Putting Things Into Perspective...

Hey guys...it feels extremely weird blogging again; it has been almost eight months. I truly did enjoy it, but it was one of those things that was expendable; when business crept in from every angle it took with it my blogging. But, now I sit in my house soon to be back in Raleigh where I will embark on what is most definitively my last semester at NC State...at least in a way it is definitive. I will only be a student for a semester; that is a conclusion you can take to the bank. However, my current situation is so that I may find myself there serving with Campus Crusade for Christ (less eloquently known as "Cru" in some circles) at NC State as an intern in August. I may also take a step of faith that leads me to Florida State or Tennessee serving in the same capacity. There is also the possibility that I enter a career in my major, Business Administration, but more to my future maybe in a later post....

Right now, I am bombarded by the thought which parallels the central message of Ecclesiastes: all is vanity (see Eccl. 1:2, 1:13-14, 2:1, 2:18-19...). What is eternal that also physically dwells on the earth? The nature of the question itself leaves no room for anything. Things may last for a long time; for example I've heard it takes some four hundred years for a styrofoam cup, such as the cookout cup in my periphery, to disintegrate. Yes, that is a long time. Eighty years on the earth is a long time too.--in one sense at least. In another sense, I'm reminded of something Crawford Lorritts mentioned: we are in a MOMENT stuck between two VAST ETERNITIES. I don't think as a follower of Christ that is news to my mind; but is it news to my HEART? I was watching (not by choice) MTV2 when I noticed a show that very well exemplifies vanity; the essential idea is to do stupid things for entertainment and earn money and a semblance of "fame" doing them.

The sad truth is that there are so many "valuable" causes arising from "good" people (which is a postmodern misconception in and of itself) when viewed from one angle may matter but from an eternal perspective is like a vapor. (James 4:14, Psalm 102:3, Job 7:7) It's not that we should not desire to be a good steward of the earth or any other cause; let's just direct our heart in the right place--toward those things that are eternal: God, His Word, and people. That's why Matthew 22:37-40 mentions the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with your heart, soul, mind and strength (taken from Deut. 6:5) and then to love others as yourself. A proper understanding of Matthew 22:37-40, one that goes deeper than a surface-level assent and results in a desire to do such, is rooted in an eternal perspective.

Personally, I have found myself in a struggle with esteeming vain things as valuable. Satan loves to get us into this mindset of thinking, especially if he is able to keep us there; Christ says in the sermon on the mount that your heart follows your treasures (Matthew 6:21). My challenge to myself as well as you is to examine your heart. What vain things do you see as valuable? How do you esteem things of this world where they should be (and esteem eternal things where they should be) even though we are permeated by a world full of vanities? Why does this even matter?

An eternal perspective changes the way we see God, others around us, and those halfway across the world. The gospel is a gospel of an eternal time frame. Even before the foundation of the world, God loved us and desired to be in eternal fellowship with us (Eph. 1:4-5). God is eternal and created us in the image of himself. (Gen. 1:26) Sin, which encompasses us all from the devout to the diabolical, is deserving of an eternal separation from God. (Romans 3:23, 6:23) Jesus Christ, in His death on the cross, provides us the opportunity to transform our state from one eternity to another--that being from death to life; we just have to believe in it. (John 1:12) The beautiful thing is that we don't have to work tirelessly for something we aren't able to earn in the first place--it is credited to us through Christ! (Eph. 2:8-9).

Having seen God in this way, we are enabled to proclaim the gospel with our lives and our love with those both near and far. Our efforts will be eternal when favor with God is the precedent, not the prize. Jim Elliot is right when he says, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Anyway, it is late and the desire to sleep is beginning to overwhelm me. My prayer for this semester (which will be my last as a student) is that by the Spirit we will maintain an eternal perspective within the gospel which allows us to be of eternal significance, wherever that is and whatever that means for each one of us.

In Christ,

Johnathan

Briefing!

Hey guys! It is the night before I fly out but I just wanted to give you a brief synopsis of the project briefing! It has been AWESOME! I've only been here two days but the 3oish of us going to Buenos Aires are family. Already. Love how that kind of stuff works!!

Meetings:

These have been long at times, but awesome as well! Lots of great things from different staff members going to Argentina (B.A. and La Plata) and East Asia. It is cool getting perspectives such as conflict resolution from Todd Smith, evangelism advice from the likes of Mark and Michelle, and from other staff!!

Small Groups!

The project is already small at about 30 members, but 6 of us guys are in a Bible Study. We have shared where we have come from in life already and have built such a great relationship even in the limited time we've spent together, over pizza as well! I look forward tremendously to this bond growing much like Santa Cruz with room 3...you know who you are!

