, and it is full of much hope and joy (hey, how did God know?!)
Hope you are well!
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Repetitive...for a reason?
Another post about sheep. Be warned.
These are my reflections from church this Sunday that I felt God was fueling in me. Enjoy.
Personally, I am having a harder time snapping back into the semester, despite all the good things I have seen. I think the difficulties of ministry are taking their toll. Unfortunately, winter break was not the most spiritually reviving season either (my own doing). I am slowly getting back on track so that I can be intune to God's vision and will for myself and for CSULB.
However, the lack of "feeling" God is growing some of my deeper senses of His existence, His love, His truth. Even if I don't "feel" Him doesn't mean He isn't there. Even if I can't "see" Him doesn't mean He isn't at work.
I believe this season will be interesting, particularly as God is inviting me to more hope and joy... I think it is not by chance that I am not in a particularly "spiritually high" place to grow in these two aspects of faith. Hope and Joy are not emotions but rather realities Christians are invited into. I am excited to see what Jesus has in store for me and my campus.
Jesus,
No greater grace and mercy the world has ever seen than Your body and blood shed for my salvation. For though Your love endures all tribulations and conquers any obstacle, my heart is fickle as I stray far from Your compassionate care. Yet as a strong and gentle Shepherd, You seek me out--a dumb sheep once again caught in the thicket, ensnared by the sins of this world. No amount of time and space can prevent Your ears from catching my cries, however feeble and unwillingly I call. Your rod and Your staff are a comfort: not only guiding me down righteous paths, they hack ruthlessly at the prickly weeds latched onto my shabby whool. The same fierceness with which you cleansed the temple of theives and liars You remove briers and burrs, freeing a foolish lamb like me. As my heart wanes within me, the burdens of this world attempt to crush and bind, You bring release. You pull me from my demise and lift me onto Your shoulders, for You are strong and I am weak. It is for this, Your faithfulness, that I will yet praise You. Though I am lost, I trust that You will seek me out, and by Your diligence, out of love, I shall be found. So I count myself blessed, not that I am worthy, courageous, strong, or capable, but that when I am weak, needy, desperate and vulnerable I again find myself in Your arms.
The scandal of grace is this--that though we were still sinners, Jesus, out of love for us, died and conquered all our faults and failures.
I am not the best for ministry-of this I am now convinced-but I know God called me here for a reason, probably many reasons, and I am hopeful to discover what He has up His sleeve.
These are my reflections from church this Sunday that I felt God was fueling in me. Enjoy.
Personally, I am having a harder time snapping back into the semester, despite all the good things I have seen. I think the difficulties of ministry are taking their toll. Unfortunately, winter break was not the most spiritually reviving season either (my own doing). I am slowly getting back on track so that I can be intune to God's vision and will for myself and for CSULB.
However, the lack of "feeling" God is growing some of my deeper senses of His existence, His love, His truth. Even if I don't "feel" Him doesn't mean He isn't there. Even if I can't "see" Him doesn't mean He isn't at work.
I believe this season will be interesting, particularly as God is inviting me to more hope and joy... I think it is not by chance that I am not in a particularly "spiritually high" place to grow in these two aspects of faith. Hope and Joy are not emotions but rather realities Christians are invited into. I am excited to see what Jesus has in store for me and my campus.
Jesus,
No greater grace and mercy the world has ever seen than Your body and blood shed for my salvation. For though Your love endures all tribulations and conquers any obstacle, my heart is fickle as I stray far from Your compassionate care. Yet as a strong and gentle Shepherd, You seek me out--a dumb sheep once again caught in the thicket, ensnared by the sins of this world. No amount of time and space can prevent Your ears from catching my cries, however feeble and unwillingly I call. Your rod and Your staff are a comfort: not only guiding me down righteous paths, they hack ruthlessly at the prickly weeds latched onto my shabby whool. The same fierceness with which you cleansed the temple of theives and liars You remove briers and burrs, freeing a foolish lamb like me. As my heart wanes within me, the burdens of this world attempt to crush and bind, You bring release. You pull me from my demise and lift me onto Your shoulders, for You are strong and I am weak. It is for this, Your faithfulness, that I will yet praise You. Though I am lost, I trust that You will seek me out, and by Your diligence, out of love, I shall be found. So I count myself blessed, not that I am worthy, courageous, strong, or capable, but that when I am weak, needy, desperate and vulnerable I again find myself in Your arms.
