Faith within Discouragement

Hey all! Sorry it has been a while since I've really updated on anything. The wireless here hasn't been so hot, and we are kept pretty busy.

This past week has been pretty challenging. I swear I'm probably the first person from Purdue to say it- Summer Project can be hard! Most of us work during the day, where we are trying to be lights to our co-workers, then we come back and usually have some sort of meeting in the evening. Sometimes, we have to help get these meetings ready ourselves. Then there is making dinner and cleaning up afterwards, laundry, random work, and intentionally pursuing the other men and women on the project. It is really easy to wear yourself out here.

However, it has been so good. The Holy Spirit has really been battling bad attitudes and exhaustion within me this past week. With the Lord's help, I'll have the energy to do whatever needs to be done.

So, a couple updates on what I've gotten to do this week:

1. This past weekend, we ministered to people on the beach by playing a game we call Soularium. The way the game works is that we set up about 50 cards, each with a picture of something random (a elderly couple, a tree, a door). Then we ask passerby's questions about the cards. For instance, "which two of these cards best represent your life?" It gives people the ability to start thinking about their life in a whole new way. If people are willing, we also ask some questions about God and the ability to have a relationship with Him. This is our avenue into sharing the gospel with them.

During our time using soularium, it was easy for me to get pretty discouraged. You see, a lot of other groups were having great conversations and people were hearing the gospel. I, myself, was not. In a way, my heart was basically slumped because I wasn't happy with the way the Lord was using me. On top of that, the Lord has really put me in a interesting place at work. Most of the other male workers work the night shift, while I work the morning shift. This has been making it difficult to really work on my ministry at Surf Style. I'm not sure what the Lord's plan is, but I want to trust Him and be faithful!

2. Last night, I got to Emcee our weekly meeting. This meeting is designed to be a recharge for all of us on project. We usually play some sort of goofy game, worship, pray, hear teaching, and enjoy some socializing. Being able to lead it all was such a fun experience! I can't wait to do it again next week!

Thanks again for all your support and prayers! Pray that I am usable for the Lord in His work down in Clearwater!