staff training

As an intern with Campus Crusade for Christ, there's some training I'm required to do. Each module also has a blogspot entry, which I'm a little behind on. So, here are the first two:

I AM PRAYING GOD WILL USE ME AS HIS SERVANT BY...teaching me to "live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people zealous for good works." (Titus 2) I want to follow the Holy Spirit to share Jesus with every student that I can at Cal State Fullerton and Santa Ana College. I also hope to learn to share my faith more and more outside the context of "work". It is my prayer that students who already follow Jesus will be encouraged and filled by God through me. I hope that we will continue to grow closer together, and that the women I meet with will more fully experience God's love, grace, and peace. I also hope to be a servant to my family, my team, my friends, and those in need.

I TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL, LEAVING THE RESULTS TO GOD, AND...I was shocked at how many people received it with interest and thanks! While the majority didn't accept Jesus into their lives (yet), almost everyone patiently listened and actively participated in conversation about how God sent Jesus to forgive his or her sins. I have been surprised at how much people want to talk about this good news. Students are eager to hear about my faith and we enjoy talking about it together! Students in our movement are also joining my teammates and me, and we've seen 7 people accept Jesus into their hearts and lives!

MY WALK WITH GOD HAS BEEN...less consistent than I am proud of. While I am growing in my relationship with Him, there have been some dips in my dependence on His power and trust in His plan. There have also been some days where I have such a simple, Jesus-filled joy and have been learning so much.

WALKING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS...depending on His power and guidance. It's beautiful! If we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we don't have to be all-knowing, because He already is! We can therefore share our lives in Jesus with other people and be free from our own sin. His help is supernatural. So, even though we will automatically be really good at sinning, His power transforms us to be good and not sinning. Then we have true life. Then we obey His promptings. Then we care about other people more than fulfilling the desires of our flesh. Then we better understand God's endless love and wisdom and power and forgiveness and grace!!!

thankful

I am sooooooo thankful for:

my new dentist : )
the simple joy of riding my bike around Placentia and Fullerton
the family I'm living with
having a mattress now
Cal State Fullerton students
as cliche as it sounds, friends and family
friends in Japan, even though I get really sad sometimes and miss them!

100%

I am finally 100% ready to go to work at Cal State Fullerton! I'm not quite sure if I want to cry or dance, because I'm so happy! God is so faithful and has blessed me through so many people!!!

I was just reminded how this victory is completely from God! Jeremiah is preparing for his last concert directing FREE, and he taught them that "the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31). "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:56)

Please pray to thank God for all He has done...something in your life, creating FREE, raising all of my support. The list of victories is endless

journal (first month in Tokyo)

September 20, 2007 Day 1. On the plane-maybe worse than Russia, but worth it. Nice to be with the team! Still can't believe I didn't cry at the airport-what a blessed morning!

September 22, 2007 ...It's strange how I can't read the remote for the AC and could barely use the shower. We'll get it with some help though...

September 27, 2007 Today was awesome-finally talked to dad...blessed to be with teammates & other Americans. Plus ate no Japanese food today :) Bugs continue to torment. Will work on that.

September 29, 2007 ...Revelation 2 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer" Also, at the end of Mark, Jesus declares that the followers will drink poison and not even die from that. I'm protected here in Tokyo!

September 30, 2007 ...Great day w/ Chris and Shyla in Shibuya...my little socks I got at the 315 yen store are tight! And I got bugspray & haven't had Japanese food in 3 whole days!

October 1, 2007 I'm tired-it's late-I started learning Japanese & prayed for 4 hrs today.

October 3, 2007 ..."live as though your life is at stake, and the enemy is waiting to outwit you." Matt 10:16

October 8, 2007 Great BBQ & Seahawks game! Gave me victory! Set me free! This minute! I have been set free! Should I do the gospel choir Lord?

October 15, 2007 ...I sang in the choir! That's one thing I never thought I'd do. We'll see...It's so exciting to get emails from students! (Haruna, Keiko, Yuka)...

October 16, 2007 There is freedom w/ the resurrection...

October 17, 2007 Just love.

October 20, 2007 It was a blessed day...I miss football more than I thought I would. This is better, but SC & Bubbs & Misha mean a lot to me!...Remember, one day at a time, pray for your requests, pray & be content

a white stone

I can learn so much from older people. They have many years of stories and lessons to share. I love it! I was just talking to an 88-year-old man from my church. He reminded me that we can do nothing on our own. We had a great discussion about the importance of trusting in God!

The really beautiful thing is that I can also learn so much from being with young people. At vacation Bible school this past week, we learned about God's power. The lesson that stuck in my mind the most was "God gives us the power to be brave!"

I've also really been enjoying learning from other women. I have some great close friends who love Jesus, plus a solid women's Bible study. Last week, our leader gave each of us a white stone. Historically, a white stone has been given as a symbol that you are not guilty, you were victorious in battle, or as a symbol of friendship. The Bible also talks about this white stone (Revelation 2:17). The ones we got at Bible study had a word written in gold, and mine said Trust. The night before I had talked with my dear friend about how everything in life really comes down to trusting Jesus. Once again, I love it!

my cousin is married!

by Irina

instead of the kids' crossword puzzle at church