The scandal of grace is this--that though we were still sinners, Jesus, out of love for us, died and conquered all our faults and failures.
I am not the best for ministry-of this I am now convinced-but I know God called me here for a reason, probably many reasons, and I am hopeful to discover what He has up His sleeve.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Flailing in Deep Seas
Please read my October Update before you read my spiritual insights on all God is doing. Thank you.
***
So, in light of all the good things God is doing, yet all my inner turmoil, what am I learning?
I get the image of water polo my sophomore year of high school. I had played during my freshman year in the "field" as a driver. I had a decent knowledge of the game, I was fast, and I could pass, catch, and shoot a ball. Basically, I had key water polo skills. My coach saw in me something more: I had strong legs, a good reach, decent reflexes (to be developed more) and a great breast stroke kick (something from swim that he found a new use for.) My coach asked me to be a goalie. I was extremely hesitant, and honestly, very angry. I had spent all summer between freshman and sophomore year training to be the fastest swimmer on the team, to be a strong field player. Honestly, I wanted to score goals. So I was PISSED when he told me he needed me in cage. He told me about all of my attributes that would prove beneficial, but I was still upset. Eventually, I came around. But I knew that, if I was to be goalie during our winter season, I wanted a head start on training. So, I began going to guys' practices. I trained with them, hardly blocking a thing the first practices. I wore weight belts (which SUCKED back then). I trained 3 hours a day OUT of my season. I swam. I did drills. And I clung to every peice of advice either of my coaches offered. I was there to learn. It didn't matter that a million shots got scored on me, so long as I was becoming better.
That was a long analogy, so thank you for sticking it out. Truth is, I need that attitude back. I need to look at these two years as the pre-season. It isn't that I'm not a campus minister yet-I am, even if not "full time." But, intern year is like pre-season training. My blunders can be many, so long as I'm growing stronger in faith and my skills are being developed. I came into the internship with a lot of skills-relational, sharing vulnerably, a healthy dependence on community, my faith, my love for justice, my heart for non-believers, teaching, hearing God's voice-but these skills are no where near what they could be at, given more training. The issue is I came into the internship having been a "rock star" on my campus. Now, I'm learning all over again. Yes, I have skills...but I don't know how to apply them in this new place. Yes, I know a lot about ministry, but I require a new perspective (just like a game looks different in the field than in the goal.)
What needs to change? I need to be ok with this new environment being unfamiliar, with my skills being sub-par, with my attempts resulting more in exhaustion from a long day getting better than numerous "successes." Here is God's word to me for the rest of this internship:
"Brianna, why not take risks LOVING people? Others will say how you could have loved better, but no one will be able to say that you could have loved MORE."
So with that, I'm going to flail. I'm going to look ridiculous in a cage wearing a weight belt as a 200lb titan shoots a water polo ball at my face... but eventually, I'm going to be one of the best. Not because I'm naturally fit to it, but because I wasn't afraid to look like a fool in order to learn what it means to minister well.
***
So, in light of all the good things God is doing, yet all my inner turmoil, what am I learning?
