Well, BigStuf was way busier than I expected so I was unable to post again, obviously, but here's a couple updates to fill you in.
We had 5 teens accept Christ for the first time! It was so exciting and I couldn't be happier that I was able to be a part of such a life changing event in our teens lives.
One that really got to me was Caylee Glidden, also known as C.J. She's been in my small group for about a year now and before that, we've known each other just from me volunteering with the middle school. C.J. was able to go to BigStuf because she will be a freshman in the fall. I was glad that they let incoming freshman go with them to BigStuf with the high school students because I think it's a great opportunity for them to get to know the other high school students and make that transition a little easier. Anyways, C.J. and I don't always see eye to eye on issues so we don't always get along the best. This was kind of worrying me when I left because I love C.J. and I don't want to always be arguing with her about what's right and what's wrong. It's not fun for me. I wish I could just tell her what to do and she would just believe me and do it. Problem is, I'm not always right either.
So, on Thursday night, C.J. stood up to let Christ be the controller of her life for the first time ever. I was, honestly, not expecting that at all. I knew she'd had a great time, but sometimes she doesn't always look like she's listening to me (I'd not listen to me sometimes too... I tend to babble on.) When she stood up, I walked over to her and put my hand on her shoulder and just started prayer for her and thanking God for putting C.J. in my life. Afterwards, I asked C.J. if she wanted to go talk and pray a little more, and she said yes. As we walked to the beach, I asked C.J. what made her decide to do this. She thought about it as we walked to the beach and when we sat on the sand, she just started bawling. She said I was the reason. She said I made such a huge impact on her. I couldn't stop the tears from falling. Little did she know, earlier that day I had decided that I was probably going to stop working with middle school for a while. I was just worn out and I wasn't in the right attitude or mind set. I dreaded it most days. Problem was though that it wasn't the students fault. It was my fault. I wasn't filling my own bucket with God and with his love so trying to pour out on others was just wearing me out and tearing me down. When C.J. said I was the reason and that I had a lot to do with why she wants follow Christ, I broke. God knew that I needed to hear that or I was gone. He told me what I needed to hear through C.J. and I couldn't have been more shocked and happy. I do make an impact and I am used whether I think I am or not.
C.J. decided it was time to give her life to Christ and so she did. I may have had a part in it, but God worked in her and moved her heart. I'm so thankful for C.J. and for her being in my life. After we stopped crying (we're girls, it took a while), we prayed and then talked about what needed to be different in her life in order to live a life for Christ. At her age, I was surprised at the answer. She knew exactly what needed to be different and she was willing to change it immediately. That's the work of the Holy Spirit, folks. C.J. let God work within her and even just 4 days later, I can see it--I can see the difference.
So, needless to say, I'm not leaving middle school and I'll be here for quite some time longer. I need to remember though to always fill my bucket with my Savior and never go too long without talking with Him because that makes a difference in how He can use me and what attitude I have.
With all that said, the week was amazing! I couldn't have asked for a better week. God worked in ways that I never thought he would and it was incredible. My God is bigger than I can imagine. I like it.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. I really appreciate it! Next trip is June 28-July 5 to NYC for a mission trip. I'll keep you all updated as much as I can. Again, thanks for your support.
We had 5 teens accept Christ for the first time! It was so exciting and I couldn't be happier that I was able to be a part of such a life changing event in our teens lives.
One that really got to me was Caylee Glidden, also known as C.J. She's been in my small group for about a year now and before that, we've known each other just from me volunteering with the middle school. C.J. was able to go to BigStuf because she will be a freshman in the fall. I was glad that they let incoming freshman go with them to BigStuf with the high school students because I think it's a great opportunity for them to get to know the other high school students and make that transition a little easier. Anyways, C.J. and I don't always see eye to eye on issues so we don't always get along the best. This was kind of worrying me when I left because I love C.J. and I don't want to always be arguing with her about what's right and what's wrong. It's not fun for me. I wish I could just tell her what to do and she would just believe me and do it. Problem is, I'm not always right either.
So, on Thursday night, C.J. stood up to let Christ be the controller of her life for the first time ever. I was, honestly, not expecting that at all. I knew she'd had a great time, but sometimes she doesn't always look like she's listening to me (I'd not listen to me sometimes too... I tend to babble on.) When she stood up, I walked over to her and put my hand on her shoulder and just started prayer for her and thanking God for putting C.J. in my life. Afterwards, I asked C.J. if she wanted to go talk and pray a little more, and she said yes. As we walked to the beach, I asked C.J. what made her decide to do this. She thought about it as we walked to the beach and when we sat on the sand, she just started bawling. She said I was the reason. She said I made such a huge impact on her. I couldn't stop the tears from falling. Little did she know, earlier that day I had decided that I was probably going to stop working with middle school for a while. I was just worn out and I wasn't in the right attitude or mind set. I dreaded it most days. Problem was though that it wasn't the students fault. It was my fault. I wasn't filling my own bucket with God and with his love so trying to pour out on others was just wearing me out and tearing me down. When C.J. said I was the reason and that I had a lot to do with why she wants follow Christ, I broke. God knew that I needed to hear that or I was gone. He told me what I needed to hear through C.J. and I couldn't have been more shocked and happy. I do make an impact and I am used whether I think I am or not.
C.J. decided it was time to give her life to Christ and so she did. I may have had a part in it, but God worked in her and moved her heart. I'm so thankful for C.J. and for her being in my life. After we stopped crying (we're girls, it took a while), we prayed and then talked about what needed to be different in her life in order to live a life for Christ. At her age, I was surprised at the answer. She knew exactly what needed to be different and she was willing to change it immediately. That's the work of the Holy Spirit, folks. C.J. let God work within her and even just 4 days later, I can see it--I can see the difference.
So, needless to say, I'm not leaving middle school and I'll be here for quite some time longer. I need to remember though to always fill my bucket with my Savior and never go too long without talking with Him because that makes a difference in how He can use me and what attitude I have.
With all that said, the week was amazing! I couldn't have asked for a better week. God worked in ways that I never thought he would and it was incredible. My God is bigger than I can imagine. I like it.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. I really appreciate it! Next trip is June 28-July 5 to NYC for a mission trip. I'll keep you all updated as much as I can. Again, thanks for your support.