Reflection...

How has this trip furthered your personal ministry?

"This trip has really challenged me and changed me a lot.  Already, I have shared with some close friends more about my beliefs and my spiritual growth.  It was easy because they would ask about the trip and then I would get into what God had put on my heart.  I was also pleasantly surprised to find that a lot of my friends had serious questions about my faith and one even told me that she was glad to know me in a sense that I’m Christian, but I’m not like Christians she knew back at home that were hypocritical.  She said that the Christians she grew up with were always drunk, sexually impure, and based off what I told her about my beliefs probably weren’t walking with the Lord.  I actually found that a lot of my friends had skewed perceptions on what it even meant to be Christian. 

In New Orleans, I just learned about life.  It sounds so simplistic, but it’s true.  Just talking with families and learning how much I take moments, opportunities, and just life for granted.  To me, it made this trip life changing.  I’m constantly thinking about the people and things I learned down there all the time.  Like I said it’s the perfect excuse to share and get into conversation."

Absolutely.  It has broadened my view of God working in America and in meeting with and talking with people SO much, that comfort zone is really easy to get out of, especially since most everyone is open to hearing the Gospel and being prayed for.  

This trip gives me a better understanding of the devastation that Hurricane Katrina had caused.  Through this experience, I am overwhelmed by the amount of work that still needs to be done but amazed at the selflessness that people pour out during this trying time.  It challenged me to have more open heart because I find myself having too much selfishness and stinginess in my heart.  I wish I could be like Sharkey in that he has given all to come here and volunteer.  I wish I would not be so angry because I feel like I was entitled to something.   I know these experiences have left an indelible mark in my mind. 

This trip definitely challenged me to minister where I am rather that focusing on where I could be. I think it was the deserted feeling of New Orleans that made me realize how important my neighborhood and school communities are. I was also challenged to think about the gospel as something that people really do need and even want. Seeing how much so many people rely on God makes me feel selfish to be quiet about my faith and therefore deny other people the opportunity to find comfort and support from God.

I learned about God’s faithfulness to provide.  It was a blessing to be able to give so much of myself and see God give me strength and joy for each day.  I’ve never gotten to serve in these ways before (serve meals, visit kids in the projects, help someone get part of their life together).  In a way I learned to love people and be real with them, especially people that I would never otherwise hang out with (people in the projects, homeless people, construction workers from all over, homeless people…).

Definitely learned the reality of servant evangelism and loving people even more.  I am challenged big time to reach my neighbors and equip my students with tools to love others and step out as servants.

Wow…I think I was challenged to think about what really matters to me, what I hold as valuable. I’ve seen people with nothing cling to God and encourage ME in my faith. I’ve realized that stepping out of my comfort zone and not worrying about my needs is so freeing.