It has been another wonderful week here, and once again I am astounded that another week has passed. The time here goes by ridiculously fast -- I can't describe it, but every week I found myself shocked that the time has once again passed by.
This week has been ... good.
We went to MissionsFest in Vancouver, which was a very new experience. It was encouraging being in a group of thousands of people who are excited about missions, and feel called to spread the Gospel of Christ through the world. There were a ton of great speakers, and I was able to attend some really convicting and inspiring seminars, including Tony Campolo, Marie Ens, and a man named Abraham Bible. And that was actually his name. By the end of the weekend I felt completely exhausted. I guess I was really challenged and forced to think about and face a lot of things in my own life, as well as hearing stories about the injustices going on in our world everyday -- it was enough to tire me out.
One thing that really challenged me, was hearing Tony Campolo speak, he compared the state of the economic meltdown to Babylon in Revelation chapter 18. He challenged us to change our ways, and to stop buying into the ways of the world, but amidst all the chaos, to trust in the Lord, and do what is pleasing to him. I guess I left this feeling firstly like a consumerist, but also having to question myself, when have I done things not because they are going to be comfortable, or normal in the eyes of the world, but solely because they will be pleasing to God?
I was able to spend a lot of time reflecting on that over the weekend, and have been attempting to redefine a lot of the ways I think and follow through with things. We'll see how this goes.
Another really predominant theme of my time at MissionsFest was the country of Cambodia. It was a complete theme of all my sessions and times spent speaking with organizations, and it seemed as if every time I would inquire about something, or go to a session, this country would somehow be a topic. It is such a broken country, and one of the speakers referred to the people there as "sheep without a shepherd". I feel like God is really giving me a heart for this place, and I am excited to see where he takes this.
This Sunday at NewLife I taught the grade 7/8 girls bible study once again, it went well. It was about worry, and I found it so ironic as I anxiously prepared it, and reading it over had me completely calm down, breathe, and take a lesson from the material, as I was going to be teaching the girls "Trust in the Lord with all your heart". That was something I needed to hear. Always. I love how a verse that I have grown up with can suddenly convict me completely as I stress about school work, raising money for India, and our clock that seems to be on fast forward.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
This Friday night the Kaleo's from NewLife are planning the youth for one hundred kids, in a gym. As you can maybe imagine, we are feeling slightly overwhelmed. Prayer would be completely appreciated.
Thank You for reading, and for your prayers,
Blessings Friends!
Love Erin
4 comments:
Dear Erin,
Hello! Thanks for your call on Sunday - I wish we could have talked to you all evening - I will try adn call you tonight.
I appreciate your BLOG this week. Thank you for sharing your experience at Mission Fest. You should contact Jen Singh - my sense is that she is going back to Cambodia.....
Thank you also for your important reminder about Proverbs 3 - to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts. It is a simple concept to 'own' and a pretty easy one to forget on a pretty regular basis. Thanks for sharing this reminder...
Wow, 100 kids for a youth event? What are you guys planning. We will be praying for you.
We love and miss you so much. I hope I can reach you by phone, if not have a great day!
Love Dad
Salut, Erinlee!
Je ne vais pas dire 'Comment vas-tu?' parce que je peux voir que tout va bien, et que tu es dans une 'bonne place' avec le bon Dieu.
I have just been directed to your blog (I'm sure you can guess by whom)this past Sunday and have focused just on this entry. Things sound really good, particularly the realization that you are growing spiritually. That's some exciting times you are having with the Lord!
Isn't the 'Trust in the Lord ... he will direct' reminder a great one? And you know what, even around the half-century age marker it still works. I came home today nagged by ongoing worries, yet after returning a call to a Revenue Canada agent, I received a reprieve that I know only God could have orchestrated!
It is great to read your blog and sense your excitement as you discover more about how God is working in your life. I will add you to my prayers, and check in periodically.
When are you coming back?
Erin,
I directed Lillian to your BLOG - do you know if that is her posting? I don't know a Vicki Cana do you?
Let me know what you find out.
Dad
'Erin's Dad',
Wouldn't you love to know what she finds out! Incidentally, isn't this Erin's blog? Why do YOU need to know the participants? Anyway, I feel I did place a clue in the early part of my response and Erin will eventually realize who Vicki is. [and since I'm not really a fan of technology I won't be on too often. I only came back tonight to see if Erin had 'picked up'my message.]
P.S. Erin, if you are in doubt, here's another clue - Au passe, nous avons fait des 'classes financieres' avec Mme. M a l'eglise. (Can't seem to put the correct accents on words in this venue.)
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