MicahJohn

Looking back over the last two days, I’m not sure all of what I did. I spent a portion of the day setting up for the Board for World Missions (BWM) meeting. In the afternoon I attended John Brubaker’s state of the mission address. I was struck with his skill in using the PowerPoint medium. I have now seen him speak to youths, college students, and adults, for each group he uses different slides to say the same thing. The value of this focused, professional communication is, in my opinion, immeasurable.

In the evening I went with Mike to the start of a Spanish small group. In attendance were myself, Mike, a Mexican couple and their three children. I was able to follow most of the conversation, but I was unable to really say anything. Public school Spanish didn’t teach me a lot of Bible words. One thing Miguel (Mike) ensured was that the new believers prayed out loud, so that they will not develop the understanding that praying out loud is an awkward thing. To help them pray out loud we went around the circle sharing praises, then we went around again sharing requests. The third time around we spoke to God about our praises and requests.

Yesterday was London orientation. I really enjoyed attending the mosque. After the service was over, there were three guys who stayed and answered our questions. We talked to them for about an hour. One of the things that really surprised me is that Muslims believe Jesus is going to come back to judge some of the world (they don’t believe Jesus is divine). In the evening I attended the BWM banquet.

Today was a good day. In the morning I led staff devotions. Following that I made some phone calls to set up interviews, then I read a section of a book from John Brubaker. Then I worked until lunch on cards for The Wall. After lunch I finished the cards with Mike. I then conducted an interview with Jordan and we filled out a SHAPE profile for him. After the interview I worked with Mike on preparing a Bible study. This evening I led the Bible study at Mike’s house. It was a good time of sharing and discussing with others my age (and Mike).

This ministry stuff is starting to wear me out. If I finish this summer it will be on God’s strength not my own (I suppose that’s how life is). I have realized the importance of regular Christian fellowship. The times I have found most refreshing have been those spent with good friends from the FABIC youth group. I miss the guys from my college dorm floor.

Today I started at the BICWM office. It looks like it’s going to be a busy week. I need to find the balance between taking things one task at a time and planning ahead.

Today I had a tour of the building, filled out a SHAPE profile with Mike Holland, made phone calls (something which scares me to pieces), read a chapter out of a book John Brubaker gave me, ate lunch, wrote a letter, made copies, and worked on cards for The Wall. The Wall is a prayer/mobilization tool Mike is developing.

Today I taught Jr. +Sr. High Sunday School at Mowersville BIC. It was a good experience, but one that until it was over made me very nervous. I think the class went pretty well, but I have no way of knowing what went through their minds or hearts. During the service I played special music; that went well and I enjoyed it.