Thought's from a Bunch a' Sheep

Death of Blogger brings life to Tumblr

2010-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Since the youth pastor went from Blogger to Tumblr, it is only obvious that the youth ministry should do the switch as well. All posts from trips, events, and just day to day stuff will be posted at the all new and improved BASH BLOG. The web adress is http://bashyouth.tumblr.com

An argument for the existence of God

2010-01-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

This was a paper Adam Ryan wrote for his AP English class.

Is murder morally wrong? Most would answer with an absolute yes, but why? Who decided its turpitude? If there is no standard to which the act of murder is compared then Hitler should not be condemned as an evil murderer, but rather someone who openly expressed his feelings toward Jews in a way he thought was proper but everyone else thought was wicked. Well, that is just preposterous! You might say. But, that is exactly the philosophy of this post-modern world we live in today. To one’s personal interest it may seem appealing, but as an investigation is furthered, the discrepancies start to be revealed. These discrepancies mark the fallacies of the post-modern philosophy and give a startling and astonishing evidence for the existence of an intelligent designer and sovereign ruler, namely, God. It is clearly seen that the existence of God can be proven by something other than mere personal experience.

In a debate between atheist author Sam Harris and religious author and pastor Rick Warren, Harris claims that there is absolutely no proof for the existence of God. Warren responds by saying “there are clues to God. I talk to God every day. He talks to me.” Harris asks exactly what that means. Warren replies, “One of the great evidences of God is answered prayer.” This sounds nice and, to a Christian, is a very plausible reason for believing in God. But, does it really prove His existence? Could not have all those prayers that were answered be by mere probability and chance? Answered prayer may support the existence of God, but it by no means proves it completely.

If God truly does exist, wouldn’t human beings, being part of His creation, be able to see evidence for His existence? Absolutely, in fact, the evidence is explicit and concrete.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, states that God can clearly be recognized by His creation.

“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and
divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so
that men are without excuse” Romans 1:20.

This is a claim that does not lack support. Although evolution is the most common belief system in the world of science today, in the past, many scientists, as they grew in knowledge through their studies, came to the conclusion that the universe had to have been created by a designer.

In 1929, Edwin Hubble, while working at Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena, California, by measuring the redshifts of distant galaxies and their relative distances, found that they increased as a linear function of their distance. The only explanation for this observation is that the universe was expanding. Scientist’s concluded that if the universe is continually expanding, there must have been one small, single point in which the universe started to expand.

Not only did Hubble realize this, but Albert Einstein, in his theory of General Relativity found that the universe must be either expanding or contracting. Surprised at the facts his equations were giving him, Einstein introduced a cosmological constant known as a "fudge factor" to the equations to avoid this problem. Once Einstein heard of Hubble’s discovery, he said that altering his equations was "the biggest blunder of his life."

What does this have to do with God being seen through nature? Much, much, indeed. Most people think of the Expansion Theory or the Big Bang theory as something that denies the existence of God. But, it actually supports it.

The Big Bang theory is not a causal theory but a theory of an effect that was caused by something else. Logically and scientifically, we know that it is impossible for something to come out of nothing. That erroneous theory, known as Spontaneous Generation, was disproven in the 19th century by the experiments of Louis Pasteur. Therefore, the Big Bang must have been caused by something else. If the Big Bang’s cause was caused by something else, then the action that caused the Big Bang’s cause must have a cause itself, and so on and so forth. There must have been an initial cause that had no cause for its existence, but was infinite in its nature. Not only is the existence of God clearly understood through cosmology, but biology expresses remarkable evidence for a designer as well.

