Just so you know, you can follow this journey on Instagram as well @charlielap . Here is one of my posts on there:
Friday, May 31, 2013
Prayer Requests
Hey guys:
God saves. I truly believe that His Word changes lives.
Read my post of "trolley life" to learn more of what God is showing me as I'm here--being intentional on giving out a tract at least once everywhere I go. This is all God, not me--I know I am broken--and need Him to give me the courage and strength and words to speak to do this.
Today, a man came up to me asking for change as I was walking to the office. He spoke broken English but we had a fun conversation. When I introduced myself, he told me he knew of a tall Charlie who was built and had a Mercedez. I told him I'm getting big as well and flexed my Filipino muscles. We laughed and enjoyed a moment. I only had a few cents on me but I gave him that, along with a tract. My hope is that God would use His Word to change Jerry's life. I looked back and saw him open it up :) I realized I had some fruit in my backpack so I turned back and gave him an apple and told him to promise me he'd read that...he told me"yes...I will learn".
Please pray for Jerry, Jamauree and his friend--the two dudes I mentioned in the "trolley life" post, two Spanish dudes, and a homeless family I ran to on Mission beach(didn't catch their names). These people all now own a tract with the gospel of John in them.
Prayer is real and I know Jesus says "Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." -Matthew 7:7
on a mission. California. the glory is all God's!
God saves. I truly believe that His Word changes lives.
Read my post of "trolley life" to learn more of what God is showing me as I'm here--being intentional on giving out a tract at least once everywhere I go. This is all God, not me--I know I am broken--and need Him to give me the courage and strength and words to speak to do this.
Today, a man came up to me asking for change as I was walking to the office. He spoke broken English but we had a fun conversation. When I introduced myself, he told me he knew of a tall Charlie who was built and had a Mercedez. I told him I'm getting big as well and flexed my Filipino muscles. We laughed and enjoyed a moment. I only had a few cents on me but I gave him that, along with a tract. My hope is that God would use His Word to change Jerry's life. I looked back and saw him open it up :) I realized I had some fruit in my backpack so I turned back and gave him an apple and told him to promise me he'd read that...he told me"yes...I will learn".
Please pray for Jerry, Jamauree and his friend--the two dudes I mentioned in the "trolley life" post, two Spanish dudes, and a homeless family I ran to on Mission beach(didn't catch their names). These people all now own a tract with the gospel of John in them.
Prayer is real and I know Jesus says "Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." -Matthew 7:7
on a mission. California. the glory is all God's!
Huddles
We visited the huddles (small groups) at two public high schools here in San Diego County. It was like going down memory lane for me--as the huddle ministry I helped start at Avondale High School (shout out to the Yellow Jackets!) for two years was where my second home was and where I truly grew in my faith. I was reminiscing at the times leading huddles at Avondale--and also was pumped at seeing these students listen to the Word of God being preached at one high school--and at the other--a faith-based pregnancy center guest speaker came in informing students on things needed to hear in our culture today. Our society is feeding us one message. We need to be on our guard, defending our faith, and giving the message of TRUTH to counter that!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Gigs for Good
I want to give a BIG Shout out to Gigs for Good for helping sponsor me on this trip!!!!!!
Their Website to learn more about what they do is: http://gigs4good.org/
LIKE them on facebook.com/gigsforgood
Their Website to learn more about what they do is: http://gigs4good.org/
LIKE them on facebook.com/gigsforgood
My sister and I were super stoked when we found out about your sponosrship.
Thank you Gigs for Good!
The homie's Morgs and Krispy--you already know--much love! (I loved just saying the 'homie's')
On a mission in California. Great Commission. Let's GO!!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
give me Jesus
In the morning...give me Jesus
When I am alone...give me Jesus
When I come to die...give me Jesus
You can have all this world......just give me Jesus
When I am alone...give me Jesus
When I come to die...give me Jesus
You can have all this world......just give me Jesus
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
trolley life.
I was very frustrated on Sunday--to be honest. Using a public transportation system isn't what you would consider ideal...but then I reflect on all those who do not have vehicles at all--our nation is so consumed in the fact that we need to have a car to get around. Try to walk to where you are going one time--it can really change your perspective on things.