Commissioning:

Tonight, we commissioned each others' projects; we prayed for each other, laying hands on one another! To hear 80ish prayers through the room was truly awesome! I love how the Lord moves in numbers of His people coming together, even though we are going to spread ourselves throughout the world!

Cultural Understanding:

The Argentinian culture, as with any culture, is unique. The "beso", a "kiss" but not really on the cheek, has been taken up by the project as you are supposed to do it anytime you enter a room with EVERYONE. Very European, as Buenos Aires is. Anyway, they also have this bitter tea that you drink and share the straw. Fortunately I am not a germophob.

To sum up, I can't believe the fellowship. I am continually amazed at how the Lord moves, brings His people together, sends them out, provides for them, draws us toward Him. These two days have been characterized by that for me! I have been encircled by this maturity level that causes me to say "Lord, I WANT You to have my all for Your glory!" Pray for me guys. Pray for travel, the BA, La Plata and East Asia teams. Pray for glorification of the Lord in all things. Pray for BOW- boldness, opportunities, and wisdom. Pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17) Back in 6 weeks!

In Christ,

Johnathan

Isaiah 55:10-11!

Argentina Pre-Briefing!

Wow. I am sitting in my living room, alone, walloped with the realization that the 2010 Argentina Summer Project briefing is about 24 hours away!!! What?! There is so much to do, and not that much time left! I cannot wait to be in Buenos Aires! Leaving Raleigh yesterday was one of the toughest 45 minute drives ever, though. I would compare it with leaving the Santa Cruz Summer Project last August, driving alone to San Fransisco to pick up my mom and sister. I think the nerves are beginning to set it now. Six weeks in neither another zip code nor a different area code but an entirely new place altogether!

There is SO MUCH going through my head right now. A few things I know, most from the Santa Cruz experience:
1) Our God is an awesome God! He has shown it to me in support raising, twice now, in the Word, and through two incredible years at NC State with Campus Crusade!

2) The fellowship of this trip will be unparalled! Nothing against NC State; like I said I absolutely love it! But, anyone who has been on a summer project I think will tell you the connections with your project people are just different. I chalk it up to being called by the Lord for the same purpose of making His name great in that specific place.

3) This next six weeks is going to FLY BY ultimately. Maybe not initially, but at the end of June I'm sure I will say "where did that period of my life go?" I know it did in California. I know looking back I can't believe it has been 9 months plus since I left that awesome place. But it has been and soon 9 months will become a year, two....

4) It is going to be an INTENSE experience! Simply put, there is nothing like a summer project. There is nothing like a U.S. project. Soon I will see there is nothing like an International one either!

A few things I am hoping for, praying for, looking forward to are:

1) I would love the Lord more each and every day! More when I leave than when I go! Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-39

2) My faith in Christ would be action-oriented and that this would be characteristic of my time in Buenos Aires!
James 1:22-25

3) I would not expect that my eloquence or intellect changes hearts. The Lord changes hearts!
Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 6:19-20

4) My time in the Word and with the Lord in prayer remains solid, encouraging, and challenging and that the Lord will sustain me!
Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, Ephesians 6:18

5) That I am 100 percent sent, honored to be a vessel through which Christ shows himself to others, and that His Word doesn't return void!
Isaiah 55:10-11

6) That I hold dear and close the beauty of the gospel which has brought me to Christ. Furthermore, that I realize the things I do in themselves are outward expressions of a new heart rather than an acceptable offering to appease the Lord!
Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:8-10, Isaiah 64:6

Can't wait to see the Lord work within and throughout!

Johnathan
1 Corinthians 10:31

So, this is my best effort to condense a month of Santa Cruz!

Hey guys,

I realize it has been OVER a month since I posted last; it is very unusual, but I have truly been busy. That said, today I have some time, so I am going to do a recap...

Project is winding down; with only 2 weeks left, there are still SO MANY THINGS I would like to do here but yet there are so many awesome things that I have done...a few things that stand out though over the last month are:

SAN FRANCISCO TRIP, July 9
This has been, to date, the most fun day I've had while in Santa Cruz! A huge group went to San Fran, but four of us went in my car: Leslie, Lauren, Patrick, and myself. It was AMAZING! We saw the golden gate (on a clear day!), walked on the golden gate, and took some amazing pictures! We saw Alcatraz and the wharf, and drove down the curviest road in America: Lombard Street! We also saw the "Full House" house...although it did not have the signature red door on it anymore...I have a couple of pics on facebook but it was actually kind of disappointing...anyway, we also went to the Coit Tower for some great views, and drove through much of the city and into Chinatown, which was CRAZY CROWDED...we didn't stop. We also had a GREAT meal at this place near the wharf before arriving at a San Francisco Giants baseball game, which was a lot of fun and a good chance to meet back up w/the whole group that left...I REALLY ENJOYED just chilling in San Fran. We didn't have too many conflicts of interest over our head, and we just simply chilled and did things on the fly, which is so unlike me but went so well. Check out my pictures on facebook for a visual recap!