In 1996, the Free Press published a book by biochemist and intelligent design advocate Michael Behe called “Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution.” In Behe’s book, the central thesis is that biological systems are "irreducibly complex" at the molecular level. Behe gives the following definition of irreducible complexity:

By irreducibly complex I mean a single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning. An irreducibly complex system cannot be produced directly (that is, by continuously improving the initial function, which continues to work by the same mechanism) by slight, successive
modifications of a precursor system, because any precursor to an irreducibly complex
system that is missing a part is by definition nonfunctional. An irreducibly complex
biological system, if there is such a thing, would be a powerful challenge to Darwinian evolution. (p. 39)

According to Behe, if one small part of the structure and organization of the cell of an organism was taken out, the whole organism would become dysfunctional. The bacterial flagellum is an example of what Michael Behe describes as an irreducibly complex system. Behe describes the flagellum in this way:

The flagellum is a long, hairlike filament embedded in the cell membrane. The external filament consists of a single type of protein, called "flagellin." The flagellin filament is the paddle surface that contacts the liquid during swimming. At the end of the flagellin filament near the surface of the cell, there is a bulge in the thickness of the flagellum. It is here that the filament attaches to the rotor drive. The attachment material is comprised of something called "hook protein." The filament of a bacterial flagellum, unlike a cilium, contains no motor protein; if it is broken off, the filament just floats stiffly in the water. Therefore the motor that rotates the filament-propellor must be located somewhere else. Experiments have demonstrated that it is located at the base of the flagellum, where electron microscopy shows several ring structures occur. The rotary nature of the flagellum has clear, unavoidable consequences ... (pp. 70-72)

It is clear, just by the description Behe gives, that the bacterial flagellum is an
irreducibly complex figure. Every small part of the device is absolutely necessary in
order for the whole device to execute its purpose successfully. Could such an organic
device such as the bacterial flagellum have come into existence by chance? The
probability is impossible.

Although science and nature give a very reasonable explanation for the existence
of God, skeptics persist in arguing that, if there is a God, He is unjust due to the evil He allows or, God cannot exist because if He did, He would not allow all this evil. From a humanistic standpoint, this is a reasonable argument. But, let’s look at this logically.

If a person looks at the world and begins to assume that the societies of the world
are unjust and evil, on what basis can they make that judgment? Have they experienced a world that is just and righteous? Unless they’ve lived in some other world in the universe, according to their assumption, they haven’t. So what are they comparing this “unjust” and “evil” world to? After all, you cannot know what is unjust unless you first experience what is just. C.S. Lewis makes this argument in the following excerpt from his book “Mere Christianity":

My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of “just” and “unjust?” … What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? … Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too—for the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my private fancies…. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple.

This logical argument contradicts the crux of the post-modern philosophy,
namely, the concept that everything, including truth, is relative and there are no
absolutes. This leads back to the opening paragraph. Is murder morally wrong? If we
answer yes, that is an absolute. If we answer no, most would consider us sick. If it is neither, then morality is relative and it is up to anyone to decide what they feel about murder.

Moral relativity destroys the structure of civilization. In fact, it makes civilized
living subjective, depending only on the majority of the civilization. If morality is
relative, then our laws are not necessarily just and principled, but dependent on the
majority’s subjective feelings. Therefore, murder, rape, and thievery aren’t necessarily wrong but just the majority’s decision of what is unlawful at that present time.

But, if morality is relative, then why are we so disgusted with acts such as rape,
pedophilia, and murder? Why is that when we here of child molesters and kidnappers
who torture innocent people in horrible ways we cringe in disgust? Is it because we are used to it being called unlawful by the majority in the world? Is that the only
reason? Could our adaptation to their subjective standards really cause such a
passionate hatred for such wicked things? Maybe, but the Bible begs to differ.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul talks about mankind’s feelings toward unlawful
things.

“Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.”

According to Paul, the Jews, God’s chosen people, had received the law of God and had been commanded to abide by it. But, the gentiles had not received that same law. So when they do the things of the law, it shows the requirements of that law written on their hearts. When a person hears of a wicked crime such as rape, they become disgusted; not because that’s just the way they were raised but because the law
that shows the sin in that act has been written on their hearts so that, in their hearts, they know the sinfulness of the act.

God is the highest standard of morality. There is no standard that He can be
compared to. Therefore, every law He sets is moral in its nature. It is clear that
the absoluteness of morality gives great evidence to the existence of God.

