Posts Tagged ‘Missions’

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Im Going to… Africa.

Megan Friday, February 25th, 2011

It all started with the beginning of the school year when I saw flyers for the mission trips that the Office of World Missions put together for the summer. It almost felt like some far off dream that wasn’t at all tangible. But I pursued it anyways.

And here I am months later with the reality that I am going to Africa for two months this summer. It is surreal to say the least. I was always that girl that laughed at all the Christians that went on the typical mission trips to Africa for a couple of weeks. I felt that it was all about what Facebook pictures you could upload after, it was about saying you went to Africa, and about having your life changed. While all of that is great, I never wanted that. All I wanted was to change other peoples lives and hopefully bring back a testimony that might help plant a seed in my parents hearts to bring them to know Jesus. Anyways, I pursued a lot of missions teams that were not located in Africa because I figured that my own perceptions on where I should and shouldn’t go would be the same as God’s.

However, somehow a mission team in Africa stuck on my heart and I put it as my last choice team. Ironic as it is, I was invited to join the team. Ironic as this is, I accepted.

Currently I am meeting weekly with my team of 8 other APU students, 1 other freshman and 7 sophomores. I am praying constantly and trying to be in the Word to prepare me and equip me for the mission field I am going to be in this Summer. I am trying to (for once in my life) draw myself away from busyness and draw myself toward the peace and comfort of the Lord.

Now here is a pause in my story and here is where your story continues. Allow God to use you in places you never imagined in your life. Don’t be that girl like me that sits back and shakes her head at everyone that spends a couple weeks in Africa. Because God very well might (and probably will) do what you never had planned for yourself. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and available. Allow yourself to trust God even when the world looks at you like you are crazy.

Sure high school and college is about “finding yourself” and finding who Christ has made you to be, but LIFE is about using who you are at the moment to glorify God. Don’t sit back waiting to grow up so you can make a difference. You are equipped as you are now, rejoice in that!

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

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Destination: Kingdom

Lindsay Cooper Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

“…listen:there’s a hell

of a good universe next door;let’s go”

—e e cummings

Have you ever felt the desperate and earnest desire to simply go? Transportation, schedules, and destinations suddenly have no meaning; you need to GO—go away from your current location, go away from your comfortable life, and dive into people’s lives that are void of hope and rife with confusion. Your soul is restless, unable to solve the equation of life, but not necessarily looking to find the solution. No part of yourself feels connected to where you are—even your feet are loosed from the ground—and your heart is plastered against the back of your chest, broken and simultaneously aching to escape. Somewhere in the back of your mind is the constant beckoning to a neighboring universe that is standing at your fingertips; a universe that, if you would extend your hand toward it, would come sprinting to hear the truth, jump on your back and say, “Let’s go.”

Several times over the last few weeks I have heard questions such as these asked by frustrated APU students: What is the point of studying about a broken and dying world when I could just go out into it now? How can I be content to sit and learn about those who have lived lives without love, knowing that I am doing nothing to prevent it from happening again? Why can’t I leave everything and just go? Isn’t that what Christ calls us to do?

My initial reaction is one of restraint—I want to convince them that getting an education is necessary to succeed in our society and to prepare them to face the world they are so eager to engage. But then I am forced to think again. Christ did not call us to succeed; he called us to serve. It wasn’t a matter of being educated, either. Preparedness meant nothing. Did He not call the unprepared and lowly to be His disciples?

I am not speaking against going to a university like APU—as an English major with a teaching emphasis I am absolutely convinced of the power and necessity of an education to refine a person’s beliefs, personality, and social and academic maturity in the world. However, when it comes to the yearnings of someone’s heart, my mind’s excuses should not be about the institution of a thing, but about God’s will and work in that person’s life.

