Summer Recap (From my Prayer Letter)

It has been awhile since I wrote my last letter updating what has been going on with the ministry. Since, I have wrapped up the year at the University of Oregon, prepared for and went on a mission trip to SE Asia, and lastly now I am transitioning from ministry at the University of Oregon to helping current and new ministries up in Seattle.

Last weeks at the University of Oregon
The school year ended all so quickly. The last thing I remembered was helping the students plan for the NW Sprummer Retreat with all the Epic ministries in the NW this past Memorial Day weekend. The sum of all the fun from worshipping together, singing and laughing around the campfire, unforgettable conversations, and other stuff doesn’t even measure to what God did that weekend.

The biggest thing that I was praying for during the retreat was that students would have a desire to follow in faith. Some of my students prior to the retreat had doubts about their faith, feeling unfit to serve. After the retreat I was able to sit down and process with them about their thoughts. I couldn’t ask for more when I saw a new change in them, a gained confidence in their faith as they shared with much enthusiasm of the things they are praying for this coming school year.

Southeast Asia Mission Trip
This was by far one of my busiest summers in a long time. From moving out of my apartment in Eugene, my brother getting married, and then going on to SE Asia for a mission trip. Going to SE Asia was an amazing experience. Including myself, there were 3 staff and 5 students. While there is so much that I could share about our trip, in summary we went there with two intentions. First was to share the Gospel to students on the college campus; and second was to see the lives of the five students that we brought along with us transformed.

Between the eight of us, we ended up developing relationships with about 30 students. We met up with them on a frequent basis and shared our culture, interest and values. Through those conversations, we were able to share why Jesus Christ played such an essential role in our lives. Four of them verbally declared Christ as their savior while we were there, and we’re still praying that the local ministries that we partnered up with are able to continue following up with all the friends we met over there.

For me to watch the miracle of a person coming to Christ was just astonishing. Along with sharing the gospel, the students that we had brought along with us learned what it meant to surrender their life to God as allowed the Holy Spirit lead them when meeting people and sharing with them.

Back In Eugene
Meanwhile in Eugene, an individual (Lloyd) who started attending church with me at the end of 2009 gave his life over to God and got baptized while I was in SE Asia. I am really excited for what God is going to do with him. I remember meeting a young man who was confused about who God was, searching for him through various religions and beliefs. Through all the mess that the world brings, he began to sort out the truths. I am thrilled that I can now call him a brother in Christ. Praise God!

Seattle!
It was a great year in Eugene, but I had been asked to come up to Seattle to continue with Epic for another year and helping build the ministry in the Seattle Metro. I have moved up, but I’m still looking for a place more permanent near the University of Washington.

I got the chance to meet some of the students that are currently involved with the ministry here and we have begun planning for the year. Please continue praying with me for those who have yet heard the great news about our loving Savior, and pray for each and every one of us whom Christ has called to share with the world about His kingdom. Also I have gotten to know the Seattle staff team, and they all an amazing bunch. I’m really looking forward to working with them.

A lot of times people walk through life not knowing the impact that they are leaving behind. It is a privilege for anyone when they do witness the fruits of their labor. Producing good fruits is a result of doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right place; those three things equate to simply being obedient to God’s calling on one’s life.