Well, today I am teaching myself something new. Exciting, right? Yes and no! I always find it exciting to learn something that I previously didn't know how to do, but it's always scary to me to enter into uncharted territory, so to speak. Probably because I don't normally deal with change very well. I'm learning to accept (even embrace!) change in my life, because yes, obviously, life doesn't stop for those who cannot accept change. But sometimes, when forced to accept I DON'T KNOW SOMETHING (very rare, I assure you.. :) ha!) it can be as swift as a punch in the gut. Like the wind getting sucked out of your breath, I often react like whiplash to change- eyes bulging, throat closing, and with some mild anxiety. (I'm also totally dramatic, if you hadn't noticed by now.)
But then afterwards? When you look back on all that hard work and see how far God brought you through that 'something new' and made you stronger, and ultimately more confident? THAT is what I like about change. I like the follow through- the calm AFTER the storm, or sometimes, how inevitablely great your life can change when you just know something new. Sometimes your life changes and enters into even MORE of a whirlwind- because that change you just experienced makes you now even MORE experienced to tackle something new. And all of a sudden, NEW THINGS are flying in front of you, over and over!
Today I'm teaching myself how to write grants. One of the (many) beautiful things about working for a non-profit is that somewhere, somehow, SOMEONE is always looking to give out money. Non-profits work for the people and are supported by the people, and often, this can be detrimental to specific causes these organizations are trying to implement. It can be so limiting to know you want to do SO MUCH GOOD, but you are limited by money. I've been learning recently that if you look in tiny corners of small private organizations or large openings at bigger companies, that there are TONS of opportunities for organizations like Christian Endeavor - Mid Atlantic to benefit from someone's generosity.
I have never written a grant in my life. Sitting down to tackle this task is GINORMOUS, and actually, kinda scary. Knowing that the end result of what I produce is going to be read by people who dictate where good, generous money goes is daunting. So this morning, I did have a minor panic attack. (Probably didn't help that I had about three too many cups of coffee...) Because I felt unqualified.
Then I reminded myself that I'm NOT unqualified. While I might not have any direct experience in writing grants, I KNOW Christian Endeavor. I know the passion that you can just FEEL when you walk into the office doors- literally, you can just feel the excitement that everyone who works here has for teenagers and young adults learning to be leaders for Christ. And if I can portray even an iota of that feeling?
We're going places, and I'm excited you've jumped on for the ride. Tell me: what have you done recently that you didn't think you could do?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Fall into Christian Endeavor
Hey there! I'm currently hanging out at my college's library, trying to get some work done as I wait for 5pm, when I have to go to an Etiquette Dinner for my 'Almost a professional but not quite' class. Supposedly, this is a great event that everyone loves; I'm just frustrated I have to rearrange my schedule! Anyone else get into a groove & then get frustrated when it's messed up? I'm a total schedule-nerd, so I always do. (Plus, House is on tonight..) :)
Anyway, onto a little housecleaning..
Anybody looking for a job? CE is currently looking to 'hire' some outspoken people to make some phone calls for us. Remember how I said we made calls the other week @ Dave's church in Ephrata to followup on some postcards we sent out? Well, between the five of us, we made about 500 calls that day. TOTAL, we have about 7,000 calls to make- needless to say, we are in need of some callers! Basically, we need interested people to make phone calls for us during daytime normal work hours- anytime between 8-2pm is when you're likely to 'catch' a pastor at the desk. (Although we ARE calling many youth pastors, whose hours tend to gravitate later & later!) CE will pay $0.50 if you leave a message on an answering machine or leave a message with a secretary, and $0.75 if you talk to a real person (yes, i know, as opposed to a fake person..). If you are interested in making some phone calls out (& earning some extra cash), send me an email @ lstauffer (at) pachristianendeavor (dot) org. Or you can call me at the office- 610 369 0207.
Happy Tuesday :)
Anyway, onto a little housecleaning..
