Last night Jesus showed up! It was incredible, Jared preached about our community, from Exodus 19, a Holy nation, a royal priesthood. He talked about how we need to be connected to one another and redefined what nation meant for Israel. Our understanding of Nation means a country with a democracy and army and taxes and a flag. A nation is a family, people related by God, His chosen people. It is more like a family that you are born into than a country that you belong to. so he worked through the importance of living together and landed on the importance in speaking life into one another. He led us in a love feast and 82 students and leaders hung out and cried as we blessed each other, we looked friends in the eyes and spoke by the Spirit to them into and over their lives. It was overwhelming! God was present and there was a sweetness around the room, He was present with us, I got to look my small group hius in the eyes and individually bless them and speak life to them. I heard the Spirit speak things to my heart that I got to speak to students and students spoke into my heart. I have never experienced anything like it before.
Our morning was slow going, our kids were tired but worked really hard, one of our students said “I love building things I think I want to do this for the rest of my life.” We got to put tools in the hands of students and teach and watch them shine. Our work is almost done and the memories will last forever. they have successfully framed out a wall, hung drywall, taped and spackled, painted, rolled out a flat roof, trim work and cleaned carpet, all while laughing, bonding and haveing deep conversations with one another.
We took a break last night and spent the evening at a park and attracted a crowd. we played wiffle ball 25 vs 25 and about 6 community kids came a played along. our bases were trees and objects that did not mimc a diamond at all more like a crazy trapezoid. but our students invited the kids who were watching to join in, this boys were probably 8 at the most, once they learned the names the chanted and cheered for them until they got a hit and each one miraculously hit home runs! it was so cool.
Tonight at chapel we experienced something special, Alyssa is newer to our community that came to us in the fall and has been such a blessing. Tonight she sang and helped lead worship for the first time, and look out she has got some talent! 2 things that amazed me about watching this, 1. I got to see someone use their gift for their first time, and 2 someone was crazy enough to giver her a shot which brings me to Matt. Matt is almost 20 and has been a worship leader for ou community this past year and has been leading worship for our week together here in Texas, and he has been stellar. One of the things that I love about Matt is his heart to develop people, He is truly one of the most gifted worship leaders that I have had the opportunity to work with over the years, two things I admire about Matt, firstly he loves Jesus and is passionate about him, secondly he writes songs that God lays on his heart. I am thankful for his gift.