So, as I was trying to go to a church--there were none near these trolley stops--plus the trolley was late multiple times. I prayed that God would show me what He wanted me to do here...All I wanted to do was go to church--is that so much to ask?!
I saw two dudes that were listening to some rap music at this particular stop. I prayed and asked God to give me the words to speak--I approached them and asked them if they knew of any good churches around here. One said he didn't go to church. The other said he stopped going. I asked why he stopped going and he told me there wasn't a reason...The conversation turned into me sharing John 3:16--telling them as best I could the Gospel and about Jesus (one of the guys said the only religion he's heard was from his grandma who was muslim). I told them both about Jesus and how Jesus has helped me in my life--and we all agreed on the fact that we can't control when we are to die. They wished there was some drug that could make them live forever--then that's when I shared John 3:16 and told them the way we can be assured we'll live forever. I encouraged one of them to grab a Bible and start reading John to learn more about Jesus. He said he'd think about it. Then I told them about Lecrae and started freestlying (of course giving shout outs to my God and my city--DETROIT--during the freestyle).
I know it is God who saves and not me--I am realizing more and more I am merely a vessel for His Kingdom--that it is Him who must work through me to change lives and use me. All I need to do is surrender all of me to Him so He can use me. I NEED HIM (a theme recurring for me this summer).
I'm reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan...great book. God is using this book to help me grow so far in my faith.
Oh--and please pray for strength and God would use me as I hand out tracts around San Diego. There were a bunch of dusty tracts laying around at the Chrisitian Fraternity I am staying at...so I took some and am handing them out to people as I am around town/on the trolley. Pray that I would live this out to the fullest: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31
So, as I was trying to go to a church--there were none near these trolley stops--plus the trolley was late multiple times. I prayed that God would show me what He wanted me to do here...All I wanted to do was go to church--is that so much to ask?!
I saw two dudes that were listening to some rap music at this particular stop. I prayed and asked God to give me the words to speak--I approached them and asked them if they knew of any good churches around here. One said he didn't go to church. The other said he stopped going. I asked why he stopped going and he told me there wasn't a reason...The conversation turned into me sharing John 3:16--telling them as best I could the Gospel and about Jesus (one of the guys said the only religion he's heard was from his grandma who was muslim). I told them both about Jesus and how Jesus has helped me in my life--and we all agreed on the fact that we can't control when we are to die. They wished there was some drug that could make them live forever--then that's when I shared John 3:16 and told them the way we can be assured we'll live forever. I encouraged one of them to grab a Bible and start reading John to learn more about Jesus. He said he'd think about it. Then I told them about Lecrae and started freestlying (of course giving shout outs to my God and my city--DETROIT--during the freestyle).
I know it is God who saves and not me--I am realizing more and more I am merely a vessel for His Kingdom--that it is Him who must work through me to change lives and use me. All I need to do is surrender all of me to Him so He can use me. I NEED HIM (a theme recurring for me this summer).
I'm reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan...great book. God is using this book to help me grow so far in my faith.
Oh--and please pray for strength and God would use me as I hand out tracts around San Diego. There were a bunch of dusty tracts laying around at the Chrisitian Fraternity I am staying at...so I took some and am handing them out to people as I am around town/on the trolley. Pray that I would live this out to the fullest: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Sunday, May 26, 2013
It's not about me.
Amen!!! I encourage you to watch this...as we reflect and worship our King today.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Update on What's Going On with these Camps!!!!
Here is an update of what we're doing in the camp office (Brian and I). A similar version of this was sent out to over 400 people today (both Christians and non-Christians) who are involved with the Western Region FCA (donors, coaches, leaders, parents, etc.) as a way to update people with what is going on at camps. This is an important aspect of our job, as it informs those who support FCA in some capacity.
Two Minute Drill– Camp Ministry
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Hume Lake Camp
In partnership with Hume Lake, FCA hosted its second of three TEAM Football Camps this past weekend (May 17-19). High school teams and their coaches all participated during this life-changing weekend. Thank you for all your prayers, as there were 76 decisions for Christ, along with 264 bibles distributed among 396 attendees (coaches and athletes)!