Anybody looking for a job? CE is currently looking to 'hire' some outspoken people to make some phone calls for us. Remember how I said we made calls the other week @ Dave's church in Ephrata to followup on some postcards we sent out? Well, between the five of us, we made about 500 calls that day. TOTAL, we have about 7,000 calls to make- needless to say, we are in need of some callers! Basically, we need interested people to make phone calls for us during daytime normal work hours- anytime between 8-2pm is when you're likely to 'catch' a pastor at the desk. (Although we ARE calling many youth pastors, whose hours tend to gravitate later & later!) CE will pay $0.50 if you leave a message on an answering machine or leave a message with a secretary, and $0.75 if you talk to a real person (yes, i know, as opposed to a fake person..). If you are interested in making some phone calls out (& earning some extra cash), send me an email @ lstauffer (at) pachristianendeavor (dot) org. Or you can call me at the office- 610 369 0207.
Happy Tuesday :)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Blind leading the Blind
Ever do something that afterwards you want to smack your head in (a) embarassment or (b) horror that you actually did what you did? I tend to do this often; I fly by the seat of my pants in most of my life experiences, and usually suffer the embarassing consequences. And then to make matters worse, I normally go and tell people what happened. (I KNOW I KNOW- WHY would I do such a thing?)
So yesterday Mark was at the home office, preparing some Life Builders materials with Sam. We decided to grab some lunch out, and proceeded to hit the local Chinese Buffet. The food was okay (I'd much prefer Mexican, but beggers can't be choosers, eh?) and certainly didn't help my 'eat healthy life attitude.. or until I get married' mantra I've been following for the past couple months, but the conversation was nice, as was the company. During lunch, I was snapping pictures with my phone so I could document what we were doing. I know most of the team thinks it's unneccessary the amount of pictures I take during 'just' downtime, but to me, I like chronicling things. I'm a packrat, a picture junkie, and candids are my favorite. :)
Anyway, during this picture-taking adventure, I tried to snap one of Mark eating. Mark had just finished describing the 'way to eat @ buffets' (eat the most expensive items, skip the carbs- cheap to make- all in all, the way to GET YOUR MONIES WORTH AT BUFFETS. If I didn't know better, Mark would be PA Dutch to me...) and I was zooming in on Mark's face. As I snapped the picture, all of a sudden MARK'S EYE is right at the camera. I had forgotten, but the flash on my Blackberry is like a thousand Christmas lights going off. AT ONCE. As Mark screamed in pain (and Colleen, Sam, and I doubled over with laughter) I sputteringly described the Blackberry's powerful flash. Mark begin to describe himself as blind.. ushering in a plethora of jokes and stories.
I then proceeded to tell mine. (Which, btw, I can't believe I didn't mention on here. Probably because it's SO DANG EMBARASSING). The other day @ school, I was walking to my Spanish class--most likely texting and walking, totally dangerous, don't let anyone fool you!--and I noticed a female student walking with a cane, who appeared to be blind. I moved out of her way, as she looked like she was trying to figure out where she was going, and was extremely surprised when she put her cane IN FRONT of my feet and proceeded to ask me where the Early Learning Center was. For the life of me, I HAD NO IDEA what she was talking about, because as I commute to school I try to learn only the absolute tiniest about the campus- where I need to go for class, books, computers, and coffee, thankyouverymuch. :)
I apologized as I told her that, and turned to walk away, when she grabbed my arm and asked me if I could walk her towards the library. AND THEN IT HAPPENED. I then took hold of this woman's hand, turned her to her left, and said "Oh, it's right here- if you LOOK about fifty feet in front of you, you'll see it." YEP THAT'S RIGHT- I told a BLIND PERSON to LOOK. The woman started laughing at me as I began to profusely start apologizing, and she reassured me that it was fine. I told her that while I had NO idea where she wanted to go, we could walk togetherto find it.
Eventually, we found the building (it was right next to my classroom's building, coincidentally), and I walked this woman to the door. NOT BEFORE I forgot to mention that WATCH OUT, new blind friend, there's a giant grate on the pavement that you could trip over! (I need to take a class about disabilities, I KNOW I KNOW). It was so mortifying to realize I could be unknowing about a person who has a disability. Definitely speaks to how much I have to learn about culture/people that are not like me.
