I have nothing to say about today, other than the sheer blessings that I felt from our friends. So many of them came to hang out with us in Stockholm. By the end of the day, when we had dinner, and went bowling, there were like 20 of us together. It was an amazing feeling. They even came back to hang out with us at our place until around midnight. Our good byes were very long, and emotional. I know I'll miss all of them. God has used them all to encourage us and work in us, and in their lives. Thanks for following us, and partnering us, and pray for travel mercies tomorrow.
Oh and did I mention, one of our friends decided to stay the night? :)
Monday, July 16, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
More than just a week.
God has shown me that this camp has been more than just a week for me, and those who have participated. For me, He has used this experience, and my position as a leader, to reach out to the campers and also to bring me to a place where I depend on Him. Through asking questions, I had to think to myself what the answers were for me, in my life. Through teaching, God made me learn. Through serving, He has refreshed my spirit, and revitalized my faith, giving me a greater and greater appreciation for His love, and grace. Only God, in His infinite wisdom and providence, could ever foresee, and plan for this to happen to me, in a place where I needed stronger faith, and conviction.
As camp ends, I pray that everyone takes away more than just a week, that they would learn to put their utmost faith in He who provides for and loves them.
Today was baptism, which was a wondrous occasion to celebrate. I think today was jam packed with tasks, but I was very encouraged at their testimony evening, and worship evening.
As the good byes come tomorrow, I pray that these relationships, the family we have under Christ, will cross borders, and span nations, through a common love for the one God we throw our lives on.
Macklin experiencing some group love :)
Charles and his photobomber. watch out!
sheep
taking down our dinner tents
these sheep were outside the gym hall, where we have worship.
the photographers, pros and noobs.
the candle cross from testimony evening
As camp ends, I pray that everyone takes away more than just a week, that they would learn to put their utmost faith in He who provides for and loves them.
Today was baptism, which was a wondrous occasion to celebrate. I think today was jam packed with tasks, but I was very encouraged at their testimony evening, and worship evening.
As the good byes come tomorrow, I pray that these relationships, the family we have under Christ, will cross borders, and span nations, through a common love for the one God we throw our lives on.
Macklin experiencing some group love :)
Friday, July 13, 2012
It's almost over
Today I was talking to one of our Nordic friends, and we were joking, and enjoying each other's company, and he decided to say "I'm going to miss you man" which really hit me. What if I don't come back? It's sad to think about. There are still a few more days of camp, but he told me, I don't want it to come and hit me all at once at the end, which is true.
The worship team asked me to join them to play guitar during the afternoon set. I happily agreed. They ended up playing my favorite song from this summer, the one that they sing in the 3 languages. Its so powerful, and I found myself singing along in Swedish and Norwegian, and of course English.
I stand in Your presence
Jesus, You are here.
So lovely, so holy
Only you are God
More than a thousand words can say
It is you I love, Lord Jesus
More and more with each new day
God be my life.
I praise God so much for bringing me here, and forging the relationships that I have. I feel so blessed to have the people here in Sweden encouraging me, and as my friends. God is truly the God of all nations. Please pray that as we prepare to leave, these next few days, that we would look more and more for God and His glory; that we would take away so much more than just a fun week meeting new people. Pray that God works in all of us, and not only gives us new perspective, but changes us and molds us to be His people, and His vessels.
Taken at 11:30 pm here
Beautiful sky over Sweden
Our friend trying to knock over a cup with his nose, a feat that is impossible for men to succeed in.
Our friend, a female, trying to do it
Charles trying to roll a coin into a fork
Vernon trying, and getting very close
Our friend trying
A Houston team member trying
Trying to lift a chair, without your butt and heels leaving the wall. Also a task impossible for men.
It's very hard...
He actually ended up getting it once I offered 100 kronor to whoever could do it first.
Houston team member trying
Celebrating our friend's birthday with a lantern.
Watching it fly off into the distance (which we later chased down)
The worship team asked me to join them to play guitar during the afternoon set. I happily agreed. They ended up playing my favorite song from this summer, the one that they sing in the 3 languages. Its so powerful, and I found myself singing along in Swedish and Norwegian, and of course English.
I stand in Your presence
Jesus, You are here.
So lovely, so holy
Only you are God
More than a thousand words can say
It is you I love, Lord Jesus
More and more with each new day
God be my life.