Coffee Shop Outreach, July 11

So, as we do every week, we had our outreach. This particular one was a "coffee shop" theme, with free coffee and other such drinks, and an coffeehouse ambience. The setup looked AWESOME, the conversations were GREAT as well, and we had a SWEET band here called My Jeremiah! I talked with one guy in particular, Greg, while doing Soularium outreach...I was sort of skeptical of Soularium but I am starting to like it...he gave the MOST LEGIT answers I have ever heard...and he was interested in knowing God personally...anyway, I didn't get to talk with him all that long, but it was super encouraging...some others from project, Kelly and Adam, talked with him for a couple of hours though...that was the theme of the night--everything went well!

90's Themed JARDY (Jean Party), July 16

This was the outreach following the coffee shop, but instead of an outreach, it really turned into an inreach, which was bad...but we still have to rest on the fact that we are 100% successful. We learned a lot looking back on it...everyone wore their 90's jean attire...but there was little to no outreach. Firstly, it was on a Thursday night, which didn't bring that many people. The organization was lacking at best. I certainly saw it as a party instead of outreach, but it is something to learn from I guess.

Other Stuff

MNL

Monday Night Live has been awesome! When the staff left on July 6, we turned the leadership over to the "foursome" and they served us by washing our feet...it was an awesome display of servanthood and was a moving message...also we had our staff appreciation (THANKS ANDREW!!!) and for ours, we dressed up as WISEmen (since our staff was Andrew WISE!) and had a poem about Him...and GIFTS!!! It was awesome, and it went really well! The last few MNLs have gone well...we had a time of sharing once, and then we had the pastor from a local church (Twin Lakes) come with a great message about not being discouraged....

Vintage

So, we just wrapped up our time at Vintage Faith Church (where we have been serving for the summer)...Vintage was definitely different than my experience with church but I tried my best to take the good out (unfortunately I don't do that very well)...anyway they just wrapped up a series titled, "God in the movies" which was disturbing at first and after the first week I thought it was going to be AWFUL! But, it did not end up being that bad...the last couple of weeks had some fairly strong material...I just wish that they would center their stuff around God, the Word of God, and the gospel...but, the music is really good there and gives great glory to God! So, it does bring people where they have a chance in one way or another to hear the gospel, and there seems to be a great family feel there...I just need to remember that since the church, or body of Christ, is made up of US, then there are going to be inherent flaws with it...NO CHURCH IS PERFECT! That said, it will be nice to go to church back home and in Raleigh...

Work

So, I have only ONE week left at the Boardwalk...I am really going to miss the job and the people there...they are great people that I wish the best...I really want to talk with them about everything Christ is to me and what He has done for them as well....but I haven't had a lot of time, frankly...there is still some time left, though...Also, I won a paid hour lunch with anyone I want...so that is a chance right there! I like the nature of my job, although some rides are a lot better than others...I will definitely miss the perks, like free rides and other discounts, but I enjoyed them while they lasted!

Fellowship

So, the fellowship here over the last month has been AWESOME! I am hard-pressed to find any like it, even at NC State....it is the same as with my really close friends there! I see what Avis meant when she said you would remember project friends for a lifetime, and I am already planning ways to get to them (one word--ENCOUNTER!!!) Anyway, I am truly sad to be leaving them but I won't forget them and in all likelihood will see them A LOT! It is great to see so many people here for the same reason, that is, to share the love of Christ and glorify Him by giving Him their summers! It's not perfect...there are some frustrating times...but we get through them in a way most people can't or don't through Christ!

As you can see, I'm SUPER BUSY but it is totally worth it...I gotta peace out but here are some things on my heart to be praying for...

-continued motivation to invest in peoples' lives and glorify God with my two weeks here

-battle with pride, perfection and inadequacy--this has hit me HARD today for some reason...it has always been something I've had to ward off, but I feel like it has gotten the better of me recently...that said, I am MADE PERFECT in Christ, and made in GOD'S IMAGE! So, the battle is over already; I just have to not allow it to recur in my heart!

-consistency and fullness of my quiet times--I have been going through both a N.T. plan and Romans...by the way, Romans is CRAZY when you study it in detail!

In Christ,

Johnathan

Romans 12:9-21

Luau to Monterey to Ferris Wheel...there's never a dull moment here!

