Engram to England

WOW!!
So I heard today from the Vineyard in Bognor (south coast of England) and the flight has gone through. I am now set to leave (for at least two weeks, if not longer) to see if God has a place for me as a youth pastor.

I have spent a lot of the past month in prayer about this. At times it seemed right in front of me and so close all I had to do was reach out and take it. And yet there was always one more step to take. I began to get nervous with the idea that it might not go through and I would have to again turn my sights stateside. I prayed a lot because I knew that God was in control, and it is up to Him. All I want is to go where He has a place for me and anything less than that isn't what I want.

These last two weeks have been quite a ride. I gave my eight year old cat away to the Anti-cruelty soceity two weeks ago today, and then had to prepare myself for the challenges of Engram. And I must say,God is truly awesome. We had over one hundred people this year, and God showed up in amazing ways! From the start of the week, we highly encouraged everyone to fix their eyes on Jesus and to seek him in all circumstances. The result was that a number of us leaders were commenting that the first night of worship and ministry felt a lot like a level that would normally be seen at the second or third night. God was with us, and not only spoke to individuals but he also used us as a whole to bless approx. 15,000 people over those four days.

The last night was a bit hard for me, because it may very well be the last time (or at least a while) before I see some of these leaders and students again. I am in awe over how God has used me to touch lives in amazing ways over these last four years of being involved with the youth at Vineyard Oak Park, and how much confidence I've found in the gifts of leadership God has planted in me. I look forward to seeing more of God and more gifting from God unfold as I move on to England or wherever God has for me. Thank you all so much for praying for me and walking with me. Please pray that God would continue to be in this process weather or not England is a go!

ENGRAM!!!!

It's late summer again, and that can only mean one thing around here: ENGRAM!

Engram is the "scientific" word meaning "to remember" or "the physical trace of a memory". This event was started three years ago (or was it four?) by our youth pastor, and what was once a small gathering of about 15 people has now grown to over 100 this year. Several area churches are sending their youth to us (mostly other Vineyards) and we are very excited over what we expect to be a very fruitful time together.

Previous years have focused on outreach and serving people. Last year we gave away over 3,000 bottles of water and hundreds of other small tokens to let people know that God loves them. This year we have about 7,000 bottles of water and I am currently looking at $1500 in quarters that we are to give away! While we have spent a lot on giveaways, there is more that we hope to see happen this year.

The theme for this year comes from the Exodus event where God called Pharaoh to let his people go "so they may worship me." I think that it is more than possible for us as Christians to let other "things" take the place of God and distract us (and even put us in bondage) away from what's really important: our relationship with the One who made us. This year we are striving to break free of whatever has distracted us and pursue God. I believe that when people gather with open hearts ready to be changed by God, things happen...even supernatural things!

I personally am very excited to be here. As of two months ago I thought I wasn't going to be around for this huge event. But as of right now nothing is developing on the job front (I'm still waiting to hear on a confirmed flight to England) so I guess God has me here! I'm looking forward to this week (Okay, MOST aspects I'm looking forward to like outreaches, going to the beach, worship and teaching...but the lack of SLEEP we usually get is not really a happy time for me!) I think though that when all is said and done I'll feel like it was worth it.

I got a digital camera for a "graduation" gift! So now I can click and post pictures in a short amount of time. I'm hoping to snap a lot of pics this week, so watch for pics from Engram next week or so! Happy August everyone!