Here is a recap video of what happened at Week 1’s camp (May 10-12): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF7I_iqVyPI
Wrestling Camp
There were about 70 kids and 20 parents at the OC FCA Wrestling Clinic on Saturday, May 11. It was led by FCA Urban OC Area Representative Tony Gomez. 35 wrestlers accepted the Lord at this camp. Thank you for all your prayers! Having wrestled both in middle school and one year in high school—I know how tough of a sport it is—it takes a toll on one mentally and physically—as you give everything you have out there on the mat. I personally learned so much about hard work and discipline that correlated directly to my walk with Christ under great coaches and leadership with FCA that instilled these values in me. These wrestling camps are amazing ways to teach kids strong values that are Christ-centered that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Intern Insight
As I embarked on this journey--from Detroit to San Diego—there were a lot of unknowns. This was a huge leap of faith for me—but that’s what the beauty of our faith in Jesus is all about: “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. " – Matthew 17:20. God has taught me a lot so far and I am so excited to see the work He will be doing at these upcoming camps. He is working in my heart, preparing me for the work He has for me this summer and I know He is preparing big things for these camps to transform lives for His Kingdom. My theme verse for this summer is James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look afterorphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
God Bless you all and have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
The mission of FCA:
To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure of a receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.
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UPCOMING CAMPS
June 1 – Conejo Valley Soccer clinic
June 7-9 – Julian Team Wrestling Camp
June 11-13 – Volleyball camp in Costa Mesa
July 5 thru 9 – FCA Camp @ UCLA
July 14 thru 18 – FCA Camp @ UC Davis
[www.FCACAMPS.org]www.FCACAMPS.org
FUNDING UPDATE
You can Click Here to land at the online giving page. Thank you for supporting the mission and vision of FCA.
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Charlie Lapastora
FCA Western Region
Camp Intern
619.905.1800
P. O. Box 1164
Lakeside, CA 92040
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Week 2? Wow.
Wow--it's already almost been 2 weeks since I took off from Detroit...
I just want to say how much I appreciate all your PRAYERS. PLEASE continue to pray for me as God is teaching me each day since I've been here--so many different things about me, about my faith in Him, and about what He wants from me here in So Cal.
I am realizing more and more each day that I truly need Him. Period. My flesh is weak..."Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."-Matthew 26:41
There is nothing good in me. I think we all know this as Christians--that we are all sinners--but it's something else to truly comprehend the amazing grace our God gives us when we call His name. The song by Hillsong: "Like an Avalanche" : "I find myself on my knees again, caught up in grace like an avalanche"...I am learning to fully trust God and not rely on my own strength to 'get by' each day or use my talents for my own glory--but to literally rely on God for everything--not just some aspects of my life. I NEED HIM to use the talents and gifts He has given me to plan these camps this summer, to be a true leader, and as I look towards what I will be doing career-wise. God belongs in every single aspect of my life.
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I just want to say how much I appreciate all your PRAYERS. PLEASE continue to pray for me as God is teaching me each day since I've been here--so many different things about me, about my faith in Him, and about what He wants from me here in So Cal.
I am realizing more and more each day that I truly need Him. Period. My flesh is weak..."Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."-Matthew 26:41
There is nothing good in me. I think we all know this as Christians--that we are all sinners--but it's something else to truly comprehend the amazing grace our God gives us when we call His name. The song by Hillsong: "Like an Avalanche" : "I find myself on my knees again, caught up in grace like an avalanche"...I am learning to fully trust God and not rely on my own strength to 'get by' each day or use my talents for my own glory--but to literally rely on God for everything--not just some aspects of my life. I NEED HIM to use the talents and gifts He has given me to plan these camps this summer, to be a true leader, and as I look towards what I will be doing career-wise. God belongs in every single aspect of my life.
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1)Running spot #detroitmarathon
2)How I get around:the trolley
3)My office space: just put up these pics!!