Hey guys...there once again has been so much going on that I felt compelled to write once again! Things are still amazing here in Cali...I have had quite a few interesting days recently, so here we go with the list once again:

-SATURDAY NIGHT LUAU PARTAY!!--Basically, our weekly Saturday night outreach was a fun one this week: a Hawaiian-themed Luau party geared toward our coworkers...sadly none of them from my area of rides was able to come, but we did have 39 guests!! We just wanted to be loving and kind to them, showing a genuine interest and investment into their lives, and I think we did that...and we had SO MUCH FUN!!! We first had great chicken, veggie kabobs, and fruit...then it was time for S'MORES!! Afterwards, we had several great games such as foursquare (our favorite game at the Pan) and cornhole...then time for a group LIMBO contest...I am not flexible AT ALL so I bowed out early...then, my favorite part...DANCING to stuff like the electric slide, cupid shuffle, and also other popular songs...I used to hate dancing out of embarrassment or whatever...but for some reason ever since I became involved with Crusade, that wall is being broken down...it reminds me a lot of how Christ in his death has freed me up to not have to depend on what people think of me or adhering to a code well...anyway it was FUN!!! and hopefully more importantly those in the community could see Christ in us.

Trip to Monterey!!!-So, I had Monday off this week and we went to Monterey...I was the only guy in the group...there was another guy going but he decided not to...but anyway it was a LOT of fun as well!! We went on what is called the 17-mile drive, which is--you guessed it--17 miles of driving near Monterey and the Monterey Bay...it is famous for Pebble Beach, which is a really, really nice community with an amazing golf course...but there are also beautiful beaches there on the bay and other great sights....pictures are coming I promise (I still have not uploaded from LA lol) but afterwards we went to Carmel, which is a really pretty town close by, and we did a little (emphasis on little) shopping...got some funny pictures from there--and then ate in a park in Carmel...it was a really nice day to get away from the scheduled time here in Santa Cruz...I mean I love to be active and busy...but I think we all need a little time to take a step back and I was able to do that...the pictures can describe the day better than I can...God is amazing in His creation....if we are awestruck at the beauty and majesty of the CREATION, how much more will we be taken aback at the CREATOR?? We simply have an INCREDIBLE God!!!

Tuesday Work Fiasco--Today was literally a rollercoaster day at work....first I worked on the log ride, which is one of my favorites...we don't really do much there...my favorite part is being on top and getting the view of the park from about 50-60 feet up...it is so serene...but anyway I worked there for like 3 1/2 hours and then after supper was rotated to the ferris wheel...not my favorite, but I was like "okay, I've done it before, so it will be ok....NOT TRUE!!" Right after I rotated there, something happened and the ferris wheel became stuck...well, I know what happened...the ferris wheel overloaded, meaning that there was too much difference in weight across the wheel...the person before me loaded it differently than I do, so I had the fortune of receiving all the angry comments and expletives when the guests were stuck...I mean, I was basically handed a mess...anyway, after that mess calmed down it was actually a really good night...first, I got an extra 15 minute break and then after I returned everyone was so nice to me...I had one person commend me for being "happier than all the other ride operators..." I wanted to break straight into the gospel; but, considering I had about 15 seconds, I just explained that I try to make the best out of situations...anyway tonight will be another memorable night in the Santa Cruz database of my brain!!!

Other thoughts/prayer requests:

Our coworkers are starting to open up to us...it is awesome to see! I am getting a little discouraged, though, that none of them are making it to our dinners and activities...so I need to rest on God's plan and my place in that!

Pray for:

-our coworkers-I'm going to a party in the arcade tomorrow night and I know a couple of my leads from the area are going to be there...and just in general for their hearts to be receptive and such

-our morale regarding the coworkers-it's not about numbers; it's about glorifying God through our lives...so that we will rest on that

-my quiet time/time in general-so, one of the things I struggle with is having a routine quiet time...it's been going fairly well but there are times that I just don't feel up to it...may it be a JOY to have them, and also may I not be burned out here; we don't have too much free time and understandably so...just don't want to do so much that I start to get numbed so to speak to the project itenerary

Now, time to go...I'm REALLY TIRED

With Love in Christ,

Johnathan

Phillipians 3:7-12

Super Update!!!

So, I haven't written in eight days...it is time once again to update you guys! I have had many more awesome experiences! I'm going to try and condense each one but it will be hard lol! Anyway, here are some things that have been going on recently:

-Friday Night Training: We have this every Friday until staff leaves (it is now on Friday mornings because we work Friday nights)....anyway I'm in the leadership track, mostly because I've been able to hear the basic lessons through stuff at NC State and through my Bible study...but it has been REALLY HELPFUL because of leading a study next year! We have been going over Discipleship and Bible Study Leadership over the last two weeks and it is great to see and be with a group of leaders! Not that the basic training isn't good either, but I'm just really excited to bring what God has shown me and the staff back to Raleigh!

