Modern Miracles

How do you describe the Hand of God? In countless occurrences through Scripture you see strange and mysterious events, that could only be described as something done "of God."
From the Red Sea parting, bread and birds falling from the sky for food, to walls of a fortified city falling down, the sun standing still for longer than a day, flames descending from heaven upon a sacrifice, a widow's son coming back to life...None of these instances could have happened by chance, or by human strength.  Something far more powerful is at work throughout history, something like the power of an Almighty God. 
There are many believers today who wonder why the God of the Israelites, the God of the Bible, the God who is living in our hearts today, why does he not manifest his presence and works in our midst? 
Suggestions have been made that perhaps God does not show the work of his hand in our generation often due to a lack of faith, or perhaps this generation doesn't provide situations in which he wishes to work.
I'd like to suggest to you that although this may be true, I believe that there is an ulterior reason.  God does still manifest his power and his hand today, just not in the ways we may think.  Many believers look for physical signs and wonders such as people being healed, the elements controlled, and God manifesting himself in our midst.  I would like to argue that God has been physically manifesting himself every day in the lives of those he touches.
As I've been learning to listen to God's voice and serve him in some of the ministries at camp and at my church, I've seen that when I let him use me, I see his hand at work in places I least expect it.
At my church in Crofton (Warmland), I've been hanging out with the youth every Friday night at youth group.  At first, connecting with them was pretty difficult.  I would see them every week, running around, playing games and I would say goodbye as they left.  But as I constistantly showed up these two lovely girls, Ashley and Hannah took to running at me, screaming to greet me every night.  They would climb all over me, pull my hands to come sit with them and as the weeks progressed, I was able to start getting to know each of them and their stories.  Ashley and Hannah continually ask me to come hang out with them during the week or come to their houses, and although I've been far too busy to, just knowing that God has opened doors so much that I have gained enough trust to be invited over to their house speaks volumes.  Even just today when I was at church, before the Sunday School class Mike and I were teaching got under way, we joined the service for some singing.  Ashley and Hannah were on either side of me, beautiful grade seven girls and I put my arms around both of them.  We just stood there, swaying slightly and singing about "How Great is Our God."  How fitting, I thought, that those small girls' voices could carry right to my heart and remind me that I was that small church for a reason, to foster such close friendships that were a testament to the work of God's hand.
Last weekend I had the privilege of serving at the Junior High Retreat here at Qwanoes which catered to twelve to fourteen year-olds.  I had eagerly expecting this retreat because I would be seeing a few returning campers.  I ended up counseling with Lindsey my roommate, which ended up being so much fun in itself, but we also had one of my former campers in our cabin that weekend! Her name is Hannah, not to be confused with the Hannah from Warmland, and her friend Lizzie who I had met at a Qwanoes event a few weeks prior at one of the island churches.  It had been such a joy counseling Hannah during the summer, she had been the light of Christ everywhere she went.  She brought with her another friend Katelyn, who didn't know Christ, nor did she want to.  Throughout the week, Hannah was faithful to keep being a friend to Katelyn, bringing up faith and hoping that through her actions Katelyn would come to Christ, but to no avail.  I had told Hannah at the end of the week in the summer to get involved with a church and youth group in her home town and she promised she would.  As I saw her that weekend, I knew that I wanted to keep building into her and hopefully her friend Lizzie as well.  Throughout those three days, during cabin discussions as well as my own personal time with the girls I got to talk with them, learn about them and build into them.  I didn't really know what was going on in their hearts until our chapel discussion on Sunday morning.  All the girls in our cabin hadn't really been vocal about their faith previously, but that morning they shared what was on their hearts.  All the girls were talking about the speaker who was my former youth pastor, JonnyMo, saying he had really influenced them and got them thinking.  The girls shared about looking at the friend groups they had and seeing how that was impacting who they were, and how they wanted to have Jesus back in their life because they had fallen away.  Lizzie, Hannah, and another girl, Sam all had asked for purity rings from me, a symbol to them of their commitment to stay pure until marriage.  They shared with the group of wanting to stand firm in their commitment and if asked about it, they would tell their peers what it really meant to them and the implications it had.  Hannah and Lizzie also wanted to find a youth group to go to together, as they hadn't done so yet.  We all prayed together and I really felt that the Lord had moved.  Literally the next day, Hannah and Lizzie both texted me, sharing how they had been asked about their purity rings at school and were able to boldly share about what it meant; the girls who had asked seemed fairly interested.  Hannah had shown her parents her ring and especially her dad was very proud of her. They both told me they were standing up for girls that were being made fun of at school and just today, Hannah told me that her and Lizzie had found a youth group which they would both be attending from now on.  God is good!
Another girl who was at the retreat this past weekend was one who I had counseled on a retreat last fall.  Her name is Sarah and she is very dear to my heart.  Ever since last fall, we have had a close bond and I mentor her.  We didn't end up being in the same cabin though, so I was hardly able to see her all weekend.  On Saturday night, though, I ended up staying up late with her and having a good long conversation about where she was at, what she was doing with her life since I had seen her in the summer.  She confessed to me that life wasn't so good.  The foster family she was living with was atheist and they constantly heckled her for her beliefs.  They weren't willing to give her rides to youth group and as a result of that she had no Christian community; she felt so alone.  I encouraged her and prayed for her and told her to be bold for her faith in Christ.  I told her I would be praying for some good Christian friends to come around her and that God would provide a way for you to get to youth.  She asked for a purity ring from me the next day, which I was very encouraged by.  I got a text from her a few days later.  I could feel the excitement through the phone as she explained to me how she was able to talk to her foster mom about her beliefs and although the mom didn't agree, she listened and let Sarah talk.  Sarah said she felt no fear and she knew God was with her.
God works through the mighty power of his hand; yesterday, today, and forevermore.
"The Lord replied, 'Look around at the nations and be amazed!  For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." -Habakkuk 1:5