I praise God so much for bringing me here, and forging the relationships that I have. I feel so blessed to have the people here in Sweden encouraging me, and as my friends. God is truly the God of all nations. Please pray that as we prepare to leave, these next few days, that we would look more and more for God and His glory; that we would take away so much more than just a fun week meeting new people. Pray that God works in all of us, and not only gives us new perspective, but changes us and molds us to be His people, and His vessels.
Taken at 11:30 pm here
Charles having some trouble....
Thursday, July 12, 2012
More than a thousand words can say, you're the one I love Lord Jesus.
There's a song they sing here, the one in Swedish, Norwegian, and English, but its just a beautiful, short song, that is very powerful. I sort of learned how to sing it in Swedish. I bring it up because we had a worship/prayer session today, and I really saw God moving some of the participants, and bringing many to tears, and bring them to a point where they needed God. I was so amazed, and I also got to take time to talk to other co-workers. I was thankful for their openness. I talked to one of the people whom I met two days ago, and he was very open and also very kind in talking to me, and also just seeing how I was feeling. Please pray for us as our energy levels feel like their dropping. Also pray for me, as I feel very spiritually energized, but my body is tired, and I feel like I might be spreading a little thin. I pray that God would continue to also bring our groups closer together. Everyday everyone mentions how much progress their group is making, drastic changes from just a few days ago. Please pray that this wouldn't be shallow, but a deep stirring of their hearts to seek after Christ, and that their respective churches/leaders would be able to follow up with them.
Rainbow!
Vernon trying to photobomb the rainbow
Vernon posing with the rainbow
Staged photobomb by Vernon
Guess who played drums for worship today!
Worship team practicing
Energy drink that I'll need tomorrow...
Rainbow!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Dishwasher Safe
Today was eye opening for me. I feel like the messages for the youth are very applicable to my life as well. I had two of my huddles today, and it was great getting to know some of the guys in my group. Today there was this really huge soccer game that Charles got involved in with the Nordic people. You know how competitive Charles can get. Vernon and I did our part to cheer him on whenever he messed up. hehe. Also today was the first time I've had Swedish meatballs in Sweden! I was so excited. I got two plates. Our group bonded while doing the dishes together, and cleaning. I thought it was pretty cool to see us all working together to do the dishes, and do our part. Slowly, but surely, God is working in each of our groups, and each of the members in the group. It's amazing to see His work in this camp. Please pray for health and energy. I've been getting really sore lately, so whenever I cough or sneeze, my sides hurt, so please pray for that. Please pray for the Junior, Youth, and Young Adult camps that God would continue to stir hearts, and also for all those who are leaders. I continue to praise God every day, for all the work He is doing, and I realize that I should praise Him for who He is, not just for what He does.
Morning meetings are tiring...
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Day 2
I'm pretty tired right now, I don't know how long this post will be because I'm laying in bed. Today was a good day. We had our first sessions and group discussions about them. Overall, it was pretty hectic because we were supposed to have a huge bbq for the camp, but it was cancelled due to weather. Continue to pray for each of us and our groups, as we continue to gel, and form relationships with them. So far, the general consensus is that our groups are chill, and are starting to be cool with us, which is great. Continue to pray for Jason Tarn, as he tweaks his sermons as needed, and continues to serve the Nordic Youth through his sermons. Please pray for good rest, as it is hard to sleep through the morning, because the sun rises so early. I think I woke up at 5 today, but it looked like 7, so I couldn't go back to sleep.
Some great things today included some great conversations with some of the Nordic people. I can see that our relationships with them are growing. Also, we had a very moving, and powerful worship/prayer time at the end of the day. It was great to see God working in the participants hearts. Today we also made kites, which I think helped all the groups to gel and have fun together, decorating the kites, and flying them.
The view
Our group's kite
Kite flying
My feet after running through cut grass after it rained...
Some great things today included some great conversations with some of the Nordic people. I can see that our relationships with them are growing. Also, we had a very moving, and powerful worship/prayer time at the end of the day. It was great to see God working in the participants hearts. Today we also made kites, which I think helped all the groups to gel and have fun together, decorating the kites, and flying them.
The view
Monday, July 9, 2012
First Day of Camp!
Today was the first day of Summer Camp with all the participants. We didn't start doing much until late in the day, after dinner. We had a very inspiring and encouraging prayer meeting prior to the opening of camp. I know that a lot of our Nordic friends have found our blog, and a shout out to all of you. We also met afterwards to talk and debrief with the missions team. It was great to meet the youth that are in my group, and play games and just get to know them. Its been a great start to camp, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. I am partnered with a Nordic co-worker, and so is Adrienne. Macklin is partnered with Vernon and Margaret is partnered with Charles. God has truly been faithful to us. I think with some of us, or at least me, I know that I felt a little nervous, and was just anxious to the beginning of the camp so I knew what it would be like, and I was scared to meet my group. God is faithful, and all-knowing. I was so relieved when the group was so nice, and also so friendly to me, a guest at their camp.