In John 4 Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. I recently studied this chapter with my small group here on campus and was strongly convicted by Jesus’ words and choices. Everyone around Him—the woman as well as the disciples—are solely concerned with physical things; yet, when confronted with each of their excuses, Jesus presents a new way of thinking and gives a wider, more eternal perspective. The woman tells him that the concept of “living water” is impossible because Jesus (1) has nothing to draw water with, (2) could not possibly reach to the bottom of the deep well, and (3) could not possibly be greater than he who had built the well. Jesus responds, however, saying that He himself is the source, that from Him such living water flows, not from a man-made well. Later, when the disciples return and offer Jesus food, Jesus refuses their attempt to supply his physical needs and says, “My food […] is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” Jesus does not even acknowledge their objections, but rather encourages them to think differently.

To think eternally.

To put their faith in that which lasts.

To follow the will of the Father.

To trust His word and not their own feelings.

I cannot stifle the sound of a heart crying, “Hosanna!” and longing to go out into the world. But I cannot encourage their convictions without direction. Jesus’ food was neither to stay nor go, but to let the God who sent him direct his path. Let the Holy Spirit be your living water and your supply. Run with abandon to the Father and earnestly seek His will—He may send you charging to the battlefield of this world, moving you with an unshakable hope and a flaming passion to see His kingdom come.

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Ask God to show you HIS kingdom, not yours. Ask questions and drink of the living water that Christ freely gives.

“‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and rank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?’

Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:11-14 NIV

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Making “The College Experience” Your Own.

Megan Thursday, October 21st, 2010

In high school, I thoroughly remember all the clubs, organizations, and opportunities that arose to be involved in. However, it was rare that many people actually DID THEM. Going into college, I promised myself I would not stick to that same mindset that all of those opportunities are unimportant and “boring.” I knew that I wanted to be involved, and somehow influential in other peoples lives. But I didn’t know how. I have to say though, all of the opportunities that APU places in the palm of every single students hand are worthwhile. I would fair to say that they give you too many opportunities (if thats possible?). I have spent many nights debating what things I wanted to do the most, because I am often in the dilemma of being overly committed to too many things.

There are opportunities straight out of freshmen year, ranging from being an Ambassador (hosting students that attend the amazing All Access Weekends and hosting other prospective students) to being in a D-Group (Discipleship Group with peers to have Bible studies, pray, and grow in your faith) to tutoring kids in the area to serving in missions trips to reaching out to the elderly community to Mexico Outreach trips to getting a mentor.

During my first week here at APU, I found out about a group called Young Life. It immediately was a huge tug at my heart and it was something I knew I would thrive in. Young Life is a non-denominational Christian ministry that reaches out to teenagers in a way thats authentic and approachable. Its similar to what most teenagers know to be “youth group,” except its less formal and more based around being crazy, having fun, and hanging out with the youth. I started getting involved and learning about it and next thing you know, I am now a leader at one of the Young Life groups at a nearby high school. The other Young Life leaders are extraordinary and super stoked about their faith. This program has given me the opportunity to reach into other kids lives the way that people reach into my own life. Its awesome to get opportunities to give back what you have already been blessed with.

Bonfire with Young Life!

Bonfire with Young Life!

I would encourage you to be in prayer and consider what things you want to be involved with once you come to APU. You will never in your life get the kind of opportunities as you do in college. College is a time of really figuring out who you are and where you want to go in your life. It is a time of defining your faith and growing in your friendships. All of these opportunities that APU gives you once you arrive on campus only ENHANCE all the things you hope to gain out of college.

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7 Reasons to Get Involved During Freshmen Year

1. You get to meet a LOT of new people- amazing people- that you might not get a change to meet otherwise

2. With all the schoolwork, tests, and essays, its a good way to set time aside for something you really enjoy

3. How involved you are is often said to “make or break” your experience during college

4. A requirement for graduation is Ministry and Service (MAS) credits, which you probably should start from the get-go, or risk a very overwhelming senior year

5. There are enough opportunities to be able to get involved with something your really passionate about, and with the stresses of college, that passion is necessary to push you along

6. Being involved is a huge way to grow in your relationship with God- being able to serve others as Jesus did and use your strengths to benefit the community of APU and Azusa alike

7. Its fun

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Mexican Thanksgiving <3

Kelsey Bjugstad Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

My normal Thanksgiving consists of about 10 of my family members sitting around a table, eating some turkey, potatoes, and yams. I love those Thanksgiving, but this year I was eating homemade, fresh tamales with a different kind of family :)

A few of us eating the best Mexican food we've ever had!