I get the image of water polo my sophomore year of high school. I had played during my freshman year in the "field" as a driver. I had a decent knowledge of the game, I was fast, and I could pass, catch, and shoot a ball. Basically, I had key water polo skills. My coach saw in me something more: I had strong legs, a good reach, decent reflexes (to be developed more) and a great breast stroke kick (something from swim that he found a new use for.) My coach asked me to be a goalie. I was extremely hesitant, and honestly, very angry. I had spent all summer between freshman and sophomore year training to be the fastest swimmer on the team, to be a strong field player. Honestly, I wanted to score goals. So I was PISSED when he told me he needed me in cage. He told me about all of my attributes that would prove beneficial, but I was still upset. Eventually, I came around. But I knew that, if I was to be goalie during our winter season, I wanted a head start on training. So, I began going to guys' practices. I trained with them, hardly blocking a thing the first practices. I wore weight belts (which SUCKED back then). I trained 3 hours a day OUT of my season. I swam. I did drills. And I clung to every peice of advice either of my coaches offered. I was there to learn. It didn't matter that a million shots got scored on me, so long as I was becoming better.
That was a long analogy, so thank you for sticking it out. Truth is, I need that attitude back. I need to look at these two years as the pre-season. It isn't that I'm not a campus minister yet-I am, even if not "full time." But, intern year is like pre-season training. My blunders can be many, so long as I'm growing stronger in faith and my skills are being developed. I came into the internship with a lot of skills-relational, sharing vulnerably, a healthy dependence on community, my faith, my love for justice, my heart for non-believers, teaching, hearing God's voice-but these skills are no where near what they could be at, given more training. The issue is I came into the internship having been a "rock star" on my campus. Now, I'm learning all over again. Yes, I have skills...but I don't know how to apply them in this new place. Yes, I know a lot about ministry, but I require a new perspective (just like a game looks different in the field than in the goal.)
What needs to change? I need to be ok with this new environment being unfamiliar, with my skills being sub-par, with my attempts resulting more in exhaustion from a long day getting better than numerous "successes." Here is God's word to me for the rest of this internship:
"Brianna, why not take risks LOVING people? Others will say how you could have loved better, but no one will be able to say that you could have loved MORE."
So with that, I'm going to flail. I'm going to look ridiculous in a cage wearing a weight belt as a 200lb titan shoots a water polo ball at my face... but eventually, I'm going to be one of the best. Not because I'm naturally fit to it, but because I wasn't afraid to look like a fool in order to learn what it means to minister well.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Stones by the Jordan (things to remember):
I thought I'd share with you things God has been doing, since that IS the point of this blog after all ;)
Bonfire.
I got lost with two students, F and N. They were very patient with me, even though we were an HOUR late to the beach bonfire. We got to talk, get to know each other, and hang out. I believe God used that time for a reason (admittedly I was annoyed at the lack of clarity in directions AT THE TIME, and I felt guilty because we had the fire wood... but God had something else in mind!)
Soul Thirst.
I think there was 12-15 of us? It was a decent group, 4 guys came. God taught me that I have strong opinions and that sometimes it is better to hold one's tongue. In doing so, I was able to welcome a student who hadn't had a "real" conversation with anyone at CSULB until that night with me. I felt blessed (even though, at the time I didn't realize just how significant that conversation was, or how God would use that hospitality to bring this guy to our small group even though he isn't friends with anyone...YET!)
Hang outs.
We went to the movies, both times provided great opportunities to hang out with students. R came one day, N (from the bonfire) came another, along with sophomores on the Salt and Light team. These times were fun and all, but I had a hard time seeing their deeper significance (a trend right now? PERHAPS?! Haha). Anyway, R & N ended up going to IGNITE!
IGNITE.
I could right an entire blog about this, but I will be brief. God reminded me that I have spiritual authority because of my relationship with Him. He wants to use me. He has given me various gifts of the spirit in order to pour out His love onto His people. He has called me to speak His truth to believers and none believers alike. At Ignite, God used me to love 3 various people, 1 is a fellow intern whom I love. It was so amazing to be used to inspire and encourage her because I know she will be such a blessing as she leads worship at our Fall Con :) God is sooo good! Just to say, Abner was AMAZING and he brought thunder and lightning during his talk :D It was frickin' awesome! The number of people who prayed for an outpouring of the spirit was MIND BLOWING!
The afternoon sessions were fine, nothing new or breathtaking, but I did get prayer for how to be a witness to men at CSULB. I also talked some strategy with Kate and Waley. It was awesome just to talk to them about issues I'm facing and hear what they've done, and the issues they face.