You can continue to pray for our team, as each day feels longer, and more tiring. Also please pray for health, and healing for Adrienne, and Vernon who both have foot problems. Adrienne got a pretty bad bug bite. Pray that God will continue to work in this camp, and in each of the workers and participants, and leaders. Please pray that the words of our speakers, Jason Tarn, J.E, Vincent, and Enoch, will be not only refreshing, but convicting, and that God would speak through them mightily.
This was one of the first things we saw moving into our new sleeping area, Solsidan... I don't know how I feel about it... haha
Charles' and My new living space.
Have fun sleeping tonight Vernon!
Map of the camp buildings looks like Legend of Zelda!
The prayer wall in the prayer room
The stage in the gym hall for worship
You can continue to pray for our team, as each day feels longer, and more tiring. Also please pray for health, and healing for Adrienne, and Vernon who both have foot problems. Adrienne got a pretty bad bug bite. Pray that God will continue to work in this camp, and in each of the workers and participants, and leaders. Please pray that the words of our speakers, Jason Tarn, J.E, Vincent, and Enoch, will be not only refreshing, but convicting, and that God would speak through them mightily.
This was one of the first things we saw moving into our new sleeping area, Solsidan... I don't know how I feel about it... haha
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sabbath Day
Today was another great day, but sort of hectic. More participants for the camp arrived today, so there were a few more people to meet. Today was very light in terms of anything we did, because we took it as a day of rest. I feel like we're growing closer to the Nordic local leaders, and really just having fun playing games with them like "the paper game" mafia, "the bread game" and stuff like that. I got to talk to different Christians from the Nordic churches, and it was great to hear their experiences, and also about what their home churches are like. I also was able to talk to one of my new friends from this weekend and express my gratitude for their being welcoming to us, and just being warm and friendly to us, and he responded that he really appreciates us missions teams coming, helping, and being an encouragement to them.
I ask that you pray for unity among our cross cultural team as we come to a half day until camp gets up and running. I also pray for direction, and focus for our missions team as we prepare for what God has in store. Please also pray that we would expect God to work in each and every part of the day, and each and everyone at Summer Camp, even if we do not directly interact with them.
We sang the cool song again today, during devotions. Vernon showed me the name of the song, but now I forget it... Sad... but its such a beautiful song, and I tried to record it today, but my phone froze while trying to. Maybe it's just me, but the worship aspect really hits home. I feel like I've talked to so many different people, and we end up talking about music, and worship bands, songs, and instruments. It is so awesome.
I am pretty tired, and I'm sure the rest of the team is too. Charles and I just got out of an intense game of Mafia with some of the other Nordic people.
Camp starts tomorrow afternoon! Please keep them, and us in your prayers.
One of the birds in Sweden. It's black and white, and I thought it was really cool looking.
Beautiful Nordic Sky.
Above the dining hall, is the room with the view.
Highlight of the day:
A bunch of the Nordic workers, the missions team from Houston, and our missions team spent a good amount of time watching the Wimbledon championship match between Federer and Murray together.
I ask that you pray for unity among our cross cultural team as we come to a half day until camp gets up and running. I also pray for direction, and focus for our missions team as we prepare for what God has in store. Please also pray that we would expect God to work in each and every part of the day, and each and everyone at Summer Camp, even if we do not directly interact with them.
We sang the cool song again today, during devotions. Vernon showed me the name of the song, but now I forget it... Sad... but its such a beautiful song, and I tried to record it today, but my phone froze while trying to. Maybe it's just me, but the worship aspect really hits home. I feel like I've talked to so many different people, and we end up talking about music, and worship bands, songs, and instruments. It is so awesome.
I am pretty tired, and I'm sure the rest of the team is too. Charles and I just got out of an intense game of Mafia with some of the other Nordic people.
Camp starts tomorrow afternoon! Please keep them, and us in your prayers.
One of the birds in Sweden. It's black and white, and I thought it was really cool looking.
Beautiful Nordic Sky.
Above the dining hall, is the room with the view.
Highlight of the day:
A bunch of the Nordic workers, the missions team from Houston, and our missions team spent a good amount of time watching the Wimbledon championship match between Federer and Murray together.
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