Cosmology, biology, and moral absoluteness are all solids concepts that give
strong evidence to the existence of God and weaken the arguments of the atheist. There
are many more arguments that prove His existence. In any case, it is clear that the
existence of God can be proven by something other than mere personal experience.

Adam Ryan received a B for this paper.

We glad to be back home

2010-01-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

So the trip was awesome. So many stories and inside jokes. I realized after looking through the footage that most of the ministry stuff wasn't captured. I think it is because all the leaders and students were so involved in the ministry parts of the trip, everyone forgot to take photos and video of it. In any case, here are the videos from the trip. Please read the disclaimer on the beginning of the video. This was more for the people who went on the trip to laugh not to really explain what we did for the general public. Enjoy

-Pastor Frank

Cheese and Rice

2010-01-01T19:42:00.001-08:00

Grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ to all of you, my sisters and brothers. I love you guys. These past two days have been a time of growing in the Lord all the more. The two things that Christ has been impacting with me with is tending and ministering and fellowshipping with the guys here and seeing the kids at Give Kids the World. After seeing them tonight, I feel convicted to be all the more humble before the throne of the Most High and live my life according to the faith I have in the Lord. Please just make sure that you do not stop devoting yourselves to prayer for us, please. We love you in the love of Jesus, guys. Amen!

-Kishane

Words from the hand of Adam.

2010-01-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Doodz and Doodettes, today I approach you by the means of a letter, giving you Grace and Peace from our Heavenly Father. So far, the friendships among the group have grown tremendously. We have had an abundance of great bonding time and have enjoyed the blessings given to us by God via Pastor Tank. We just returned from ministering and serving at a place called “Give Kids the World” where we shared the love of Christ with kids, many of who were disabled or challenged in some way. It was truly a blessing to see a smile glow on their faces. I beseech you, brothers and sisters in Christ, to keep up in prayer for this youth. Many are growing in Christ, but we all, like everyone, desperately need prayer. Thank you for the many things you have done for us already. Let it all be to the glory of Christ Jesus our King. Grace and Peace to you from Christ.

-Adam

That's What Shawnie Said!

2009-12-31T20:46:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I’m the new girl to the group and don’t really know anyone. But so far, I feel like I’m already part of the family. I didn’t expect to fit into this group of people so well. Guess I shoulda expected the unexpected. But so far, we spent new years eve at downtown Disney walking around and going through stores. Frank said this trip had unknown twists to it. Everyone was given a cross to carry while we walked around and you would not believe all the stares we got. Disney’s security followed us around till we got in the parking lot, which gets you to think if I wasn’t carrying the cross would they have followed us? We saw women wearing head wraps which clearly said “I’m Muslim”, but no one followed them and said take it off. I’ve now realized how much Christian faith is criticized in such a “free” country. How “free” is this country when you can’t even walk around carrying a cross?

-Shawnie

Destination Unknown

2009-12-30T19:28:00.001-08:00

No matter where you are, who is around you, or what the circumstances are, will you always be ready to the reason for the hope that you have inside you?

Destination: Unknown is a trip where the students wont know where they are going or what they will be doing, but it will for sure be a trip they will never, ever forget!

We will have a few of the youth blog about their experience each day. With the excitement of this trip BASH student ministries has a twitter account. Just look to the left of the blog for all the updates or follow us @bashyouth

Blogs, Pictures, and videos coming soon!

Better late than never!

2009-08-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

God is Good, All the Time

2009-08-02T18:51:00.001-07:00

There are now endless stories, inside jokes, and friendships built from Wimauma '09. We learned what it means to persevere. What it means to love the unloveable. What it means to be awake at 1am. But most importantly, what Christ did for us. Christ saw a people, that needed love, that need salvation, that needed purpose. He did something only He could do. That is, to die on the cross for our sins so that we may be saved. The selfless love He showed us is the model that every Christian must try to live towards. This missions trip taught us that to say that we have God in our lives is much more than going to church and saying I am a Christian. But to actually role up your sleeves, pick up fly infested 3 week old trash, to do a VBS with 4 year olds who spit and punch at you, to be shoveling top soil at 11:30 pm, to minister to families with hot dogs and pop corn, that is to show we have God's love in our lives. We learned that we don't need facebook, myspace, or twitter to keep us occupied but rather a few mountain dews and a circle of friends playing signs can do the trick. We learned that nothing is more entertaining then watching the youngest member of your group talk about 1946, i mean 1949 in his sleep. Eating Bacon never tasted so good in the morning. And what ice cream that was that we ate, WAS AMAZING!