Long day after surfing with rugby buddy Kendra :)

Surfing in Tofino with my roomie  Lindsey :)

Pacific Grace in all her glory

Sitting in the sun on the SALTS ship, the Pacific Grace.

Who Will Lead Us?

The people wander around around, aimlessly, with no direction.  Nothing is getting done, no one is going anywhere, and everyone is getting frustrated. No one is stepping up to lead this group, and therefore the group just sits in confused static.  They need a leader.
Martin Luther.  William Wilburforce.  Joshua.  Nelson Mandela.  Deborah.
All these men and women are exceptional leaders of our history, stepping up to the plate when they were needed, whether they had great courage or not.  They saw that there was a need for direction, for them to lead in their society, and instead of backing down from this great feat, they accepted the challenge.
As I have been at Kaléo for a little under 2 months now, I have been able to see, through my church experience,  Qwanoes retreats, Bible classes and numerous out trips, many different qualities of a leader within our group.  Although there are many different attributes to a good leader, what has stood out to me thus far has been adaptability, putting others before themselves, humble service, encouragement, initiative, reliance on God and intentionality. 
As I've seen these qualities being portrayed by myself and others, I'm not going to pretend that it was easy.  In a community full of leaders, it's really easy to just become complacent and let others step up to the plate.  To stretch me here and allow me to serve my brothers and sisters, God has been stretching me in so many ways by giving me leadership opportunities.
During the Jrs Retreat last weekend, I was an "All Star" which means I helped run the games, as well as helping out doing dishes, actioneering for some of the morning Q-town (chapel), and running the milkshake hut.  It was really fun, and I was able to get to know lots of the kids who were there, as well as work on a few papers and books I had to read for my next class.  On Saturday evening though, right before dinner, the Head Counselor approached me and asked me if I would be willing to step in and help in a huge way.  One of the international female counselors from Australia had just gotten word that her grandmother had died back home, and would be in any state to counsel the rest of the weekend.  Could I help out and counsel her cabin for the rest of the weekend?  I know I was going to say yes, and even a little bit excited to hang out with a new group of girls, but at the same time I was apprehensive about connecting with them and the loss of my homework time.  The Lord works in mysterious ways though, having all of them loving me right from the minute I said hello.  They are so precious and God opened doors that night giving me a chance to explain heaven, hell, the trinity, taking God's name in vain and the gospel to a group of 11 year-olds.  He definitely challenged and stretched me to be adaptable and fully rely on Him.
This past week our group has been in an "Old Testament Literature" class with Prof. Don Taylor from Briercrest.  He taught us so much this past week, my eyes were definitely opened to the God of the Old Testament, and many different new truths, perspectives and ancient history that helps me see the Bible through different eyes.  At the end of the class yesterday, I was going to stand up and pray for him and bless him for coming to teach us after he had finished praying for us.  Everyone started getting up out of their seats and making announcements about the weekend and I saw the moment slipping away.  I wanted to thank him for all that he'd done in a prayer but I just felt silly because everyone was already leaving.  So I didn't.  I know that's not a very encouraging story, but just a way to show that I still struggle with qualities of initiative and intentionally in leadership.  I ask God that he would give me other opportunities just like that so that I may learn from last time and follow what God has asked me to do.
As a leader, you not only have to lead those around you, but also follow well. If you are not able to follow other leaders and show you are a good follower, those who you are leading will see your bad example and will not follow you.  When you are a leader, following can sometimes take a lot of humility, but it is necessary and good to teach you how to be a better leader.
A few weeks ago, we went on a tall sail ship, somewhat like the Bluenose (which is on the dime) with a program called SALTS (Sailing and Life Training Society).  We were taught how to be sailors, how to run a ship, how to sail and steer and live together in such close quarters.  It was a real eye-opening and learning experience since I'd never been sailing before and I had no idea.  I had to listen to the crew members and do exactly what they told me, especially when we were putting up anchor, or sail, or steering the ship.  It was a humbling experience, not knowing at all what I was doing, but it was exciting to be able to learn and be taught along with my Kaléo family here.
In my church, Warmland Community, my friends Michael and Evan and I were asked to lead the Sunday School on Sunday morning called Ten Ten, (from John 10:10).  We all planned the lesson together, and had assigned portions that we were going to lead, questions and topics we were each going to speak about.  During the Sunday school, some of the kids weren't really responsive during one of the times Michael or Evan was leading, so I interjected, and asked my own leading questions to try and make them think in a different way.  I felt super convicted after because I had been taking leadership out of their hands and I had been trying to lead myself instead of following and letting them take control.  It definitely showed me that I wasn't very comfortable with letting others learn to lead, and that I needed to be a better follower.
As I try to stumble around and perhaps sometime encounter what it's like to be a good leader, ultimately I can look to Christ who was the perfect leader.  He exemplified all the qualities of an exceptional leader, and he continues to lead millions around the world who call on his name.  I don't need to worry that I have not arrived, for no one will ever truly arrive until we come home with Christ.  I will continue to learn and grow and make mistakes, all looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.  To him be the glory forevermore.
"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.  Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won't become weary and give up." - Hebrews 12:2-3

