Wednesday, August 21, 2013

post-project reflection

A fantastic welcome home. 

Woah. It has almost been three weeks since I found myself back in the beautiful states of South Dakota/Minnesota. Is that crazy or what? I absolutely loved Cali but I tell you what, it's so good to be home! Yeah, I've occasionally been stricken with a slight condition of post-project depression, but really I'm just excited about everything that I've experienced this summer and how God is going to use it in the rest of my life. Because really, that was the point of project. God always calls his people in, only to send them back out. We are called to GO. To live out the great commission.

I wrote this in my journal on July 7th:
"Today as we were out sharing on campus it hit me how cool it is that I have no control over the outcome of our conversations. The gospel is so real and true to me that I sometimes forget how crazy it may seem to someone who doesn't believe it. And that's just it, it is crazy! Jesus came down, lived a perfect life, and took on all my sins on the cross. Through him I am made righteous and clean and have eternal life! This is a message that I cannot explain to someone on my own. God goes before us and prepares hearts and does his saving work. We have no power to convert, but it's our job as followers of Christ to be a part of the great commission. I'm honored to be a part of God's work in that. Lord, keep changing me, shaping me, and using me. Help me to declare your word with boldness."

I think that defines my summer in a nutshell. Coming off of project I can see how God has given me a renewed passion for the gospel and has re-broken my heart for his lost people. It's like I have this new perspective on life that I had before but so easily let slip to the back of my mind. I never want to become comfortable with hearts unchanged, with souls unsaved. I want to continue to live out my faith in boldness. No more passivity. I have been chosen by God to be used by him and for his glory. Thats one of the things that stood out to me this summer, that God wants to use me. Yes, even me! By myself I am insignificant and have nothing to offer, but God is my help and he uses all things for his glory! Thats amazing and I want my life to point directly to Him. 

"Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6

"Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong." -1 Corinthians 16:13

"Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed."-1 Peter 1:13

To be quite honest, I don't know how to express everything that I have learned, witnessed, and been reminded of in the past 2 months. So in short, here are a few of those things: 

God is powerful and mighty to save.
God does every bit of growth, not me.
God wants to use my life for His glory.
I need God's grace and forgiveness DAILY.
It's not about sinning less, but about loving God more. Sinning less is the result. 
Unless I recognize my brokenness, I can't fully realize my need for a savior.
God is continually and faithfully making all things new.
Prayer is powerful, effective, and important. It is for my benefit, God already knows my heart. 
Every bit of God's creation is beautiful.
God always provides, even if it's not the way we want Him to.
God's plan is far better than mine.

Yes, I'm sad that chapter of my life is over but I am so thankful for the opportunity that I was given to deepen my walk with Christ, to spread the gospel, and to live in a community of awesome fellowship with other believers. I have made friendships that I truly believe will last a lifetime and I believe that San Diego is a different place because of what God did through us. As I figured it would be, this has been one of the most challenging and yet best summers of my life thus far. I'm excited for this school year to start and to be able to use what I've learned on campus! It'll be fun to reach out to others as college ministries and classes start up. I'm ready to see what God has in store for this year!


Once again, thank you all SO extremely much for all the love, support, and especially prayers. I pray that God blesses each and every one of you. Feel free to contact me for more details and questions about my summer project! 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." -Matthew 28:19-20

My last night on Mission Beach. Oh, so bittersweet.
"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk
upon the waters, wherever you would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my
faith will be made stronger in the presence
of my Savior." -Oceans, Hillsong

Peace, & most definitely blessings.
-Rachel K. Moravetz