God brought together upcoming freshman girls with 2 upperclassman boys and showed that boys and girls can hang out and there can be no unusual flirt tension. God showed me personally that there are still youth out there that value their sexual purity and are waiting for marriage no matter what! God showed up big by holding back the rain when we needed to be out side and bringing the cool weather when we were out there. God blessed us with boys and girls with creative and unique talents that brought together, can make an unstoppable VBS team. God brought a leader out of Bethany whom I was blessed and I am sure the rest of the youth were blessed by. She was a mother and friend to everyone on the trip (and she is only 19)! God blessed us with THE MOST HOSPITABLE people ever with Mrs. Teresa, Pastor Bill, and Mrs Karen.

Most importantly God blessed with with His son Jesus Christ. With whom this group has a common denominator. Where God can bring an Big Cuban, ex-felon, ex-satan worshiper, a quarter Taiwanese girl, a girl who makes shorts from cutting up jeans, a boy who talks in his sleep, a girl who probably weighs less than my leg, and a girl who studies "what makes things beautiful" can come together for the same cause because the love Jesus and they want to have His Light shine on to others.

God is great. The youth are great! I am so blessed.

Go to Kristin's Facebook if you want to see photos and/or a random video which most people won't get because it comprises of solely inside jokes.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace!

Youth Intern Frank.

Struck down but not destroyed

2009-07-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

So I figure it was time that I blog.

I am unfortunately a bit sick (pray for me).

Last night the boys got purpose driven with the garden and we finished putting sand and dirt on the garden beds at roughly 11:30 at night. Needless to say we were extreme tired. But it was a smart move on account that the only other time we could do it is during the 95 degree sun during the day. One thing that was amazing about last night was around the last 10 minutes of our digging Shannon Kelly called. I put him on speaker phone as he prayed and encouraged all of us. All the guys were excited about encouraged by it. The youth have been great sports! I see unity all over the place. Amongst the girls, boys and between the two. Everyone is getting along great! Expect a ton of inside jokes when we get back home.

Some of the better fun tasks we got to do is pack tooth brushes, soap and other toiletries for kids who are coming next Monday for a back to school event. We also get to play with children for about 3 hours every day. It is always an adventure.

Some of the not so fun jobs but still not complained were filling three week old trash covered with a blanket of flies. Great times. Talking about flies, Adam and Kishane had the pleasure of putting fly traps all across the campus. The thing that stinks about it (pun intended) is that you feel these bags with water and hang them. In the bags there is this powder thing that when combined with water make the smell of rotting meat. We of course encouraged them to wash there hands after handling them. The ladies didn't really like the smell.

I have seen a side of the youth I have not seen before. Each and everyone of the youth have showed me their strong spiritual maturity. Every evening in our group devotional the kids really open up and share how God is working in their lives. Our youth are very insightful and little theologians themselves. Some of the discussions we have been having over dinner or around a pile of dirt have been very insightful and encouraging. That Josh Wolcott is a smart cookie. He may be the youngest on the trip, but he pretty much planned out the best way to fill the garden beds the most efficiently.

Bethany has been the best female leader anyone could ever ask for! She has been a mom to all the youth and is great with helping plan the VBS with the preschoolers.

Well we are about to do evening group devotional so I have to get off the computer and go meet up with the rest of the youth! I believe they are mummifying the Pastors son with toilet paper and visqueen plastic.