Hands and Feet of Christ

If your house was on fire, I bet the only thing you would really be caring about saving would be your family.  Firefighters brave the flame and the blaze to look for those you love, those who you have invested your life into, not your sock puppet from the sixth grade.  Relationships are central to our existence here on earth, and I believe that they literally govern how we live our lives.  Days can be made and hearts can be broken by just a single relationships interaction.  Relationships take a long time to form and build trust, but can also be the most monumental thing in our lives.  As Christ has called me to serve in my local church of Warmland, he has also called me to start formulating relationships with those around me, in his body which is the church.  Every Sunday morning I attend the church service and every Friday I attend the youth group full of a small bunch of rowdy, lively young people.  As an outsider coming in, at first I felt a bit intrusive to their tight-knit community, but even after the first night, I felt so welcomed there.  All of the kids kept running around, talking to me, playing with my hair, jumping on my back, holding my hand.  I can't say that that was the most graceful acceptance into a youth group I've had before, but i definitely knew that it was there way of saying that I belonged.  A child knows you care about them if you remember their name.  Our names are our spoken identity, and it speaks volumes if you can remember a child's name.  Whenever I see the students on Sunday at church, I try to call them by name and engage them in conversation about their week, and even sit with them through the service.  When I see a youth at church who I haven't seen at youth group, I go up to them and ask them their name and try to get them to come out to youth group, even if that means talking to their parents.  Last week I got the chance to lead a small group of girls, roughly grades 6 and 7.  I got to go around and learn different things about them before we started our chat about life and faith.  It is definitely going to be a challenge working with these girls, but I know that God has placed me in this church to make an impact, and that is what I'm planning to do!
As part of a ministry team at any church, you need to intentionally connect with the leaders within the church and get on board with their vision.  It is such a privilege and a blessing to have Stevie-G, the games coordinator from Camp Qwanoes also be the Youth Pastor of Warmland.  I had already known him from the summers past at Qwanoes, and it was just the coolest thing to come on mission with him at his own church back home.  His wife, Alycia, is also my LinQ, my older staff connection from camp, so God has greatly blessed me getting to know this family!  Every Sunday after church, Evan, Michael and I, along with all the other youth leaders head over to Steve's house for lunch and a youth meeting.  It is so encouraging to bounce ideas back and forth, step up for leadership roles, but most importantly to get to know some of the other leadership staff who I am going to be working beside.  Another leader who I have gotten the opportunity to connect with would be Bryan, the Lead Pastor of Warmland and his wife Lana.  One Sunday after church when we didn't have a youth meeting, Bryan invited us to come over to their house to meet their family, and another family on the leadership team at church.  It was such a blessing from God to have hospitality given to us in this way, so far away from home.  Both families have such adorable little toddlers, and we were able to play Lego and other games with them before lunch, and we really saw the family dynamic of these strong Christian families.  As we talked with Lana and Bryan, and James and his wife, I was just so encouraged to have the opportunity of leading beside and underneath these wonderful individuals.  I felt a lot more comfortable talking with them about their lives and struggles, and telling them about my life as well.  As it turns out, Lana's sister lives in Coquitlam!  How crazy is that?  God works in mysterious ways...
As I get to know Warmland and its members more and more, I continue to see God's hand of blessing everywhere.  Putting me in this church was no mistake and as I continue to serve and connect with the body of Christ all around me, I grow in my love for his people and am able to give back what I have been given.  Even when I'm so far away from home, these people feel like family, and I'm so glad that I am able to be used by Christ in this way.
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.  He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." - Eph. 5:1-2