Evening session was AMAZING. When Ryan spoke about people God is calling us to witness to, I broke down. God gave me a professor at Scripps who I have been praying for for 2-3 years now. Annoyed. I graduated, God, why him still? Afraid. What if I share and he doesn't accept? Fear. what if I share and YOU don't show up, God? And Doubt. What if I share the wrong thing? (Because God gave me specifically what I should say). I asked for confirmation. Right then, Ryan said "maybe you got a professor"...Damn. So I cried out because of my fear and doubt. I asked Brendan to pray over me. As he did so, I had a renewed sense of faith. I couldn't contain everything, so I went to the aisle to intercede, to worship, to cry out, to plead for the students at Ignite, to demand revival, and God spoke clearly to me. It was amazing to hear something to transformative. The pastor at Antioch, the predominantly black church I've been attending, has said that when God gives certain visions it demands life-changing actions to be taken.
God spoke to me in a way that I could not deny. Everything before this Saturday has been, in part, the old way for IV. God is bringing a new thing - new wine requires a new wineskin. We must adjust to the new things coming our way.
I heard God speak in my spirit: The Revival has begun.
One student gave her life at Ignite (THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN! What non-Christian GOES?! RIDICULOUS! INSANITY!) and 7 or so rededicated (again, Ignite is more for the on fire Christians in general, those who want to witness... WHAT?!) And all week I've been reading post after post by IV staff describing the revivals they've seen: students coming to faith, students initiating spiritual conversations, students signing up for GIGS, the Holy Spirit descending on prayer meetings and giving students gifts to prophesy and see visions. The funny thing is, I'm not surprised... but every time I read another story, God brings tears to my eyes -- He spoke truly. The revival has begun!
Bonfire.
I got lost with two students, F and N. They were very patient with me, even though we were an HOUR late to the beach bonfire. We got to talk, get to know each other, and hang out. I believe God used that time for a reason (admittedly I was annoyed at the lack of clarity in directions AT THE TIME, and I felt guilty because we had the fire wood... but God had something else in mind!)
Soul Thirst.
I think there was 12-15 of us? It was a decent group, 4 guys came. God taught me that I have strong opinions and that sometimes it is better to hold one's tongue. In doing so, I was able to welcome a student who hadn't had a "real" conversation with anyone at CSULB until that night with me. I felt blessed (even though, at the time I didn't realize just how significant that conversation was, or how God would use that hospitality to bring this guy to our small group even though he isn't friends with anyone...YET!)
Hang outs.
We went to the movies, both times provided great opportunities to hang out with students. R came one day, N (from the bonfire) came another, along with sophomores on the Salt and Light team. These times were fun and all, but I had a hard time seeing their deeper significance (a trend right now? PERHAPS?! Haha). Anyway, R & N ended up going to IGNITE!
IGNITE.
I could right an entire blog about this, but I will be brief. God reminded me that I have spiritual authority because of my relationship with Him. He wants to use me. He has given me various gifts of the spirit in order to pour out His love onto His people. He has called me to speak His truth to believers and none believers alike. At Ignite, God used me to love 3 various people, 1 is a fellow intern whom I love. It was so amazing to be used to inspire and encourage her because I know she will be such a blessing as she leads worship at our Fall Con :) God is sooo good! Just to say, Abner was AMAZING and he brought thunder and lightning during his talk :D It was frickin' awesome! The number of people who prayed for an outpouring of the spirit was MIND BLOWING!
The afternoon sessions were fine, nothing new or breathtaking, but I did get prayer for how to be a witness to men at CSULB. I also talked some strategy with Kate and Waley. It was awesome just to talk to them about issues I'm facing and hear what they've done, and the issues they face.
