Training Meetings

Things are wrapping up, and we are nearly done going through all of our music. It is quite a change from choir, where we would practice and practice one song for weeks to have it ready for Sunday, but here we go through a song once or twice, or maybe in a rare occasion, we go through it three times. When I first practiced with the team, even before I committed to joining the team, I was impressed by the sight reading, and overall ability of the group, that has a lot of students who are not necessarily musicians, or singers. (don't get me wrong, there are a bunch of extremely good musicians on this team)

We are going to be singing a hymn that Dr. Forrest (from the music faculty) arranged specifically for us to sing in Vienna. It's going to be cool, and we are "pumped" about it, even without knowing what the song is or how it sounds.(note: after singing it this evening, it's really nice but kinda tricky, in German? I think.. with new music, and 6 verses to find your words in)

It's sinking in more and more, that at the end of each day, I wont be going back to my room and sleeping in my own bed... and I wont be going to my kitchen and opening the door of the fridge and looking for ice cream :D

({written tonight} Something that has been rattling around my mind recently, and especially now after really getting all the info on what I'm signed up for is this... I should and must count it a privilege to give up my rights with joy, for the sake of other believers, who we may see as unnecessarily restrictive, as far as Christian living goes. Each day, I can put my khakis and polo on with joy, because God has given me this privilege of serving Him, by serving these other brothers and sisters in foreign countries.)

Another thought is that this is a truly wonderful group of people that God has gathered to minister together this summer. I am excited about what God has in store, and what He will teach me through the impact of this group and other people that I will come in contact with... and I cannot focus enough to figure out a way to end that last sentence in any way other than a preposition

General prayer requests

Please pray.

            The most important thing you could do to support us, even more important than financial help, is to pray.
With that being said, here's some things that come to mind that I would appreciate if you were in prayer for.

1. Spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6 says that we are not really fighting against flesh and blood, or human opposition, but against "rulers of darkness of this world." Pray that God would have the victory, and that His purposes would be accomplished in and through the team this summer.

2.A. Salvation of souls. We will pass out a lot of gospel tracts this summer. Pray that God would work in the hearts of those who will hear the gospel this summer, and that they would be receive it, and with saving faith, embrace the gospel.
2.B. Encouragement to the believers there. We will be joining up with the local churches that we visit, and staying in their homes. Pray that they would be encouraged by our time with them.
2.C. That God would send laborers to His harvest. A book I read recently said that there are over 1.5 billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus. There is a tremendous need in this world. Pray that God would send more people, as their life calling, to the mission field.

3. God's work in me. If you were to ask me what my biggest spiritual struggles were, I could give you a list of things that I think I fail the most in... but God really knows me. God knows me far better than I know myself, and God knows what areas of my life to mold and shape this summer through all sorts of events. Pray that God would do a work in my life through the trip this summer.

4. God's work in the team members lives.

5. Finances to get there. I still need almost $2,000. Pray that God would provide.

6. Team unity and overall getting along. We'll be together 24/7 for 10 weeks.. there will be bumps in the road. Pray that the naturally abrasive people(myself included) would be gracious and show the love of Christ in all that is said and done.

7. Safety and good health.