So tell me: what was your most recent embarassing moment?
So yesterday Mark was at the home office, preparing some Life Builders materials with Sam. We decided to grab some lunch out, and proceeded to hit the local Chinese Buffet. The food was okay (I'd much prefer Mexican, but beggers can't be choosers, eh?) and certainly didn't help my 'eat healthy life attitude.. or until I get married' mantra I've been following for the past couple months, but the conversation was nice, as was the company. During lunch, I was snapping pictures with my phone so I could document what we were doing. I know most of the team thinks it's unneccessary the amount of pictures I take during 'just' downtime, but to me, I like chronicling things. I'm a packrat, a picture junkie, and candids are my favorite. :)
Anyway, during this picture-taking adventure, I tried to snap one of Mark eating. Mark had just finished describing the 'way to eat @ buffets' (eat the most expensive items, skip the carbs- cheap to make- all in all, the way to GET YOUR MONIES WORTH AT BUFFETS. If I didn't know better, Mark would be PA Dutch to me...) and I was zooming in on Mark's face. As I snapped the picture, all of a sudden MARK'S EYE is right at the camera. I had forgotten, but the flash on my Blackberry is like a thousand Christmas lights going off. AT ONCE. As Mark screamed in pain (and Colleen, Sam, and I doubled over with laughter) I sputteringly described the Blackberry's powerful flash. Mark begin to describe himself as blind.. ushering in a plethora of jokes and stories.
I then proceeded to tell mine. (Which, btw, I can't believe I didn't mention on here. Probably because it's SO DANG EMBARASSING). The other day @ school, I was walking to my Spanish class--most likely texting and walking, totally dangerous, don't let anyone fool you!--and I noticed a female student walking with a cane, who appeared to be blind. I moved out of her way, as she looked like she was trying to figure out where she was going, and was extremely surprised when she put her cane IN FRONT of my feet and proceeded to ask me where the Early Learning Center was. For the life of me, I HAD NO IDEA what she was talking about, because as I commute to school I try to learn only the absolute tiniest about the campus- where I need to go for class, books, computers, and coffee, thankyouverymuch. :)
I apologized as I told her that, and turned to walk away, when she grabbed my arm and asked me if I could walk her towards the library. AND THEN IT HAPPENED. I then took hold of this woman's hand, turned her to her left, and said "Oh, it's right here- if you LOOK about fifty feet in front of you, you'll see it." YEP THAT'S RIGHT- I told a BLIND PERSON to LOOK. The woman started laughing at me as I began to profusely start apologizing, and she reassured me that it was fine. I told her that while I had NO idea where she wanted to go, we could walk togetherto find it.
Eventually, we found the building (it was right next to my classroom's building, coincidentally), and I walked this woman to the door. NOT BEFORE I forgot to mention that WATCH OUT, new blind friend, there's a giant grate on the pavement that you could trip over! (I need to take a class about disabilities, I KNOW I KNOW). It was so mortifying to realize I could be unknowing about a person who has a disability. Definitely speaks to how much I have to learn about culture/people that are not like me.
So tell me: what was your most recent embarassing moment?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Website Review
Well yesterday's website review is now today- I should be more mindful of keeping Website Wednesday actually on Wednesday, but well, life is life. REGARDLESS today's website is actually more of an IDEA- there are tons of websites that deal with the issue I'm just going to briefly talk about today, but I did manage to find one that's non-partisan (non-political). What I'm going to talk about? Is voting, and how IMPORTANT it is!
I know everyone that reads this is not old enough to vote, but for the people who end up on this blog and are, I just want to let you know how important I think you should take this election. This blog is in no way a political platform for me, or Christian Endeavor, or anyone I work with- really it's more for ME to let YOU know about what I've been working or thinking/talking with other people about. That's why there is the ability for me to jump from such topics as Free Workshops, and fall & apples, and Work Camp to (what can be) such a touchy subject like voting.
