Finally an update!!!

So, here we are. In less than 2 weeks, this place, the MARK Centre will be empty and all of us will have gone to our respective assignments. It is really incredible that its already been almost 2 months since I came here. In 2 months things change so much, and yet so little. I have realized one thing for example. As much as I was looking forward to the opportunity to continue "studying" or in other words, to go to class I am enlightening myself with the fact that indeed, after those 4 years of University, I am looking forward to a well deserved (in my mind at least) break of classroom (in)activity. One thing that in blunt honesty I did not realize would happen was also the fact that I would miss people from Winnipeg as much as I do sometimes (and don't take that as an offence, those who know me will know that that is more a reflection of myself and my character then of yours). But on the other hand, I feel at home here now. I have found my spot, I am getting closer and closer with people - I have always thought that I need a 1 month warm-up period anyways - and I really love the Germany team. I am not finding time to relax and be by myself in quietness as I wish, but that is fine, and I just realized today that my tiredness may in fact stem from a budding cold rather then lack of sleep or introversion. So all in all, things are good.

A couple of verses from Isaiah 55

This is God speaking to us: Everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat...

See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you...

For as the rain and snow come down from ehaven, and do not return there utni they have watered the arth, making it bring forht and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

This is beatiful, and its one of my favourite passages right now. God has been teaching me numerous things these weeks, even through my doubts about some of the sessions and about myself and God has had a lot patience. And these words from Isaiah 55 just sum it up so nicely. The title ch. 55 in my Bible (NRSV) is "An Invitation to Abundant Life." How often do we not realize that abundant life starts in faith and moves to proclamation. Abundance is in receiving and sharing that which we have received: "you shall call nations you do not know." Is it not beautiful that we are invited to this abundance, not coerced, not forced; its not about our salvation, but it is a gift that we receive through our salvation. Have you ever considered the fact that sharing and proclaiming is not a responsibility but a privilege, a gift?

I wanted to use that as a lead in to let you in on what we did yesterday. All 19 Trekkers, together with some MTIers (MTI = Missionary Training Institute, MBMSI) spread out over Abbotsford and Aldergrove and we spoke to people, asking them about their faith, filling out surveys and praying that God would give us the opportunity to share with them what we believed in. This was amazing and I am forever going to remember the conversations we had and will definitely keep these people in my prayers. But the question begs, why are we so scared of doing that? Why has this become an obligation for me, almost a dread, rather then a joyful participation in the Kingdom of God? I am not talking about hitting people on the head with the gospel, but how are we ever to fulfill the great commission if we don't have enough faith and to step out and ask others what they believe in and humbly share our believes (I think there is a big difference between sharing and trying to convince, i.e. "convert"). As Phil Harris one of our speakers put it, "to plant a seed. And maybe it is not us that harvest, but others will, that we have to leave up to God"(I do hope you realize I am paraphrasing).

All of this relates to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives, something which from my own experience I tend to minimize at times. But I am encouraged continually to work at it as I read the Bible. I have been reading through 1. Samuel and I am currently at the 12. chapter. Israel is getting a King and Samuel has annointed Saul and yet is lamenting over Israel for they haven chosen to have a King and not to trust in the Lord. Upon hearing this lament, Israel answers in repentance and asks: "Pray to the LORD you God for you servants..." and what has impacted me is Samuel's response: "far be it for me that I shoud SIN against the Lord BY CEASING TO PRAY FOR YOU." You see, even in tough times Samuel is interceding on behalf of his people, not out of his own will, but because to do otherwise would be to sin. This is the kind of faith I strive for and I continually pray that I might be open to God.

Now for some more mundane things, fall in BC is beautiful, for I did not know that trees could turn red. Today we went to Vancouver and saw Stanley Park among other things. The most impressive thing was going to the MEC Gear Swap. People had been sleeping in front of the store all night and even though we had to wait 1.5 hours to get in we still found everyting we needed (and I might add, some things that we bought more out of convenience then necessity). It was a good time and nice to leave Abby for once. Another highlight is the fact hat Team Germany is flying with British Airways, to London Heathrow to the now infamous Terminal 5. For you aviation buffs that might be noteworthy (I have never been to Heathrow!!!). I am so looking forward even to just that part of our experience.

Well, it is late, I am going to bed and I feel that I have ranted more then I should have. I hope that nonetheless this gives you and insight into my life and into TREK, for all you that eligible to participate, I encourage you strongly to consider TREK and for all of you thank you so much for your prayers, they are stronlgy felt over here.

For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and the trees of the fiel shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12