A few of us eating the best Mexican food we've ever had!

Instead of going home for Thanksgiving I went to Mexico with the Mexico Outreach group. It was such an awesome experience! I honestly could talk (or type) for hours… so I’ll just give a few highlights.

I love everyone in this photo so much!

I love everyone in this photo so much!

Mexico Outreach splits us into different teams that go to individual sites. I got put on Global Team 2, which was such an amazing blessing! The Global Teams were made up of International Students and Third Culture Kids (People that had grown up in a different culture, often Missionary kids). It was so much fun to hear everyone’s stories about their life in Taiwan, Spain, or Japan.

Here are my team leaders Ty and Luke “helping out” with brownies for our bake sale. :)

'Lucas' and Ty helping Earl-Lynn and I baking brownies. Well.. sort of helping ;)

'Lucas' and Ty helping Earl-Lynn and I baking brownies. Well.. sort of helping ;)

Earl-Lynn and I joined Yui and Emily making cookies in Engstrom (One of the dorms)!

Cookie team meets Brownie team :) Love these girls!

Cookie team meets Brownie team :) Love these girls!

We got the number for the church a little bit later than most so we weren’t exactly sure what the pastor and his wife were going to have us do.  We knew there would be kids around and possibly some kind of construction.

Once we got to the church and met Mario and Leti (the pastors) we basically learned they pulled the kids out of school most of Thursday and Friday so we could just play with them.  Leti said they haven’t had anyone come to their church in two years, and the kids just love seeing American students willing to give up their time to be with them. We had two Sunday school lessons, but essential we just loved the kids and did whatever they were doing.

We bought some art supplies and it got crazy :) But crazy in the most precious, beautiful way.

Construction paper galore :)

Construction paper galore :)

Stickers were a must! We ran out so quickly! :)

Stickers were a must! We ran out so quickly! :)

Even the kitten got a crown

Even the kitten got a crown

Drawing the kids

Drawing the kids

Love her artwork!

Love her artwork!

Yui let us use very volleyball… and we had so much fun! Most of my time while we were at the church was spent playing volleyball with all the boys, although we did have an intense game of boys vs. girls’ soccer. The girls pretty epic-ly lost :)

They got a net the last day... it was so much fun!

They got a net the last day... it was so much fun!

Volleyball helped me be able to connect with some of the kids at first. I'm not great at volleyball, but my volleyball skills are much better than my Spanish skills ;)

Volleyball helped me be able to connect with some of the kids at first. I'm not great at volleyball, but my volleyball skills are much better than my Spanish skills ;)

I don’t know if I can even express how much I love these kids! Actually, I love everyone at the church. Leti knew Thursday night was Thanksgiving for us, so they switched their normal Friday night service to Thursday and made tamales and beans for us. It was such a sweet gesture! I know that it must of cost them a lot to feed both our team and the drama team that preformed, but they were so hospitable.  Later in the week, Leti took us to an awesome breakfast where we all had Goat meat. She wouldn’t let us pay, and my heart just went out to her. It makes me want to be more open and loving towards others in need.

Piggyback rides :)

Piggyback rides :)

Eating goat meat with our wonderful translator Jessica!

Eating goat meat with our wonderful translator Jessica!

I want to be in Mexicali right now. I’d so much rather be playing with the kids than studying for finals :) I have to go back to ‘The Fountain of Life’ church. I fell in love with all those kids you are seeing in the pictures… and I can’t help needing to go back. We were able to provide them with some plumbing supplies so they could have a working bathroom but there is so much their church is doing.

I gave a speech last Monday (the day after we got back, ahh was that stressful) where I mentioned Americans who go on short-term missions need to know that God is already working in the area and it isn’t our job to go and fix everything. Mario and Leti had us follow them to multiple sites their church is growing around Mexicali and we just prayed over the sites. God was already providing them with land, open homes, and loving families to help their church grow.