I am working on organization and planning of the camps so far hoping to manage social media and do interviews/videos as well to promote them.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Address
If any of you would like to write a letter (I love writing letters back and forth--it's really the best)--my address for the summer is:
5645 Lindo Paseo
San Diego, CA 92115
Solitude
I've always felt the need to be DOING SOMETHING. That every second, if I'm not out--that I would be wasting my day away. One of the first biggest lessons God is teaching me on this trip is: Spending quality alone time with God. I honestly can be caught up in always wanting to be out and about, whether that be spending time with others or serving. This past week--where my supervisor is working on stuff for me to do in the office next week (this is a new experience for him having an intern) I have found myself experiencing much alone time. Honestly, this is aggravating because I love people and feel the need to always be around people. But God is slowly showing me so far that I absolutely cannot just skate through devos in the morning right quick or say some quick prayers. He is teaching me the utmost essentials of pouring my heart out to Him and letting Him just come in and explore the deepest desires, fears, and burdens on my heart. I tend to try to do it all on my own--with everything I get myself involved in (as an example: this past semester I was an RA at Oakland University, a Kairos small group leader, a midfielder for our school's lacrosse team, a volunteer basketball coach for Upward Basketball, did sport ministry at Woodside, a regular Lighthouse member, hosted my own radio show...all while trying to maintain a social life and not to mention school!)--through a lot of this--I honestly tried to get by on my own strength. It came to a point where I realized I needed to give this all to our Lord. Jim shared a message about a month ago about how we really need to give God everything in our lives for Him to lead us and this spoke to my heart especially---as this theme started to mold me in my faith.
As I am outside in this beautiful San Diego weather (although I hear Michigan is nice right now, too) , I am wrestling with the fact that solitude is of utmost importance. I am praying that God would give me the strength and discipline to not just open my Bible daily but dig into it--pray specific prayers for people and not just 'get by' with my prayer life. I am realizing that I cannot rush into this summer, count down the days to get back to my home...that I need to give this ALL to God and focus on what He has in store for me...and that He would change lives at these camps. Though my work in the office may seem pointless leading up to the camps at times--that God has a specific purpose for that task...all in helping these camps be throughoughly executed in helping further the Kingdom of God.
A huge theme I learned last summer in Europe with FCA was to absoutely be patient and completely trusting Him. I am a huge people person and the fact that this first week of adjusting, I haven't been recieving clear instruction on what I should be doing-it has turned my focus into quiet time with God. Though this may not seem like a lot to me at first--these times have been enriching and God is preparing my heart. We just need to be still at times amidst the chaos of our lives and soak in everything--LISTEN--to what God is telling us.
Please pray for strength and courage as I continue down this unkown journey...I am moving into a Christian Fraternity house at San Diego State University tomorrow. I will be staying here throughout the summer, aside from the camps I'll be serving at. I also got a trolley card, as this seems to be my primary method of transportation this summer. The dudes in the house seem pretty solid in their faith and there are a lot of house rules to keep us accountable (dry home, no girls past a certain time, etc.)--so that should be good...but as I enter into the week I still have no idea what my exact job is and a part of me wishes I'd be at camps all summer and not just the ones in July. With the free time I do have, I hope to make sincere friendships to have that fellowship while I'm out here to not feel alone. Shout out to all my Lighthouse and Kairos peeps!!! I miss you all and miss the fellowship. No matter what, I know God is always with me and most faithful. Through the hurt I've been through in my life, I know this to be true--that He will never fail me! Again, please pray for courage and strength as I enter these uncharted territories and that I would fully depend on God and the Truth, not my emotions, for true joy and fulfillment as I'm away from home. I have gotten homesick easily--but shout out to Nick, Andy, my mom and dad--and all of my friends who have encouaraged me so far to focus on what God has in store for me this summer and to not look back.
As I am outside in this beautiful San Diego weather (although I hear Michigan is nice right now, too) , I am wrestling with the fact that solitude is of utmost importance. I am praying that God would give me the strength and discipline to not just open my Bible daily but dig into it--pray specific prayers for people and not just 'get by' with my prayer life. I am realizing that I cannot rush into this summer, count down the days to get back to my home...that I need to give this ALL to God and focus on what He has in store for me...and that He would change lives at these camps. Though my work in the office may seem pointless leading up to the camps at times--that God has a specific purpose for that task...all in helping these camps be throughoughly executed in helping further the Kingdom of God.
A huge theme I learned last summer in Europe with FCA was to absoutely be patient and completely trusting Him. I am a huge people person and the fact that this first week of adjusting, I haven't been recieving clear instruction on what I should be doing-it has turned my focus into quiet time with God. Though this may not seem like a lot to me at first--these times have been enriching and God is preparing my heart. We just need to be still at times amidst the chaos of our lives and soak in everything--LISTEN--to what God is telling us.