Continue praying for the rest of the youth that they do not get whatever I have. And continue praying for the guys because I snore. LOL! They seem to find it more amusing than a nuisance.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace to everyone. Looking Forward to come back home, see wifey and share with everyone this awesome God filled experience!

Frank "The Tank" Gil

Youth Intern

We’re three days in and things are off to a tremendous start!

2009-07-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for checking in with us every day. We are so blessed to have these opportunities to serve the staff, children, and friends of Good Samaritan Mission. We all look forward to returning home with stories of how God is working among us and within Wimauma.

We’re three days in and things are off to a tremendous start!

We were put to work as soon as we stepped off the bus Monday and everyone took it with grace and humility. I have been so impressed so far by the group’s flexibility rooted in a genuine willingness to serve wherever they can.

Tuesday was a little more exciting with lines of Wimauma families eagerly awaiting weekly food baskets filled with fresh bread, rice, beans, lettuce, meat, and an occasional box of caramel corn. Petra, Mandy, and Kristen had an opportunity to develop teaching and tutoring skills with three children who needed help with some Math and English skills. The boys were up to their ears in 3 week old trash and took it like troupers, with a humble and meek spirit. At the end of the day a trip to a local skating rink allowed everyone to unwind a little, but proved to be just as much as a exercise in humility and endurance for some of us.....ahem...and i have the bruises to prove it. <:/

Today things have mellowed out. We have gotten to know and build relationships with many of the VBS 4 and 5 year olds. We have our kitchen routine down after every meal and are even starting to adjust to the early morning wake up calls. Today the whole group pitched in to fill 4 garden frames half way with sand and tomorrow we plan to top them off with good soil. The mission is going to use this as an opportunity to teach people how to plant and sustain there own organic garden.

Our most recent project has involved 500 bars of soap 800 bottles of shampoo and conditioner and other various hygiene items. We are packing bags with toiletries to give away with the hundreds of backpacks, pencils, and other necessary school supplies needed by the local large families this fall. The back to school project is huge this year and we are glad we could provide some much needed help this week.

The sun is hot, the work is tedious, and energy is beginning to wear thin. But we are not losing our momentum! We are constantly thinking of new ways to reach the Mission kids and are taking every opportunity to encourage the staff around us. Tonight over 80 flyers for the movie night were passed out and we cannot wait for Friday to arrive as the suspense builds!

Thank you all for your prayers!

In Him,

b.e.l.

Having a blast getting to know everyone!

2009-07-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well first off, the people here are really easy to get to know there so friendly and the meals are really good. I feel like I am getting to know part of the youth group a lot better.

The work that we are doing feels like we are helping the people out a lot. They have a lot of dishes and it seems like we taken a load off there shoulders with helping out with the dishes and like the miscellaneous jobs.

There having a back to school thing where they give the kids backpacks with toothbrushes and soap and and other things kids need for back to school. So we were able to help with loading all the toothpaste/toothbrushes and other things. It’s been really awesome to get to know Frank, Adam and Kishane better. They are really good guys to get to know.

I have had a lot of fun so far.

Looking forward to seeing you guys soon!

Joshua D. Wolcott

Not Stop busyness!

2009-07-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

In the past two days there has been barely no idleness. You are constantly doing something. Wether it’s cleaning or packing food and supplies, you are always on your feet. These things that we are packing, go to families who can’t afford much. It’s really neat to think about and see all the lives that we’ve been blessing and still are going to bless.

Here at Wimauma we have been privileged to meet so many kind, welcoming, sweet people, who have humbly dedicated most of their time serving and helping people who are not as fortunate as we are. It;s amazing to see all the school supplies, food, and needed things (tooth brushes and toothpaste, soap, etc.) that have been donated and we have helped pack. As busy as we’ve bee, I feel no stress, frustration, or must tiredness. I believe that’s definitely God!

VBS has been a ton of Fun! The kids (about 20) warmed up to us immediately (although a few haven’t quite broken out of their shell yet). They are all bundles of joy and have the cutest smiles. Although some can be a bit more difficult than others, we work thought it and pray for patience. LOL!

