Thoughts from Acts

Hey team, Johnny here! Didn't get a chance before the big RV trip to get some thoughts posted on here from Acts but wanted to get the discussion going! So, HERE WE GO~

One of the first things I noticed as I was reading was how Paul did not go out alone on his first trip in Chapters 13 and 14. In Chapter 13 verse 2 it actually says “the Holy Spirit said, ‘Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them.” This can show us that it was not just a man’s good idea to go out as a pair, but that God intended for Saul and Barnabas to go out together. And I believe God has intended for us to serve in teams on our mission trips and here’s why.

--We are all very different and we all bring something unique to the team. Some of us may speak Spanish, some of us may sing, some of us may be great with kids, some of us may love manual labor, some of us may be a great encourager, some of us may be prayer warriors. See when we all come together with what we each have, the team becomes a whole lot stronger

--When you are together with a common purpose you can keep each other accountable. If we begin to get tired on this trip or begin to lose focus on why we’re there, there are people on this team who will lovingly help you remember what the trip is all about.

--The team outperforms the individual in the long haul every time. We will love more kids, get more work done, share Jesus with more people when we work as a team.

I’m so excited about the team we have going to Chicago!

What else have you found in your time reading Acts 13-28? Share your ideas and thoughts by posting a comment below.

Other People Matter...

Hey friends, Sarah here. I've been reading The Worn Out Woman with my accountability partner and there was a sentence that caught my attention. It reminded me what our focus is this summer as we travel to Chicago.

"Everywhere we go people are longing to feel that they are special because someone told them so." (pg 103)

This is what we are all about. We are going to Chicago to show people they are special and they have value. The book of Ephesians, Paul talks about how God's secret plan has been revealed. His plan is that every person can be a part of His kingdom if they chose to accept the gift. Think about that...EVERYBODY in the world can be part of God's family. Some people aren't part of the family because they have never had the chance to hear the good news, especially that they matter.

Later on in the book I've been ready the author writes,

"I'll always remember that moment when God let me be a part of His surprise." (pg 105)

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy about how thankful we should be that God has chosen us to be a part of his plan. I am so thankful he allowing each of us to be a part of the team who will show the people of Chicago that there is a God that loves them. I am so excited to see what he has in store for us.

"How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve him. Oh how kind and gracious the Lord was! He filled me completely with faith and the love of Christ Jesus!"

1 Timothy 1:12 & 14

And We're Off

Hey team, Johnny here and CHICAG08 is off and running! We have an amazing team! We have amazing leaders! God has called us to do something amazing!

In a few short months we will all be jumping on a bus together and heading to the Windy City!

Have you started praying for the team yet? Have you started praying for those in Chicago that we will be serving? Have you started reading Acts 13-28? Let's dive in together! Let's engage this ENTIRE process from first meeting to the very end! We've started diving in and will open up the discussion soon!

If you missed the first meeting, it is very important that you get caught up on what's going on. If you missed the first meeting then you likely don't even know about the blog, which means if you know someone who is going to Chicago but missed the first meeting, then make sure they read this post!

If you missed the first meeting, you need to stop by the student ministries office and pick up what you missed. You will need to pick up a folder which includes your journal and pen, 2 sample mission support letters as well as donor contribution forms and return address labels for your support to come directly to GCC. I'll be posting the cliff notes on how to write the whole support letter soon.

Also if you need more donor contribution forms or return labels those are now printed and available up there!

BOOYAH!