Jesus Filter
It was by far the hottest day of the week; temperatures got up to 97 (feels like 100+) with additional 30-40% humidity. Luckily Golf and Echo finished early in the day. Echo came back to the church and worked on a project for operation Christmas child after lunch. Golf finished early afternoon and then went to Dairy Queen to cool off until they were allowed to come back to the church. Steve (the head construction coordinator) made sure to take Autumn to a special mural in Charlotte; one he knew she would love...and she did! Charlie/Delta worked hard and fast in the morning with just the ridge to finish after lunch; they finished around 3:15 to head back to the church. Showers were definitely needed today!
At service tonight Justin reiterated what he had shared this week about looking through our Jesus filter and doing what Jesus did. We read John 4:4-26, 39-42; it's important to remember that Jesus was a Jew and Jews don't talk to Samaritans. In fact, Jews would take an extra 2-3 days to go around Samaria rather than through Samaria...Jews were "better". But, Jesus intentionally went into Samaria, to the well. He went during a time of day when anyone who wanted to go to the well without seeing other people would go; hence the outcast Samaritan woman being there. But Jesus didn't do what Jews do, Jesus did what Jesus does - He talked to her. Justin said to imagine that you are a cup of living water. You know people whose cup doesn't have anything in it. It is your job to pour out your cup so they can fill theirs; in doing so, yours will be re-filled. Who is that one person in your life that comes to mind when asked "Who do you need to share Christ with?". We're all surrounded by people who need Christ daily, but who is the main person that pops in your mind...do what Jesus did - pour out your cup.
Why would we choose to try to do life on our own when we can do it with Jesus?! As a result, all the things people say about us as Christians...worth it. All the struggles...worth it. If we're going to follow someone in life, we should follow Jesus. When we follow Jesus, our filter will become more of a Jesus filter.
We had a last huddle with our squad to say "goodbye", "good job", and exchange contact information. Then we had a party! We had a big celebration to recognize everything we did and spend some time worshiping together and having fun before we pack-up and leave tomorrow.
During devotions we shared about what a great week and celebration we had. Throughout the week when one of us got frustrated, discouraged, or began having negative thoughts another member would simply say "Jesus Filter" to help us realign our sight and view. Despite the heat, it really was a great week. It was so good to watch our youth represent the church and Christ with such heart and dedication while still taking time to develop their own faith. Watching the youth worship with hands held high and sing with smiles on their faces at night warms my heart...it gives me hope for our future.
Below are the biggest take-aways for the week from our group:
At service tonight Justin reiterated what he had shared this week about looking through our Jesus filter and doing what Jesus did. We read John 4:4-26, 39-42; it's important to remember that Jesus was a Jew and Jews don't talk to Samaritans. In fact, Jews would take an extra 2-3 days to go around Samaria rather than through Samaria...Jews were "better". But, Jesus intentionally went into Samaria, to the well. He went during a time of day when anyone who wanted to go to the well without seeing other people would go; hence the outcast Samaritan woman being there. But Jesus didn't do what Jews do, Jesus did what Jesus does - He talked to her. Justin said to imagine that you are a cup of living water. You know people whose cup doesn't have anything in it. It is your job to pour out your cup so they can fill theirs; in doing so, yours will be re-filled. Who is that one person in your life that comes to mind when asked "Who do you need to share Christ with?". We're all surrounded by people who need Christ daily, but who is the main person that pops in your mind...do what Jesus did - pour out your cup.
Why would we choose to try to do life on our own when we can do it with Jesus?! As a result, all the things people say about us as Christians...worth it. All the struggles...worth it. If we're going to follow someone in life, we should follow Jesus. When we follow Jesus, our filter will become more of a Jesus filter.
We had a last huddle with our squad to say "goodbye", "good job", and exchange contact information. Then we had a party! We had a big celebration to recognize everything we did and spend some time worshiping together and having fun before we pack-up and leave tomorrow.
During devotions we shared about what a great week and celebration we had. Throughout the week when one of us got frustrated, discouraged, or began having negative thoughts another member would simply say "Jesus Filter" to help us realign our sight and view. Despite the heat, it really was a great week. It was so good to watch our youth represent the church and Christ with such heart and dedication while still taking time to develop their own faith. Watching the youth worship with hands held high and sing with smiles on their faces at night warms my heart...it gives me hope for our future.
Below are the biggest take-aways for the week from our group:
- Having a different view on how to see people
- Talk to people I don't like
- Jesus Filter
- I have a purpose in this world, and God has it taken care of for me
- Use your Jesus filter, tell yourself you matter every morning.
- God made us all unique. He gave us our flaws for a reason.
The best parts of our week:
- Working with an awesome crew that surprised me with having open arms all week. Made me remember why I go on mission trips every year.
- The last night's service and Wednesday night fun time.
- Last night's service, tonight's celebration, and the FOOD :)
- Songs, roofing, getting new friends
- Seeing the mural
- Meeting new people, and nailing shingles
Another successful year is in the books; 157 participants, 12 crews, 8 churches completed Mission Serve Charlotte 2017. As we come home we will be working to keep our Jesus filter aligned and focused rather than the filter of the world.
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