This past month I was privileged to not only be apart of FUEL 2012 (San Francisco), but was also asked to be the retreat speaker. Getting to know these kids (from several different churches) over the past 4 years has been awesome. Having the opportunity to be used by God in the capacity that He has allowed me to in their lives is something that I do not take for granted. I believe that God will be faithful to complete the work that he started in many of their lives at FUEL 2012. (Philippians 1:6)
I am blown away by what God is doing in the lives of my kids at the Korean Church where I am serving as their Youth Pastor. I have seen much spiritual growth in many of their lives since God opened the door for me to serve there. The friendships that are being formed have not only been a blessing to me, but also to iTuesday. The photo's above were taken on a Sunday morning which was also Korean Thanksgiving Day.
Shortly after returning from FUEL 2012, we decided to have a youth lock in. This lasted from a Friday night @ 7pm until Saturday morning @ 7am. It was awesome. Games. Devotions. Worship Service. Sundae Bar. More Games. Yea....awesomeness.
Last weekend, I went to Fontana, CA (about an hour outside of LA) to take part in a youth weekend. The theme of the weekend was 'DECISIONS'. I was given the opportunity to share with the youth there several times as well as preach on Sunday morning. The main scripture that we focused on was Luke 9:57-62 and Luke 14:25-27. We talked about what it means to truly be a follower Christ and what that decision entails.
It was another awesome weekend with some amazing kids who have a desire to KNOW Christ.
I was/am encouraged by them and ask you to pray for them with me.
iTuesday. I really am blown away by what God has been doing with the ministry here. Over the past 3 months we have seen a very consistent number at our weekly meetings. Last week we were challenged to find space in our normal meeting room for the number of people we had. Thats a good problem. I ask that you would please help pray with us for God's direction with this ministry. Pray that even more lost souls walk through the doors of our ministry and experience God's love while finding true discipleship. This Family is Awesome and is a light in New Orleans.
So now, the personal stuff:
This past month (October) has probably been the most busy/exhausting month of my life (but saying that in a good way). I'm tired. God has been teaching me a lot about balance. I am very grateful to be surrounded by so many friends who are able to give me wisdom and assist in all areas of the ministries God has let me be apart of. I am looking forward to staying 'home' (New Orleans) for the next month and a half and resting while praying for God's direction.
I was faced with some disappointing news yesterday. I called to arrange my flight to the village in India (where i was planning to go in December - January) and found out that the cost of my ticket was well over what i have available. I have not had adequate time to spend on fundraising and think that i will not be able to go to India again this year. I sent out letters and DVD's a month ago, but did not receive any financial support from those letters. I am still praying that God would provide the necessary monies for me to go. Please pray with me. I miss my family/friends in India and was/still am looking forward to being with them for the holidays. The cost of a ticket is $2600.
Something that God showed me this month:
1 Corinthians 3:7
'So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.'
It's always amazing to see what God does when you just do your job. Many times i would get frustrated because i wouldn't see any 'fruit' from the seeds that God was allowing me to plant. I was quickly reminded this past month that God is the one who makes those seeds grow, and He does so in His perfect timing. We just need to stay focused and keep doing our job. God will do His.
So...DO YOUR JOB.