-Saturday Night Outreach (Soularium): So, Saturday night we had another outreach time, and this time we set up Soularium booths in downtown Santa Cruz, the wharf, the beach, and the Pan...coming into it I was not a big fan of Soularium but we prayed about it a lot and trusted in God to provide...and it was really disorganized but the Lord helped to break down the barriers I had set up regarding Soularium. Out here, it works really well! We got into several good conversations with it; this community is really receptive to tools such as Soularium...so that was awesome! Anyway, this coming Saturday we have a BIG outreach: a Hawaiian-themed party with outreach in mind...we have all been inviting our co-workers and I really think there will be a big crowd there...just want to rest on God, know we are 100% successful, and see what He does!

-Sunday Afternoon (also known as MAN TIME!!): Sunday afternoon brought one of the most awesome times of the project: men's and women's time...going into it I knew three things would happen: 1) we would tackle each other in some form 2) we would throw something at each other really hard 3) we would get in the water (which, by the way, is 55 DEGREES!!!)....and all of those things happened! We played volleyball, a game called ring of death which is sorta like flag football except it's head to head and you can tackle and stuff...really more a quickness game though...we also played dodgeball and fetch (just like a golden retriever) in the Monterey Bay! Afterwards, we had the BEST meal ever...STEAK, CHICKEN, corn on the cob, and watermelon...with NO UTENSILS!!! and after that were haagen-dazs ice cream bars! It was simply awesome...then we had time to see what it looked like to be a man of God, which was uplifting

-Monday Night Live: We had another great MNL; Mike spoke (how could it not be great with Mike Mehaffie speaking?) He spoke about how to walk with God for a lifetime, which was incredible...and great worship as well...reminds me a lot of NC State's Cru meetings....except with maybe 1/10 of the people! It makes for a good feel though....we are all friends here, and we all see each other every day which is awesome!

-Action Groups: Wednesday night brought the second week of action groups; this week we looked at how God values glorifying Him more than anything else, and what it looks like to live that way...it was AWESOME! Many of you may know 1 Corinthians 10:31 is my favorite verse; I think it sums up what our lives should be: in everything, give God the glory, and that's exactly what the chapter stressed, through many Biblical examples...I really felt engaged into the conversation this week; a lot of times I take a more relaxed role but for some reason I had a lot of input...God really showed me many things about glorifying Him! I pray that He is my "pure and holy passion" and that I continue to look to the cross in all things

-Thursday Night AKA FREE NIGHT: Thursday night was a free one for us. First, I went with several friends to Kianti's, which is a really good Italian place downtown...I got lasagna, being the basic person I am, and it was good (although IMO second to Amedeo's) and then I came back to the Pan to watch UNC get STOMPED in the College World Series!!! After that, we went to play Laser Tag and Bowling, both of which were really fun! The bowling alley is better than Rainbow Lanes...so it was nice

-Friday (PAYDAY!!): So, we got our first check....YAY!! We also met to get things ready for the HAWAIIAN party tomorrow! We also had our first night shift...which meant for me 3:30 to 10:30...not bad, actually a lot of fun! I got to work at the log flume ride, which was busy initially, but later thinned out really well...by 9:30 there was hardly anyone left...I enjoyed being able to interact with coworkers and just kid around...had a chance to talk with several coworkers today, which is a great thing....probably the most far-reaching ministry we have! Also, I got to ride the Giant Dipper (roller coaster) at night, just before we closed for the night...it is a great ride, especially at night! Then, we went to Pizza My Heart downtown for a midnight meal...another sweet day!

Other thoughts:

-I was really frustrated today with the Hawaiian party preparations: everybody was freaking out about it and there was no need for it...fortunately I have calmed down since then and everything seems to be ok. I still cannot get over how INCREDIBLE the fellowship is here! We are always doing something together, and we just bond so well! I can see myself doing something within Crusade for a living...the level of bonding within Cru is amazing because everyone loves the Lord and then others! I'm not saying for sure but I'd love to make a career w/in it!

Prayer Requests:

-The party tomorrow, that it would be glorifying to God and outreach-oriented
-Our hearts, that they are Christ-centered and that everything is with pure motives
-Diligence in talking with coworkers and investing in their lives
-The Santa Cruz community in general

I know this is super super super long but it spans about 10 days so sorta had to be! Anyway, until I type again...

In Christ's Love,

Johnathan

Philippians 3:7-8

Week 2, Part 1!

