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.