Agape

Wow! I have been so busy the past few weeks that I haven't been able to update you all on what's going on down here in North Myrtle Beach! I'm also in the process of figuring out how to use the free time that I do have more wisely, which hopefully will include writing here more often.

Last week was World Vision week, so we learned a lot about the Campus Crusade partnerships in Ghana, Australia, the Middle East, France, East Asia, and Uruguay and opportunities we have to serve all over the world by praying, giving, sending, and going. We studied the Word to see God's heart for the lost in the hope that our hearts might also break for those who don't know their Creator and Savior. The United States is 78.4% Christian, so I think it's safe to say that a very large majority of Americans at least know about Christianity and who Jesus is. But if we look at places like Thailand, which is 0.07% Christian, or Turkey, which is 0.09% Christian, chances are that a large majority of people that live there go there entire lives without even hearing the Gospel. In Matthew 28:18-20, God calls us to GO: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

This week's theme is Agape, which translates to the deepest love - unconditional and self-sacrificing. Only God can express agape perfectly, although we, as Christians, should be striving to love one another with that agape love. We are focusing a lot on words of affirmation and just building one another up. It's also a week of transition as we prepare for the staff to leave on Saturday. Some students were asked to step up as leaders for the last 5 weeks, but we will ALL have to work together to continue bringing glory to God. I was asked to co-lead our Thursday Weekly Meeting Team, and I am really excited to work with the team to serve God through what goes on at our Thursday weekly meetings. It will be sad seeing the staff leave, but I can't wait to see how God works in us as we adapt to our new roles and come together as one.

Working at Chick-fil-A has been such a blessing. I love getting to know my non-project coworkers and build relationships with them as well as my project coworkers. The job is very enjoyable, apart from having to wake up at 4:30am most mornings. I am learning a lot of self-discipline in going to bed early instead of socializing... :)

I have a few more pictures so you all can SEE what I've been up to!


This is me with my friends Emily, Lauren, and Anna.


One night a group of us went to Broadway on the Beach in Myrtle Beach. It's basically a giant outdoor mall with tons of cool shops and little carnival rides and games. My friend Brooke and I decided to ride the Caterpillar ride.


I took this at the staff vs. students softball game that we played at the end of All for One week. It was really fun coming together as a team and cheering one another on.


This is my impact group. We gave mom a gift for her birthday and dad a gift for Fathers' Day. They love us :)


This is my Bible Study at our last study with our discipler Jocelyn. It will be very sad to see her go :(


My impact group/family decided to take family photos - this is one of my favorites. Classic.