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Please pray for strength and courage as I continue down this unkown journey...I am moving into a Christian Fraternity house at San Diego State University tomorrow. I will be staying here throughout the summer, aside from the camps I'll be serving at. I also got a trolley card, as this seems to be my primary method of transportation this summer. The dudes in the house seem pretty solid in their faith and there are a lot of house rules to keep us accountable (dry home, no girls past a certain time, etc.)--so that should be good...but as I enter into the week I still have no idea what my exact job is and a part of me wishes I'd be at camps all summer and not just the ones in July. With the free time I do have, I hope to make sincere friendships to have that fellowship while I'm out here to not feel alone. Shout out to all my Lighthouse and Kairos peeps!!! I miss you all and miss the fellowship. No matter what, I know God is always with me and most faithful. Through the hurt I've been through in my life, I know this to be true--that He will never fail me! Again, please pray for courage and strength as I enter these uncharted territories and that I would fully depend on God and the Truth, not my emotions, for true joy and fulfillment as I'm away from home. I have gotten homesick easily--but shout out to Nick, Andy, my mom and dad--and all of my friends who have encouaraged me so far to focus on what God has in store for me this summer and to not look back.
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| Sunday is my favorite day of the week! Went to Skyline Church (left pic) in San Diego this morning and am going to check out the young adult service tonight. The message this morning was on Ephesians 5 and marriage (to be real--it was hard because of how much I long to be married and love my future wife, whoever God has planned for me! But it was a solid sermon and I made sure to be discerning in that the preacher pointed it all back to Jesus--which happened) This spot (middle) is where I've been doing my best to listen to what God has in store for me, my devo spot, as there's the journal, Jesus:Pure and Simple book, and water. Yeah, that happened (right pic). Josh's friend, Jordan, drove me around in this thing. The first thing he said to me when I got in was, "you a city boy?" and "all I got is country music". Haha--good times getting to know this guy a little and obviously he's got a crazy ride--everyone was staring us down in downtown San Diego. |
Yesterday, I officialy registered for the Detroit Free Press Marathon. I will be running as much as I can here and putting 100% into this thing in the morning before my day starts to train for this thing in October. Richard and I are excited to run this full marathon. I am so pumped to see what God can do through Woodside Runners as we raise funds for orphans in India and Thailand. I decided to do this because I don't like running at all and want to accomplish something out of my comfort zone--all with the mindset that we're running for these orphans...it's something I'm not taking lightly...and I think this discipline will be good as it can correlate directly into being disciplined in having that alone time with God and growing not only spiritually on this trip, but mentally and physically as well:
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." -1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Friday, May 17, 2013
Ministry in Various Forms
On Wednesday night, Josh brought me to his church's high school ministry. Their program was set up very similar to WSM's (shout out to Woodside!). There was worship, a message by their youth pastor, and then they broke up into small groups. I sat in on the small group Josh led--a group of freshman boys. A lot of them really opened up and we had a great discussion on 2 Corinthians 12:9 :
Their pastor related it back to the story of Gideon and how he felt like he was too small--but how God used Him in what He thought was his weakness. It was a good discussion on how we may all have these insecurities but to not let that interfere with the trust in God we can have to bring Him glory through it.
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This morning, I went with some of the college church group of Skyline Church to go to downtown San Diego and we served at "God's Helping Hand"--serving meals to the homeless. This was a great experience, seeing how just like in Detroit--there is help needed everywhere. You don't have to look far. From San Diego to Grace Centers of Hope--we can see a need all over.
--oh, and I line danced last night. I'm a dude from Michigan--surrounded by all these cowboys and country girls--doing these line dances like crazy. So-you know me--what did I do? Danced Charlie style in the midst of all that--breaking out with my Thriller-esque/Cali swag District/Will Smith moves. I made it fun.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Day Three: Office.Trust God. Mission:Possible.
So, today I am blessed to say I am surrounded by palm trees, clear skies, and sunny weather. God's creation is truly beautiful--from Michigan trees and Great Lakes to California sunshine. I am excited to explore when I can around here.
