Requests and Updates for 9/26/08

Requests
==
+ Build good relationships at the new church
+ To take Metro and its community to where God wants it to be
+ Discipline to pray and read my Bible

Update
==
It's been a while since I updated, but that's because there were things still in development that I didn't want to jinx.

I've settled on a new church, Metro Community Church in Englewood and I've been going there for the last 4 weeks. It's great little church, very warm and inviting. It is a bit far, but 30 min commute isn't terrible.

Everything kind of fell into place really fast. After I visisted the first time, I filled out their connection card. On Monday, Pastor Stephen emailed me welcoming me to the church. I shot back an email real quick inquiring about internship possibilities. I got an email back from Pastor Peter, we set up a lunch for that Friday, and got the offer.

It was amazingly smooth and fast. Metro had been looking for someone to do web and video stuff. I've been looking for a new church and an internship. So we were an answer to each other's prayers. Amazing how God works like that.

Even though things were pretty much good, the decision had to be approved by the elders. So I didn't want to say anything until everything was finalized. Things are good and I've already started.

My first big project is redesigning the website. The current site, emetro.org, is all static. I'm going to help them move to a CMS like Drupal or Joomla. Since we would have to redo the design, I figured this was a good chance to rebrand Metro.

The rebrand is going to be much harder but M is on board and the leadership seems to be keen on it too. It's a matter of coming up with a concept and design that the senior staff are happy with. They've had a few logos come by their desks, none of which really wowed them.

School wise, I'm mad busy. I started learning Hebrew. So now I can read and write it. My vocab is only about 30 words, which I need to memorize, but it's pretty neat. Most of my work is just reading and writing response papers. I have a few papers here and there. But one large research paper due end of semester.

Personally, I've just been keeping busy. Between school and internship, I've found it's hard to fit anything else in. I've fallen way behind on all of my blogs. The only ones I keep up with are the news ones. So, needless to say, I haven't had much time to pray or read my Bible.

For the most part, I haven't felt the need to pray. I want to, but everything's been going good. Now that I've said that, I'm sure God's gunna throw something my way.

The road ahead is still filled with uncertainty, but I have no fear because I know the Lord my God will not lead me wrong.

Requests and Updates for 9/2/08

Requests
==
+ I would focus on pursuing God through my studies
+ He would grant me power, wisdom, and opportunity as I disciple people
+ Trust that He will provide all that I need

Updates
==
I've officially started church dating. I call it that, because being with a church is like being in a relationship. I'm looking for one where we can really grow together and challenge each other.

2 weeks ago, I went to Liquid. I've been there before, so I kind of knew what to expect.

This past Sunday, I went to Metro and I really liked it. There's a lot of signs telling me this is where I should go.

1) Pastor Peter, the head pastor, used to be in broadcasting. He was a producer for NBC before going into ministry.
2) They have a video ministry and they're interested in moving towards short film (aka, drama).
3) They don't have a youth ministry yet, but have a core of devoted high schoolers who go without their parents.
4) An intern, who just left, also went to ATS.

Not that anything is official yet, but just looking at the future, it's full of hope and possibility. This is the happiest I've been in 2 months.

Classes start today and I'm really looking forward to a new year. I've been doing well so far. I don't want to say it's easy, because it's a lot of work, but I feel like I'm in that second year groove. Where you're kind of familiar with the way things work and how to do assignments.

I don't want to be comfortable. I want to push myself to be the best student I can be. At the same time, I don't want to be overly focused on the academics. I want to learn so I know God better. I want to live out my faith more and apply the things that I learn.

I started meeting with one of the kids and my heart breaks for her. I want to help, I want to care, but I don't know how to break through the walls. Her schedule also makes it really hard to be consistent. But when I look into her face, I see so much sadness and hurt. She's resigned to accept it, but I know that Jesus can heal her.

I know when meeting with a girl, I need to be extra cautious. But I also need to trust God that he's using me and all her friends to reach out to her.

Sorry I'm being so cryptic, but need to protect her identity. Pray for her, she needs Jesus.