This is Mario and Leti in front of a plot of land that will hopefully be an extension of their church:

Soon to be a new church site! Keep praying!

Soon to be a new church site! Keep praying!

One of the best parts of this trip was my team. I know I already mentioned them, but honestly, this would have been a whole different trip without them.  We were the smallest group on the trip but it let us get so close! Each one of us brought something exciting to the trip, and I love them all! I can’t help but smile every time I hear the song “Fireflies’ :)

This is getting a bit long so I’ll wrap it up with one quick story. Please, please feel free to leave comments and ask question… like I said before, I could talk about my trip for hours :)

In our lovely van

In our lovely van

Well, we ended up leaving Mexicali around midnight Sunday morning because of rain conditions and some sickness. We can try to blame it on being tired and worn out but everyone in our car almost had a panic attack at 1 in the morning when we realized Yui had brought apples into the van.  We were almost to the border and you aren’t allowed to bring fruit over the border. Yui handed me an apple but I had no idea what to do with it.  There wasn’t a garbage can around and we were stuck in the border traffic. My group members kept yelling to throw it out the window, and that is what ended up happening :). Apples are degradable but at the time I was so afraid the Mexican police were going to be super mad! It got worse though; because Yui had put the apples all around the car in spaces so we could all have one.  We kept finding more apples, and they kept making me chuck them out the window! Oh, I love my Global Team 2. :)

groupwva

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Go Away!

Ellie Kipps Monday, October 5th, 2009

So I’m sitting here in my lovely apartment after a whirlwind of a weekend. I most definitely didn’t get as much homework as I wanted to get done done… but I had fun, watched four movies (which for me… is ridiculous) but I’m using the excuse that I’m sick. Anyway, I was sitting here, doing a little bit of looking forward and thinking about possible plans for next summer. I’m planning on going to Israel this summer with the School of Theology to study the geographical and historical setting of the bible and take part in an archaeological dig. No big deal.

Wait. What? Rewind. That’s right. Going. to. Israel. To. Do. Summer. School. What?! The thought of it blows my mind. I doubt that the reality of it is even going to hit until I board the plane in June with the group of students and professors.

But I’m also throwing around the possibility of going on a summer missions trip this year, with may term and all, I figured out that I can actually do both. So there is a possibility that about 5 days after May Finals, I get on a plane, fly to Africa, serve there for about 5-6 weeks, come back, debrief for like 4 days, and then take off to Israel. For someone who is an adventure and experience junkie… the thought of this thrills my mind. Then, I’d be returning from Israel mid-July, taking some time off to decompress, packing my trunk, and heading off to Oxford for the fall semester of my junior year. Now I don’t want my reader to get the idea that this is some posh and lavish thing only people with a whole lot of money and their parents paying the whole way can do (because I’m certainly not in that camp).

For missions, you raise the money with your team. For Israel, you work and save and look ahead and say that if this is important enough for you to experience, it is worth taking the hit in finances. For Oxford, you pay the SAME amount for the semester as you would on the normal APU campus, and your scholarships are factored in.

APU has sooooo many possibilities! And those possibilities aren’t just for those fortunate enough to be able to not worry about the expenses. These are real possibilities for every student who comes here. To study abroad and do missions and even maybe get to do summer school in a foreign land (my roommate is thinking about doing summer school in Lithuania this summer). When APU says: GO AWAY! They mean it (in a loving manner of course). This school is about going out, living life in the fullest of the experience and the challenges and encountering God on a daily basis, whether it be here in Azusa, or in Isreal, or Utah, or Mexico, or Africa, or England, or China. Tomorrow is the Focus International Missions Chapel and I’m so excited! One of the main reasons I came to this school is the emphasis that this education, this life, these gifts and stories God has given us aren’t just for us. And that there is a whole wide world out there to explore and serve and get to know and fall in love with and hurt for.

APU understands that adventure and a broadening of horizons and experiencing God and new cultures is essential to the spiritual growth of Christian who are in this world, but not of it, and that’s something I absolutely, 100% love about this school.

So Go away! And See and serve the World!

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