Hey guys! I haven't written in a week so there is a lot to talk about...I hope I don't get too carried away! This is one of two posts on the week, for two reasons.... 1) it will be a book if I don't! 2) I have work in 45 minutes LOL! Now to the week...First, we actually started on our jobs...in my case that meant operating rides. Most of the time, I worked at Wipe Out, which is a scrambler type ride; basically there are three arms that rotate and cars on each arm that rotate as well...gets you a little dizzy lol! but anyway I was sort of nervous because there is a lot of power in those rides and it is all up to me to keep it controlled, but it is actually really easy and if I ever doubted the safety of theme park rides, I don't anymore, because only a huge mechanical failure would actually injure someone...I have also operated a kiddie whale ride called Bulgy, where the whales go around in a circle like 6 times per minute and there are several HUGE 18 INCH DROPS! LOL but anyway that one is actually the most fun just because of the interactions with kids...I also worked a ride called cyclone, which is the one that spins you really fast so that centrifugal forces take over and pin you to the seat....this is where I rant a little...because I don't like working it at all...the riders first of all DON'T LISTEN! they insist on putting their feet up or sticking their hands out...it gets SO FRUSTRATING! and you can't see how many people are on the ride from the entrance, so you have to count in your head, which sounds easy but is not when you have to check heights and take tickets...thus I go back and forth to fill the ride up...and then when you exit you have to line the ride up perfectly or the door won't open! Enough of the complaints though! Santa Cruz has been AMAZING! But anyway here are a couple of the other highlights of the first part of the week:

-Monday Night Live--this is like our weekly Crusade meetings...we have one every Monday night (kind of obvious) with emcees, P & W, and a speaker...we have two great bands; many of the NC State Crusaders are in them...but they are a lot of fun...and after every MNL meeting, we go to an ice cream shop just down the road, just like going to Bojangles! They have really good ice cream there; my personal favorite is oreo!

-Action Groups—this is our Bible study which we do each Wednesday night…I have 5 roommates: Andrew (our staff member and leader), from the University of Arkansas, Caleb (from UNCW), Ricky (from the University of Tennessee), Gordon (from NC State woot woot!), and Zach (from Western Kentucky)…it has been awesome getting to know them and building friendships with them! We are reading an awesome book called Experiencing God Within…great book based on solid Biblical truth!

Anyway I gotta blast off…always busy here but really enjoy it!

In Christ’s Love,
Johnathan

Galatians 5:16

Weekend Numero Uno at the Pan!

Hey guys! Week one has passed in Santa Cruz, and week two brings us to our actual jobs...I am operating rides...Saturday was a day of training for the whole Seaside Company....it lasted FOREVER!!! But eventually we finished that and hung out some before our first outreach...which was CRAZY!!! I went with Ricky, a guy in my Action Group, and Annie; both are from Tennessee...Anyway, we talked to a few people and tried to get the general feel for spiritual things, and I soon found out just how wacky the views are here! I talked to one guy named Tommy, and soon after starting to converse with him I knew it was going to be interesting...he mentioned something about the lost city of Atlantis and how today's technology and civilization exists because of the people there...that they reincarnated here or something...he also said that the Bible is in the stars and that UFOs are prevalent in old Biblical paintings and that they had something to do with Jesus and His resurrection?!?! It's easy to see the need for Christ in this community...just can't forget that no matter the stats or numbers, we are 100% successful because we are going out and spreading the love of Christ! It is such a relief to look upon it in that way...anyway, on Sunday we go to a local church and help with them...I think it is awesome to become involved with a church body...we are working at Vintage Faith Church. Vintage is very, very contemporary, which is not a bad thing in itself...the big thing is that they didn't really base their service on Biblical text; the pastor simply supported his points with verses (there wasn't a central passage). Also, he didn't mention ANY verses until about halfway through the sermon...wouldn't be my choice of a church but I have to trust that God has me there for a reason...it is quite unlike my home church and different from Providence as well...I hope to view it with a fresh perspective next week...Anyway, after church a bunch of the NC State crowd hung out with Todd Smith and David Dagenhart, who came on a national park trip and stayed at the Pan! We got free ride passes for them and rode rides together...riding rides is going to happen many times while here but they are a lot of fun! Especially with project friends! Anyway, on to week two!! I will update soon but for now, keep it real! Continue to pray for unity within the project as well as the coworkers we will interact with and the town as a whole...as you can see, there are some interesting views out there unlike anything I've seen in NC