This is what our Fantaboulous Tuesday looks like in reverse:

2009-07-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hey It's Kriss!

Blog: If your like my mom read this blog from the bottom to the top to read my day in order. If your like my dad start here and read it as you please.

*Skating rink: I was ensured tonight that I was NOT born to skate. I didn’t fall but those who I griped to for my life did, But maybe I didn’t fall because I wasn’t actually skating I was more like, walking on wheels. It was a-lot of fun. The music was great (all of it was Christian) We danced like cinderella and twirled like sleeping beauty. Oh yes, the cha-cha slide! To the left and to the right, now reverse and go right. It was way more complex than you could imagine. I finally got it down before the song was over. : )

*Dinner: Oooh la la. Potato soup with melted cheese and crispy bacon on top. If your mouth isn’t watering your crazy. Sorry Mom but it was THE best soup I’ve ever had.

*VBS: They say laughter is the best medicine. So if your in a room with 18 4-6 year old kids your going to be pretty healthy. These kids were not shy today. They were spaz-nuggets. Plus their honest, More laughter.

*Back to School Bags: My word would be shocking. It was shocking to see how much stuff had bean donated for “back to school bags” for the needy. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, wash clothes, soap, and tracks upon many other items. we packed about 250 gallon sized bags and there is deffinetly tons more to do.

*Lunch: Again, Delicious. Rice with chicken and beans, Vegatables with a cheesy sauce and some sort of mashed dressing.

*Helping prepare for F-CATS: It was such a joy to be able to help kids learn and practice how to read, write, and multiply. There were three kids, Ben (6th grade), Kevin (5th grade) and Princesa (3rd grade). Mandy, Petra and I all were able to help with these three kids and help develop their knowledge. I was amazed at how fast these kids were learning. Princesa (My Student) Just learned how to do her multiplication tables last week and is already up to her 13’s, And they only meet once a week.

*Packing Potato Salad: Messy. And there was a-lot of it. Okay so maybe Mandy wasn’t as messy but it won’t really matter when we get to heaven.

*Breakfast: Mmm-mmm-mmm! Today Wonderful and Caring Mrs. Karen made us french-toast, and sausage. It really is such a wonderful thing to wake up and know that there is food, waiting on you.

*Rising and getting ready to shine for Jesus: As a teenage girl I’m going to be honest, getting up this morning was no easy task. I was looking forward at the day and was ready to start, I just didn’t want to get out of bed.

It is really amazing to watch the ladies that work here. Devoting their personal lives to serve for the glory of god by reaching out to the needy. I am having a blast on this journey but it is magni-fecent to watch these other people serve. It is also exciting to watch cars and trucks pull up with stuff to be donated to the needy. Just about everything in this building has been donated by people.

This Is such a great opportunity to bond with my youth group. I am looking forward to making friends and meeting new siblings through my savior.

Thanks!