I'm definitely not here to tell you what you should think. Because seriously? I'm pretty certain that everyone reading this blog is already made up of individual thought. That's the beauty of intelligent conversation- the ability for us all to come together with ideas and feelings; while we don't necessarily always agree, it's cool to hear different things. Do I think you should believe what I believe? No way, jose- because sometimes, when it comes to politics, don't you just reach that point where YOU don't even know what you believe? Especially now, in this climate of uncertainty before the election in November- while I think it's so important for everyone to GET OUT AND VOTE, I certainly understand if you're feeling apathetic- I know I am. (STOP with the commericals and fake phone calls, candidates: I'm not going to vote for you anymore than I normally would, just because you won't go away!).
So I'd like to challenge you: whether you are a McCainnonite or you've jumped on the Obamabus (or perhaps you prefer to stay more Independant), get out and vote. Tell your friends to get out and vote. Make sure your parents are voting. Talk with you coworkers about the importance of voting. Because if YOU don't stand up and have a voice? I don't want to hear you complaining for the next four years.
Check out presidentalelection.com. From this site it will take you to any state's statistics on voting- when your last day to register to vote is, how to register to vote, etc. If you're rooting for one specific candidate, there's places where you can go online for that too- since I'm keepin' it non-partisian, I'd suggest doing a GoodSearch search for places to register with a specific party. (But make sure you have PA Christian Endeavor in the 'search for' box!).
Happy voting!
I know everyone that reads this is not old enough to vote, but for the people who end up on this blog and are, I just want to let you know how important I think you should take this election. This blog is in no way a political platform for me, or Christian Endeavor, or anyone I work with- really it's more for ME to let YOU know about what I've been working or thinking/talking with other people about. That's why there is the ability for me to jump from such topics as Free Workshops, and fall & apples, and Work Camp to (what can be) such a touchy subject like voting.
I'm definitely not here to tell you what you should think. Because seriously? I'm pretty certain that everyone reading this blog is already made up of individual thought. That's the beauty of intelligent conversation- the ability for us all to come together with ideas and feelings; while we don't necessarily always agree, it's cool to hear different things. Do I think you should believe what I believe? No way, jose- because sometimes, when it comes to politics, don't you just reach that point where YOU don't even know what you believe? Especially now, in this climate of uncertainty before the election in November- while I think it's so important for everyone to GET OUT AND VOTE, I certainly understand if you're feeling apathetic- I know I am. (STOP with the commericals and fake phone calls, candidates: I'm not going to vote for you anymore than I normally would, just because you won't go away!).
So I'd like to challenge you: whether you are a McCainnonite or you've jumped on the Obamabus (or perhaps you prefer to stay more Independant), get out and vote. Tell your friends to get out and vote. Make sure your parents are voting. Talk with you coworkers about the importance of voting. Because if YOU don't stand up and have a voice? I don't want to hear you complaining for the next four years.
Check out presidentalelection.com. From this site it will take you to any state's statistics on voting- when your last day to register to vote is, how to register to vote, etc. If you're rooting for one specific candidate, there's places where you can go online for that too- since I'm keepin' it non-partisian, I'd suggest doing a GoodSearch search for places to register with a specific party. (But make sure you have PA Christian Endeavor in the 'search for' box!).
Happy voting!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Hello, my friends. Happy first day of October! I realize the 'offical' first day of fall was the other day, but Autumn always seems more real once it is October First. Currently, I am in apple-overload- I just can't get enough apple-y goodness. I've been eating macintosh apples for breakfast lunch & dinner it seems, eating apple cider (warmed up with ginger snaps? YUM) & if I get a chance this weekend, I'd like to make some apple dumplings. I'm that PA Dutch girl at heart, and right now if it combines apples + whatever, I'm into it. What's your favorite fall thing? I stopped at a roadside stand on my way to last night's workshop and picked up a few mum's for my soon-to-be house; WOW- those flowers brighten up any doorstep! Flowers and apples... could be worse for me, I suppose.