Evening session was AMAZING. When Ryan spoke about people God is calling us to witness to, I broke down. God gave me a professor at Scripps who I have been praying for for 2-3 years now. Annoyed. I graduated, God, why him still? Afraid. What if I share and he doesn't accept? Fear. what if I share and YOU don't show up, God? And Doubt. What if I share the wrong thing? (Because God gave me specifically what I should say). I asked for confirmation. Right then, Ryan said "maybe you got a professor"...Damn. So I cried out because of my fear and doubt. I asked Brendan to pray over me. As he did so, I had a renewed sense of faith. I couldn't contain everything, so I went to the aisle to intercede, to worship, to cry out, to plead for the students at Ignite, to demand revival, and God spoke clearly to me. It was amazing to hear something to transformative. The pastor at Antioch, the predominantly black church I've been attending, has said that when God gives certain visions it demands life-changing actions to be taken.
God spoke to me in a way that I could not deny. Everything before this Saturday has been, in part, the old way for IV. God is bringing a new thing - new wine requires a new wineskin. We must adjust to the new things coming our way.
I heard God speak in my spirit: The Revival has begun.
One student gave her life at Ignite (THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN! What non-Christian GOES?! RIDICULOUS! INSANITY!) and 7 or so rededicated (again, Ignite is more for the on fire Christians in general, those who want to witness... WHAT?!) And all week I've been reading post after post by IV staff describing the revivals they've seen: students coming to faith, students initiating spiritual conversations, students signing up for GIGS, the Holy Spirit descending on prayer meetings and giving students gifts to prophesy and see visions. The funny thing is, I'm not surprised... but every time I read another story, God brings tears to my eyes -- He spoke truly. The revival has begun!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Students are students, and students are AWESOME!
Today was my first day of ministry activity on CSULB. Me, Sarah, and a few students passed out free water, helped move, and gave directions to lost freshman as they were moving in today. It was hot, and the agua was very appreciated :)
I got to talk to one of the IV students a lot, which was AMAZING (we will call her "A"). She is such a strong woman, I am already impressed by her faith and her belief that God is in control. She is married and her husband is in the navy. From how she describes her, her life is a constant question mark. They never know more than a week in advance what the situation is. They may even restation him in another state in January! She is constantly forced to be flexible, trusting, and hope in the LORD. Hearing more of her story and relationship with God, I am blown away (and honestly SCHOOLED!) by her steadfast belief that Jesus is in control and won't drop her. My financial situation (part-time job may not be enough money...ugh) seems so small in comparison. But, more than anything, I am reminded to TRUST AND HOPE IN THE LORD! AMEN! :)
As for the students I met... here are two stories:
First, I met an RA (we shall call her "K" to respect privacy). We were helping a family find the nearest restroom, and it was in the lobby of K's dorm. A and I starting talking to K, and eventually we told her that we were with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). She told us that she was a Christian, and that one of our fellow IVers is a friend of hers, and a strong partner in faith. It was encouraging to find another Christian, and she seemed interested in our group. At the end of the day, after passing out most of the water bottles, I brought K a couple leftover. I told her how much of a blessing her being an RA is to the students, and that I am blessed to have a sister caring for others on campus. She said we needed to encourage and support each other, and that we would be a light at CSULB. Her faith impressed upon me how vital it is that I am here for this season, and reminded me how much God loves CSULB that He is putting His people allll over. I took down K's info to contact her about IV stuff, and asked where she goes to church. I hope to visit with Brendan, Sam and Daniel soon :) She was awesome, and I look forward to getting to know her better!
I also met a guy (J). So J pulled into the parking lot with a car full of stuff and no one around to help. A and I offered, and he was very grateful. When we started, some basketball players came to help (many sports team and those in the Greek system were there to help today, mandatory I think). We had so many people helping J, he was floored. I started talking to him, asking him how he felt about the year, where he was from, his major, etc. We talked about various things, and after two trips with 7 or so helpers, he was mostly unloaded. He told us he would get the last few things and thanked us for our help. I wanted to tell him who we were, but honestly froze. I felt bad as I left the dorm, and I told God "if only I had another chance." Then here comes J, walking behind me. He says he left something he needed in his car, and I tell him who we are, that we have BBQs and stuff coming up, and if he would want to give me his information. He says yes, and now I can follow-up with him later! I ran into him a few more times (his dorm was by our FREE WATER stand).