I am starting my first real day at the office, as I am working on donations, updating this blog, and getting adjusted to what my internship will look like here. This is a new journey for us here at FCA San Diego--it's their first time doing an internship--they are testing the waters to see how it goes. Brian Schroeder-my supervisor-is the one of the only Camp Directors out of all of FCA, as the UCLA camp in July is the biggest out of all sports camps in America! So, they do need all the help they can get to make these camps run. I am readily looking forward to being a basketball huddle leader htere. For now, we are working through the humps of what this position looks like and are flexible with each other. I know the workload will pick up next week, as I start contacting the coaches (we hire only college and high school coaches, along with professional and former professional athletes to provide a quality athletic experience for the athletes) and parents to make these camps happen. I also know that I will be traveling to various camps/clinics to see how they are run.
Basically, the two main camps we are striving for this year are the Relentless-themed UCLA and UC Davis camps. Here is the link for more info about these camps: http://www.westernregionfcacamps.org/
Please continue to pray for each and every camper, athlete, coach, staff member...that God would use us all for His Kingdom and would bring the campers fired up to either accept Jesus into their hearts for the first time or make a re-commitment to living solely for Jesus and to continue to grow in their faith with Jesus Christ.
It's been a crazy and incredible journey so far--as our FCA Europe team met a California arts-ministry team in the middle of a park in Romania last summer--one of them knowing someone within the FCA organization in California--to me contacting him through Facebook when I got back from Europe--to that FCA guy--Mark Boyer: Vice President of Field Ministry: Western Region (CA, HI, NV) putting me in contact with Brian--to Brian working with me over the phone dating back to December of 2012 over the phone to make this thing happen...and here I am typing from an office in San Diego--letting you know HOW GREAT OUR GOD IS! Knowing absoutely no one coming here, with just a plane ticket--God has used that to hash out the details as I arrived. I have been staying with Josh--a typical Cali dude's family--and will be moving into a Christian Fraternity house next Monday. They already seem like a bunch of solid dudes. Also, they are providing me with a trolley pass to make my way around town. Our God provides.
This has been my theme verse so far:
Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
I have been homesick and my family and best friend have encouraged me through this verse. I know that there are so many unknowns ahead of me--but God is in control and I have nothing to be afraid of. I am doing His Work this summer and can be confident knowing the King of this Universe has got my back.
Oh and I started the seminary class Tuesday night. It's so pump! We are learning how to inductively study the Bible. To look at it at face value-study it in full context. Incredible stuff. Will keep you updated with this as well.
For now, stayin classy in San Diego. Much love from Cali!
This past Sunday at Lighthouse before I left, we sang a song by Crowder--it is one of my theme songs for this summer I am clinging to--lifting my Lord up:
"Here's my heart, Lord...speak what is true"
This has been where I have had the best alone time with God so far--in the backyard of the family's home I am staying in until Monday...doing devotions and journaling, doing my best to get my heart ready for what God has in store for me this summer
So, today I am blessed to say I am surrounded by palm trees, clear skies, and sunny weather. God's creation is truly beautiful--from Michigan trees and Great Lakes to California sunshine. I am excited to explore when I can around here.
I am starting my first real day at the office, as I am working on donations, updating this blog, and getting adjusted to what my internship will look like here. This is a new journey for us here at FCA San Diego--it's their first time doing an internship--they are testing the waters to see how it goes. Brian Schroeder-my supervisor-is the one of the only Camp Directors out of all of FCA, as the UCLA camp in July is the biggest out of all sports camps in America! So, they do need all the help they can get to make these camps run. I am readily looking forward to being a basketball huddle leader htere. For now, we are working through the humps of what this position looks like and are flexible with each other. I know the workload will pick up next week, as I start contacting the coaches (we hire only college and high school coaches, along with professional and former professional athletes to provide a quality athletic experience for the athletes) and parents to make these camps happen. I also know that I will be traveling to various camps/clinics to see how they are run.
Basically, the two main camps we are striving for this year are the Relentless-themed UCLA and UC Davis camps. Here is the link for more info about these camps: http://www.westernregionfcacamps.org/
Please continue to pray for each and every camper, athlete, coach, staff member...that God would use us all for His Kingdom and would bring the campers fired up to either accept Jesus into their hearts for the first time or make a re-commitment to living solely for Jesus and to continue to grow in their faith with Jesus Christ.