Encouragement for the Saints

2009-07-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Dear beloved,

Christ has been with us and is still with us now! Tonight has been nothing short of a time spent in His fellowship. My moments were God were impacted me: First, we were blessed with a woman of Christ named Theresa, who is not lacking in the love of Christ & she was a great example to me of what we should always show one another; that being the love of the almighty risen King. Then I was blessed to meet a brother by the name of Mark who I got to share my testimony with and encourage by doing so. And I testify, that from the moment either of noticed of us noticed each other to the moment we departed from one another, we were in the fellowship of the love of Christ, praise honor and blessing be to the lamb for showing us yet another example of what ALL of us who claim to be in the Light should be doing, which is loving one another, amen. Furthermore, me and our fellow servant to the Lord, Adam, went out for open air ministry with our brothers and fathers, Maikel Odang, Pastor Kirk, and our brother, Rigo. We were both allowed by God’s grace to share our testimonies with people and encourage one another with our testimonies also, and we were able to lead someone to Christ, but please, please pray for this person who the Lord reconciled today; His name is is Felix and I am begging you to pray so that He might have discipleship and fellowship sent from the Lord because leading some one to eternal life and then just abandoning them altogether is just as good as leaving them to be engulfed by The flames altogether. So PLEASE devote yourselves in prayer for Him. Tonight we had some beautiful fellowship in devotion to the Father and His Son and, trust me when I say, they were there with us! We blessed one another in encouraging one another with what we had the Lord blessed us with during the day and the Lord blessed us through our spiritual father and beloved brother, Frank, with the awesome truth that we are not called a family in Christ for nothing, but we are called a family in Christ to act as a family in Christ. And what else does a family do but love one another? And not to love one another with any kind of passive or or any kind of love that is truly intimate, but WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST!! And maybe we really won’t be able to add up to how much He loves us all, but with His Holy Spirit living inside of us, our efforts to love one another will be made fruitful and pleasing to the Father. We also took communion in remembrance of our loving King who calls us His Beloved. Awesomeness! One last epic moment of the day, today, we were teaching the kids and having lots of fun with them. But when were just playing with them, I thought to myself “How are we truly advancing the Kingdom of our Almighty Sovereign by just doing this?” And I did believe we were advancing the Kingdom someway, somehow; I just didn’t exactly see how we were doing so. Then during our devotion time with one another, which I previously mentioned, God said to me through Frank that though it may seem that we are not really doing anything that is glorifying the Lord, we are bringing glory to His name by loving these kids and doing the good deeds for the sake of God and bringing praise to the Father because of our good deeds. Just as Christ says, “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Well I’m out of here guys. I LOVE YOU GUYS!! His grace and His peace be with you, amen.

p.s: If you call us your sons and daughters and your brothers and sisters in Christ, DO NOT stop pouring yourself out in prayer for us over here.

DOOD! GOD IS GREAT!

2009-07-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

Dood. Today was absolutely amazing. God really answered my prayer. Prior to our departure, I was really praying that God would always keep us in fellowship with Him and service to Him. Whether it be in prayer, reading Scripture, worship through song, working for the people at the church, or spreading the Gospel. I was praying that God would not let up on keeping us busy in His presence. And He definitely answered my prayer. Immediately, after we arrived, the people at the church put us to work. Of course, that may have been expected because this is a missions trip. But, the really cool thing about it is that God put this tremendous joy inside all of our hearts. We were loving every single moment of every kind of work that we were doing. There were no complaints, bad attitudes, or even any kind of desire to slack off. God put this love for serving Him in our hearts. I can attest for every single one of my fellow siblings in Christ regarding this because, toward the end of the night, we all marveled at how God did this. It was one of those kind of experiences where you had to have been there to really know what God did. He really worked through us today. No, there were no crazy miraculous signs performed by The Tank. No, there were no healing of crazy sicknesses. But, I can truthfully tell you that the Love of God was shown through almost every action that we took. The gift of generosity and kindness was used abundantly through us today and I am confident it will be used even more in the upcoming days. And God brought me so much closer to Him in just one day. He taught me even more about His sacrificial and unconditional love that He displayed on the Cross (even though I will never truly comprehend that Grand Miracle until I see Christ face to face). The children we took care of were amazing. They really put joy in our hearts. God taught me how to love unconditionally through that because sometimes its a little hard to show love to children when they are either very, very shy or they are out of control. But, think of how were were before Christ came into our lives? We were incapable of pleasing God in anyway, completely wayward, and turned from God in every aspect of our lives. Yet, because of God’s wonderful love for us, “at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:8). I know that I would ever be able to do for those kids what Christ did for the church. Christ endured the wrath of God for us! Thats truly amazing. Because of that we should love one another as Christ first loved us.

May God blesseth ye who readeth this blog.

Grace and Peace be unto you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

-Adam

Wimauma Missions Trip

2009-07-09T08:14:00.001-07:00

On July 27th, 2009 BASH Students and a few other will be going on a trip to Wimauma, FL to minister to the children of the migrant workers. We will be documenting what we did down there through this blog. Feel free to comment and let us know your thoughts as we blog this whole missions trip. Thanks!

-Frank Gil
Youth Intern