Speaking of last night, if you weren't able to make it out to Ephrata- WOW, you missed out big time, my friends! Dave's Workshop ("The Five Youth Ministry Trends that are Killing the Church") was phenomenal, and I am happy to say that I can say that for a fact- I'm not just endorsing because I work here, I'm speaking from been there done that, friends. The information presented last night was organized in such a way that it is easy to feel discouraged in the midst of hearing sad statistics- statistics that describe failing families, unmotivated youth, and falling-apart youth groups. The great thing about this workshop is that there is NO WAY you can leave NOT feeling motivated- Dave's examples, the ability for people to network and communicate with peers & fellow leaders, and take-away resources gleaned from the whole night just scream ways that your youth ministry can begin to grow, thrive, and STOP killing the church as you become an integral PART of the church. It was so great for me to hear this- after doing some research for Dave, it was awesome to hear the presentation delivered as a whole, and I know that everyone there was really receptive to the ideas presented.
If you are not signed up for the FINAL presentation of this calendar year, mark your datebooks now for OCTOBER 7 in GLASSBORO, NEW JERSEY. (Check the web to signup!). Also, it has just been announced that this same workshop will be presented in the Spring 2009- I'll be sure to let you know dates, times, and places as soon as I find that info out.
Yesterday Colleen, Sam, & I emptied out the Work Camp trailer. Let me tell you this much- I work out almost daily, and even still- WOW are my arms sore this morning! After unloading, we organized & took inventory as we prepared for the upcoming Fall & Spring Workcamps. We are so excited for these events- will you pray with us as we expand our young adult-focused work camps? Even better- will you join us for a week/end?
In other news, applications will soon be available to young adults to apply for the Life Builders Work Camp Internships. We are looking to expand this area from 1 to SIX interns this summer- check the web, and of course here, for news on when these application packets will be come available.
Have a good day!
Speaking of last night, if you weren't able to make it out to Ephrata- WOW, you missed out big time, my friends! Dave's Workshop ("The Five Youth Ministry Trends that are Killing the Church") was phenomenal, and I am happy to say that I can say that for a fact- I'm not just endorsing because I work here, I'm speaking from been there done that, friends. The information presented last night was organized in such a way that it is easy to feel discouraged in the midst of hearing sad statistics- statistics that describe failing families, unmotivated youth, and falling-apart youth groups. The great thing about this workshop is that there is NO WAY you can leave NOT feeling motivated- Dave's examples, the ability for people to network and communicate with peers & fellow leaders, and take-away resources gleaned from the whole night just scream ways that your youth ministry can begin to grow, thrive, and STOP killing the church as you become an integral PART of the church. It was so great for me to hear this- after doing some research for Dave, it was awesome to hear the presentation delivered as a whole, and I know that everyone there was really receptive to the ideas presented.
If you are not signed up for the FINAL presentation of this calendar year, mark your datebooks now for OCTOBER 7 in GLASSBORO, NEW JERSEY. (Check the web to signup!). Also, it has just been announced that this same workshop will be presented in the Spring 2009- I'll be sure to let you know dates, times, and places as soon as I find that info out.
Yesterday Colleen, Sam, & I emptied out the Work Camp trailer. Let me tell you this much- I work out almost daily, and even still- WOW are my arms sore this morning! After unloading, we organized & took inventory as we prepared for the upcoming Fall & Spring Workcamps. We are so excited for these events- will you pray with us as we expand our young adult-focused work camps? Even better- will you join us for a week/end?
In other news, applications will soon be available to young adults to apply for the Life Builders Work Camp Internships. We are looking to expand this area from 1 to SIX interns this summer- check the web, and of course here, for news on when these application packets will be come available.
Have a good day!
Monday, September 29, 2008
It's Arrived!
Hey gang. Just wanted to let you know that Matthew Paul Turner's new book arrived on my doorstep late last week, and I'm finally getting around to perusing it- and WOW! It's typical MPT- humor and sensitivity rolled into one heck of a brilliant story about growing up fundamentalist. I'm so excited to finish it- and to remind you that we will be giving away one free (hardback) copy during the week of October 13-17, which is the same week I'll post my review. I'm so excited for you guys to have a chance to win it- I promise I'll think of a cool way you all can win it! Matthew's book is available through many retailers for purchase, so if you want, click here to preorder his book from Amazon. (Or wait two weeks & get it FOR FREE!)