It's been a crazy and incredible journey so far--as our FCA Europe team met a California arts-ministry team in the middle of a park in Romania last summer--one of them knowing someone within the FCA organization in California--to me contacting him through Facebook when I got back from Europe--to that FCA guy--Mark Boyer: Vice President of Field Ministry: Western Region (CA, HI, NV) putting me in contact with Brian--to Brian working with me over the phone dating back to December of 2012 over the phone to make this thing happen...and here I am typing from an office in San Diego--letting you know HOW GREAT OUR GOD IS! Knowing absoutely no one coming here, with just a plane ticket--God has used that to hash out the details as I arrived. I have been staying with Josh--a typical Cali dude's family--and will be moving into a Christian Fraternity house next Monday. They already seem like a bunch of solid dudes. Also, they are providing me with a trolley pass to make my way around town. Our God provides.
This has been my theme verse so far:
Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
I have been homesick and my family and best friend have encouraged me through this verse. I know that there are so many unknowns ahead of me--but God is in control and I have nothing to be afraid of. I am doing His Work this summer and can be confident knowing the King of this Universe has got my back.
Oh and I started the seminary class Tuesday night. It's so pump! We are learning how to inductively study the Bible. To look at it at face value-study it in full context. Incredible stuff. Will keep you updated with this as well.
For now, stayin classy in San Diego. Much love from Cali!
This past Sunday at Lighthouse before I left, we sang a song by Crowder--it is one of my theme songs for this summer I am clinging to--lifting my Lord up:
"Here's my heart, Lord...speak what is true"
This has been where I have had the best alone time with God so far--in the backyard of the family's home I am staying in until Monday...doing devotions and journaling, doing my best to get my heart ready for what God has in store for me this summer
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Day One: Mixed Emotions
After flying in to San Diego yesterday, I became pretty sick. My family has been coming down with the stomach flu, so I am guessing I picked some of this up--and it showed as my stomach started hurting on the flight (thank goodness I didn't need to use one of those white bags!) This was a deterrent getting in the way of focusing on what this summer is about to consist of--serving out incredible Lord and Savior-Jesus Christ!
Josh picked me up from the airport--and I am staying with his family, as they have graciously opened their house up to me this week. Waking up at 6 am here on the Pacific Coast (9am Eastern time), I realized how I need to get adjusted to the time difference. My stomach has continued to hurt throughout the day so please keep in your prayers that our Great Physician would heal this bug so that I could continue in this work I am called to do here.
We stopped by the FCA office--to meet the other intern, Chandler--who plays soccer at a Christian university and Brian--who is the Director Camp Operations and will be my direct supervisor. We discussed what my role will look like in the office--which consits of one cubicle and one office space we can call FCA's, admist a construction company who has loaned this space to us. I know as of now I will be in communication with coaches and parents in regards to the camp to help coordinate everything. Even with sharing this small office space, I am 'stoked' (a word commonly used here:the Detroit version of saying "pumped" or "sick") to see the huge things God is going to accomplish within this little space.
My next housing arrangement looks like it's going to be at a Christian Fraternity at San Diego State University. This should be a great experience, being able to room and live with fellow Christian dudes and being a light among their peers at their university.
I am typing this all outside in Josh's backyard on a pool chair in ninety degree weather--I have to do a before and after picture to see how dark I will get. These first couple weeks, they are going to show me around San Diego a bit and maybe even try to get me up on some waves--which should be interesting. I've tried surfing once and let's just say I got a whole record time in of 1.7 seconds standing up until I fell flat on my face.
It was weird waking up in a home with a different family, as thoughts of homesickness started to invaid me. Continue to pray that I would stay focued on the task at hand and what God is trying to show me daily here. I miss and love you all!
Tonight, Josh and I are going to our first class in Inductive Bible Study: http://www.socalsem.edu/academics/degrees/the-college-at-scs/summer-class
I'm pumped for this, as part of my internship includes developing more growth spiritually and Brian is cool with us taking time during our work period to focus on studying for this class. I cannot wait to continue to grow into the man God wants me to become.
I am so excited to see how God is going to use our labour to make these camps incredible all for HIS GLORY.
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