So, those are my DAY 1 stories. Please pray for J, K, the other students we met, those we have not yet met, that God would continue to ordane moments like these where we can love the students of Beach State!
Throughout the day, I noticed quite a few differences (the ethnic diversity, the amount of transfer students from community colleges, the size of the place, the lack of discussion amongst first year-aka no real bonding stuffs yet/random convos like in the dorms of Scripps)... but I noticed one similarity: college students are college students. Conversations with them are not unlike those I had back at Scripps welcoming first years. Though I have much to learn, this much is true: God has called me to LOVE students; it is a ministry that, for this season of my life, causes me to rejoice and be glad for all the LORD has planned!
I got to talk to one of the IV students a lot, which was AMAZING (we will call her "A"). She is such a strong woman, I am already impressed by her faith and her belief that God is in control. She is married and her husband is in the navy. From how she describes her, her life is a constant question mark. They never know more than a week in advance what the situation is. They may even restation him in another state in January! She is constantly forced to be flexible, trusting, and hope in the LORD. Hearing more of her story and relationship with God, I am blown away (and honestly SCHOOLED!) by her steadfast belief that Jesus is in control and won't drop her. My financial situation (part-time job may not be enough money...ugh) seems so small in comparison. But, more than anything, I am reminded to TRUST AND HOPE IN THE LORD! AMEN! :)
As for the students I met... here are two stories:
First, I met an RA (we shall call her "K" to respect privacy). We were helping a family find the nearest restroom, and it was in the lobby of K's dorm. A and I starting talking to K, and eventually we told her that we were with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). She told us that she was a Christian, and that one of our fellow IVers is a friend of hers, and a strong partner in faith. It was encouraging to find another Christian, and she seemed interested in our group. At the end of the day, after passing out most of the water bottles, I brought K a couple leftover. I told her how much of a blessing her being an RA is to the students, and that I am blessed to have a sister caring for others on campus. She said we needed to encourage and support each other, and that we would be a light at CSULB. Her faith impressed upon me how vital it is that I am here for this season, and reminded me how much God loves CSULB that He is putting His people allll over. I took down K's info to contact her about IV stuff, and asked where she goes to church. I hope to visit with Brendan, Sam and Daniel soon :) She was awesome, and I look forward to getting to know her better!
I also met a guy (J). So J pulled into the parking lot with a car full of stuff and no one around to help. A and I offered, and he was very grateful. When we started, some basketball players came to help (many sports team and those in the Greek system were there to help today, mandatory I think). We had so many people helping J, he was floored. I started talking to him, asking him how he felt about the year, where he was from, his major, etc. We talked about various things, and after two trips with 7 or so helpers, he was mostly unloaded. He told us he would get the last few things and thanked us for our help. I wanted to tell him who we were, but honestly froze. I felt bad as I left the dorm, and I told God "if only I had another chance." Then here comes J, walking behind me. He says he left something he needed in his car, and I tell him who we are, that we have BBQs and stuff coming up, and if he would want to give me his information. He says yes, and now I can follow-up with him later! I ran into him a few more times (his dorm was by our FREE WATER stand).
So, those are my DAY 1 stories. Please pray for J, K, the other students we met, those we have not yet met, that God would continue to ordane moments like these where we can love the students of Beach State!
Throughout the day, I noticed quite a few differences (the ethnic diversity, the amount of transfer students from community colleges, the size of the place, the lack of discussion amongst first year-aka no real bonding stuffs yet/random convos like in the dorms of Scripps)... but I noticed one similarity: college students are college students. Conversations with them are not unlike those I had back at Scripps welcoming first years. Though I have much to learn, this much is true: God has called me to LOVE students; it is a ministry that, for this season of my life, causes me to rejoice and be glad for all the LORD has planned!
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