In other news from around here, I was working out of the office Thursday & Friday with limited time for the Internet, so that's why it's been pretty silent over here recently! Thursday, our whole team traveled to Ephrata where we made calls allllll day trying to generate more buzz about 2009's work camps. We sent out a number of postcards a little over a month ago, and now are doing some followup to see if they actually worked. So, if you've ever participated in the Phone-a-Thon (fundraising opportunity where teens call people to raise money for CE- been there done that many years as a jr high/high schooler!) then you know what I'm talking about- a day spent at the phones is not exactly the most exciting of days, but it is worthwhile to make some networking contacts. It was also a nice day to hang out with Sam, Colleen, Mark, and Dave. We even took a break for lunch and headed to the Ephrata Fair, where I got to sample the locals rave about during Fair Week- a grilled cheese hamburger. All I can say is- YUM!
Mark, calling from his hands-free headset. (Such a smart idea!)
In other news from around here, I was working out of the office Thursday & Friday with limited time for the Internet, so that's why it's been pretty silent over here recently! Thursday, our whole team traveled to Ephrata where we made calls allllll day trying to generate more buzz about 2009's work camps. We sent out a number of postcards a little over a month ago, and now are doing some followup to see if they actually worked. So, if you've ever participated in the Phone-a-Thon (fundraising opportunity where teens call people to raise money for CE- been there done that many years as a jr high/high schooler!) then you know what I'm talking about- a day spent at the phones is not exactly the most exciting of days, but it is worthwhile to make some networking contacts. It was also a nice day to hang out with Sam, Colleen, Mark, and Dave. We even took a break for lunch and headed to the Ephrata Fair, where I got to sample the locals rave about during Fair Week- a grilled cheese hamburger. All I can say is- YUM!
Mark, calling from his hands-free headset. (Such a smart idea!)
Sam making calls.
Dave making calls.
Dave & a friend @ the Fair.
Sam, Mark, & my soon-to-be hubby talking & eating.
(Mark got icecream and it was SOOOO cold!)
Have a good one, everyone!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Missions-minded
What do you think of when you think of missionaries? Growing up as a Christian kid in church, I often thought missionaries were people who traveled to exotic places to spread the word of Jesus by BEING His hands & feet. I never really thought of myself as a missionary doing work within the United States- I mean, seriously? I wasn't exactly eating weird food (minus tons of pb&j on the work site!) or sleeping under the stars or needing shots before I left on my missions trips with Christian Endeavor. Because that's what we automatically assume MISSIONS means, right?
While that was kinda sarcastic, that IS what I used to think. The role of missions in my mind has changed from the stereotypical 'travel the globe' to an understanding that YES, I can be doing missions in my own backyard- if I'm getting up to witness and help and jump out of my comfort zone just a little? Then I'm doing what God wants me to be doing. He might not ask me to be a globe-trotter (not the basketball team!) but he IS asking me to give up some part of my life--like a Saturday when I COULD be sleeping or cleaning or relaxing--and help out some new friends in Allentown. Or perhaps he wants me to give up my cup-a-day coffee habit and sponser a Compassion child. OR MAYBE he just wants me to tell my friends I'm praying for them, and then ACTUALLY do it. Missions no longer means leaving the country- what do you think?
But for some people, God has called them to leave the country. I've decided to devote today's 'Website Wednesday' to my dear friend Karen, who is preparing to travel to Japan for about 3 months to be a missionary. Now, Karen is probably one of the most interesting friends I have. A graduate of Messiah College in 07', I often think of Karen as a wandering spirit. Upon graduation, Karen decided that God was calling her to the missions field- and she prepared to travel to Honduras with a small group. She spent a couple months training in Harrisburg--learning what she would be doing & about the customs of Honduras--and then went to Honduras for about nine months. She has since made two trips back--once to lead a missions group on her own, and once to meet her boyfriend, Mike, whom she met on her first trip down--and now is making the treck to Japan, where she spent a semester abroad in college.