With Love in Christ,

Johnathan

2 Corinthians 5:21

Santa Cruz update

Hey Guys! I just wanted to give you an update on what is going on in Santa Cruz!! It has been amazing the last few days; we have really been on the go this week! We start job orientation tomorrow morning at 9:00 and we will start working on Saturday! I am working with the Seaside Company, along with about 25 others...it is the main company on the boardwalk and is responsible for operating the rides, arcade games, and merchandise, as well as some food...I don't know where I will be as of yet but I know that God has a perfect plan for me...Tuesday we had training and orientation from 1:30-6...a long time but it was a lot of fun! We had praise and worship during that time and other stuff to make it seem less than it was...Then afterwards we went to a cool place called Pizza My Heart where they have a piece of pizza NY style and a t-shirt for $5.00! I also got some Mr. Pibb!!! Anyway, after that we hung out and such and went off to bed...Wednesday basically all day we did something called Soul to Soul...which is where the guys in our Action Group (or Bible Study group) meet and spent 30 minutes or so basically explaining things that have shaped our lives to this point...things such as heritage, history, hardships, high points and heroes...it was awesome to bond on that level so quickly and it has helped us see where we are all coming from....it is awesome in general to have a great group of guys with me to keep me focused and to be there for me...we already hang out A LOT and do quiet times together and such...but after Soul to Soul we had a FUN DAY!!! where we first got into groups of about 10 and had a little friendly competition :) Our team was named the "Philly 4-13ers" from Phillipians 4:13 (so cliche I know lol...somebody had to) and we were not cut out for the games (we finished last haha)...First we had a chant...which was basically the verse with a Lion King twist...we made one of the staff's babies cry (never a good start) and then we went to the boardwalk for some games like guitar hero (which I played with another guy...we were able to win that one), eating games, and two people from our group had to ride the rollercoaster and make the most creative picture...was hoping the whole team could do it :) lol...anyway, the final stage was dodgeball...where we lost ALL THREE games haha...it wasn't even close...but we had SO MUCH FUN doing it...and "we beat everyone who didn't play" LOL! So...bringing it up to today...we got into servant teams (I am on the outreach team) and planned the outreach for this weekend (we have one every week) and then later had Action Group time...but this project is SO AWESOME already...just to see the heart that everyone here has for the Lord and giving their summers to God...it makes for incredible fellowship so early and everyone feeds off of everybody else...I truly feel this is going to be an amazing summer that brings me back to NC State and home with a freshened heart and a love for God that will be greater than when I left...I do miss all of you guys but I know that, God willing, we will meet again in a few weeks and reminisce and look forward to what is going to be another great year at NC State!!! Thank you SO MUCH for all of your kind thoughts, prayers, and concerns...here's some things you can be praying for as the nitty gritty of the project approaches:

-Unity within the team
-Our coworkers and others that we will be in contact with over the 10 weeks
-Our hearts, specifically that they may be genuine in love and tuned to glorify God in everything

In Christ's Love,

Johnathan

Phillipians 2:1-5

P.S. Sorry this is so long but there is so much going on that I feel like sharing! Thanks for sticking it out!

Hey guys!!! I haven't been able to update my blog in a while, but some crazy things have happened on the way to Santa Cruz!!! First, we saw the GRAND CANYON, which is AMAZING!!!! I've put a bunch of cool pics up on facebook...we wanted to catch the sunset but there were too many clouds to do that...so we went on our way into Kingman, Arizona for the night, at a sketch-looking rodeway inn...but it never got sketch so it was cool...Next, we left from Kingman to Barstow (finished I-40!) and ended up in San Bernardino, California, just 45 minutes from downtown L.A. We went through the Mojave desert, which is HOT (obviously) and through a "inspection station" where they asked if we had any fruits, vegetables, or pets...this time we didn't :) but anyway we got in Friday night with so much anticipation for L.A. on Saturday, which was CRAZY!! We bought a city pass so we could go to several things, and we went first to the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards and American Idol for several seasons! We also went to the Wax Museum, but since I haven't seen many movies, I didn't recognize a lot of it :) lol but I took pictures anyway! Then, we ate lunch and went to another museum with memorabilia from American movies...my favorite was Ocean's 13 collection! We then went outside Grahman's theatre to wait for the premiere of Land of the Lost, where Will Ferrell and others were going to be! Eventually we saw them, although I felt like a sardine for an hour...but anyway we then went on a tour of the stars' homes and other sites in LA, and we saw some amazing places...we got to see the homes of Will Ferrell, Orlando Bloom, Bob Barker, Nicole Richie (my favorite ha), Dr. Phil (his house was the prettiest imo), Tom Cruise, and SO MANY others! We also got to walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and get some star pics...which will be on facebook as soon as it cooperates...anyway by this time I was flustered from the big city and we were tired and hungry, so we went to Hard Rock in Hollywood to finish the night! I love going to Hard Rock and I collect the white basic t-shirts; I need a less expensive collection lol! but anyway after that was really frustrating on both of us...Dana's bike wheels were stolen and we got lost in LA for like an hour, which was really getting on my nerves...I was SO GLAD to see the hotel that night! That was the devil's way of trying us...he always knows how to do that! But we are "pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed!" Anyway, we woke up Sunday morning to make the drive from Inglewood to Santa Cruz, and had a BEAUTIFUL view of the mountains and the ocean...the ocean was right to our left as we were climbing mountains! We had amazing views!! Kind of a scary thought though...we arrived in Santa Cruz, very tired and worn out around 7:00 local time...we kinda weren't supposed to be getting in until today :) lol but it's cool...then we spent some time with some amazing people from Tennessee and Kentucky before going off to bed...can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us!