Karen's trip to Japan will not be as much of a structured missionary like as in Honduras- she will be teaching English to Japanese students, and has recently been taking classes on HOW to teach. I'm linking Karen's blog today because I KNOW I am excited to hear what she will be doing in Japan, and I want YOU to be excited about it too! It's important that as Christians, we support our friends in their endeavors- and if you've ever attended a Christian Endeavor event, I'm sure you've met Karen, or her sister Beth. (They're just fabulous people- but I AM slightly biased!)
Not only that, but Karen writes extremely detailed emails, which she will now be doing on the blog, so I encourage you to check it out often. When she was in Honduras, I learned SO MUCH about the culture, the people she was helping, etc- I know this time will be just as informative! So check out Karen's blog--it will be on the list that's on the right hand side of this blog, where I post all the blogs & websites I recommend each Wednesday--and let's learn about her trips together, okay?
I've got a few other blogs I'd like to recommend to you today, but I forgot my list next to my personal computer at home. I'll link them later on tonight, hopefully. While you're waiting, I'd like to hear your recommendations. What site to you automatically turn every day? I know I check Facebook every morning, sometimes before I check the weather or do my devos. (Shameful, I know. But I'm all about honestly, people!) What abouut you?
Leave me a comment & let me know. :)
While that was kinda sarcastic, that IS what I used to think. The role of missions in my mind has changed from the stereotypical 'travel the globe' to an understanding that YES, I can be doing missions in my own backyard- if I'm getting up to witness and help and jump out of my comfort zone just a little? Then I'm doing what God wants me to be doing. He might not ask me to be a globe-trotter (not the basketball team!) but he IS asking me to give up some part of my life--like a Saturday when I COULD be sleeping or cleaning or relaxing--and help out some new friends in Allentown. Or perhaps he wants me to give up my cup-a-day coffee habit and sponser a Compassion child. OR MAYBE he just wants me to tell my friends I'm praying for them, and then ACTUALLY do it. Missions no longer means leaving the country- what do you think?
But for some people, God has called them to leave the country. I've decided to devote today's 'Website Wednesday' to my dear friend Karen, who is preparing to travel to Japan for about 3 months to be a missionary. Now, Karen is probably one of the most interesting friends I have. A graduate of Messiah College in 07', I often think of Karen as a wandering spirit. Upon graduation, Karen decided that God was calling her to the missions field- and she prepared to travel to Honduras with a small group. She spent a couple months training in Harrisburg--learning what she would be doing & about the customs of Honduras--and then went to Honduras for about nine months. She has since made two trips back--once to lead a missions group on her own, and once to meet her boyfriend, Mike, whom she met on her first trip down--and now is making the treck to Japan, where she spent a semester abroad in college.
Karen's trip to Japan will not be as much of a structured missionary like as in Honduras- she will be teaching English to Japanese students, and has recently been taking classes on HOW to teach. I'm linking Karen's blog today because I KNOW I am excited to hear what she will be doing in Japan, and I want YOU to be excited about it too! It's important that as Christians, we support our friends in their endeavors- and if you've ever attended a Christian Endeavor event, I'm sure you've met Karen, or her sister Beth. (They're just fabulous people- but I AM slightly biased!)
Not only that, but Karen writes extremely detailed emails, which she will now be doing on the blog, so I encourage you to check it out often. When she was in Honduras, I learned SO MUCH about the culture, the people she was helping, etc- I know this time will be just as informative! So check out Karen's blog--it will be on the list that's on the right hand side of this blog, where I post all the blogs & websites I recommend each Wednesday--and let's learn about her trips together, okay?
I've got a few other blogs I'd like to recommend to you today, but I forgot my list next to my personal computer at home. I'll link them later on tonight, hopefully. While you're waiting, I'd like to hear your recommendations. What site to you automatically turn every day? I know I check Facebook every morning, sometimes before I check the weather or do my devos. (Shameful, I know. But I'm all about honestly, people!) What abouut you?
Leave me a comment & let me know. :)
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