2 Corinthians 4:8-15

Day 3 of 'Travel

Hey Guys! We have now finished our third day and are in Albuquerque, New Mexico! We started the day in Russellville, Arkansas so we had a LONG day on our hands but we made the most of it. We breezed through Arkansas and Oklahoma, stopping at the Oklahoma welcome center where we took pics under the teepee picnic area. Then it was off, all the way into Texas. This is where the fun really began. First, I was driving and was really looking to stop at their welcome center, when I noticed it was 100 miles in! Fortunately, there was a "safety rest area" about 50 miles in, and it was the nicest rest area I've ever been to! It had beautiful views, which you can see on facebook, and a cool display on the power of wind, as they used a windmill to generate power. Anyway, then we stopped at several things in Texas. We stopped first at a leaning water tower and took pics of us holding it up, then we went a mile down the road to a huge 200-ft high cross (the largest in the Western hemisphere!). Then, a short while later we stopped at a "bugg ranch" which was 5 VW beetles with their noses in the ground! The area around it was so sketch-looking...it looked like something off of Texas Chainsaw Massacre or something! They say everything is bigger in Texas, and I believe it now! As we were leaving Texas crossing into New Mexico, there was this huge thunderstorm, with the most insane lightning I've ever seen. One strike flashed 5 times in 5 different places...and my fear of thunderstorms was put to the test. All went well though as I drove through it...by the time it cleared up, we were exhausted. After a failed attempt to find Arby's only to notice it was at the next exit and the sign lied :) and then it took a while to get our food, I was definitely a little frustrated. But we eventually made it there and now we are SO CLOSE TO CALIFORNIA!! Thank you guys for all your prayers and encouragement; it has been overwhelming and made such a difference! Thanks foremost though be to God who saw us through this crazy day and got us to our destination safely! Don't forget to keep praying for the project, the people we will be in contact with, and unity as a team!

Joshua 1:8-9

Hey guys! Day 2 of travelling is complete, and we have made it all the way to Russellville, Arkansas just 80 miles from Oklahoma! Today was a little more chill and awesome! First, we drove through Nashville and to Memphis. When we got there, we went downtown to Beale street, which is INCREDIBLE by the way! There are so many awesome shops and sights there. We ate at Hard Rock and spent the afternoon there before going through most of Arkansas. By the way, there is NOTHING in Arkansas. Nothing. In North Carolina, you see at least pine trees if there is no civilization or anything, but in Arkansas it is basically open fields, and you don't see exits but like every 5 miles unless you get to the cities. Anyway, tomorrow we are looking to go all the way through Oklahoma, Texas, and to Albequerque! This is a long drive so pray that we keep focus on the long road ahead. THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your comments and prayers. It means so much...check out my facebook for awesome pics from the first two days. God has blessed us SO MUCH in getting us this far, and I know that He will be with us as we go...we are only here by HIS grace...He is the ONLY thing we need! Pray that we would lay down our pride and anything inhibiting us from Him and let Him come into us so powerfully that it is obvious and contagious! Pray for those in Santa Cruz that their hearts may be primed to hear the gospel.

Psalm 86:8-12

Day 1 of Travel

Hey guys! Dana and myself have finished our first day of travel and are in for the night in Hermitage, TN which is just outside of Nashville...I woke up at 2:30 am to be in Raleigh to pick up Dana at 4:15. From there we drove to WILMINGTON, believe it or not, to start at the VERY END of I-40!!! We are going ALL THE WAY down the interstate (2,554 miles) to Barstow, CA!! Anyway, the trip is certainly not about us; it is totally about glorifying our wonderful God!! I thank all of you guys sincerely for your prayers and your support of this project!! Don't ever underestimate the power of prayer! Keep us in your prayers, as tomorrow we will stop in both Nashville and Memphis before ending in eastern Arkansas. We also have some pics showing how marvelous God is and the beauty of His creation which we will soon put on facebook. But as for now, we have food coming and we are starving, so peace out!!

this be my first blog!

Hey guys,

This is a blog I'm starting pre-summer project to keep you in the know with what God is doing in my life, whether it is Santa Cruz, Raleigh, or back home! He has been SO AMAZING to me recently and I've seen His presence eveywhere in my life. I know He is going to do even more amazing things in California! I'll be updating this when I can...with prayer requests, praise reports, and the like. Here's the prayer requests that I have as of now:

-the hearts of the people in Santa Cruz
-our hearts, particularly that we may have a genuine love for the people there and seek to glorify God in our time there
-travel, both driving and flying...I myself am driving and can't wait to roll out!
-growth in our walks with Christ so that we may be able to come back to our colleges with unmatched passion and desire to live for Christ

2 Corinthians 12:9-10