Last we wrote we were headed off to Hampton Beach to close the project for the summer. The thing that really struck us as we were up there were the changed lives!
For a reminder the way that a summer project works is that the staff are there for the first 5 weeks and then the staff leave and let the students run the project for the last 5 weeks. As directors we had the privelege of returning for the last 4 days! Because this was our first time directing this was a new experience for us, and it made a lot of difference in being able to see the visible change in the students from when we had left 5 weeks earlier. They all looked more like Jesus!
Here's a few quick bullet points of change we saw in the students:
- Tim, a boy full of pride, through the working of the Holy Spirit is now clothed in humilty and has an amazing servant's heart and a smile full of joy instead of pride
- Cyrus (one of our NJ students that Karen works with at Monmouth)- is working on forgiveness and rebuilding of his broken relationship with his dad. Where there used to be bitterness and resentment, now there is love and excitement
- Will (one of our NJ students, that Karen works with at Monmouth)- grew a ton in leadership skills as he was one of the student directors when the staff left. He grew a lot in overseeing resolving of conflict and leading other men spiritually
- DaShawn (a Jersey MAN)- grew in the area of taking responsibility and becoming more of a man of God in male leadership
-Santei (from Rutgers)- grew in his heart to lead other men spiritually. This year Tommy will be coaching him in leading the monthly Men's Time for our Rutgers Movement
- Carrie- I (Karen) AM SO PROUD OF HER!!! Previously to this project she was a little rebellious and I think she just needed someone to believe in her so that she could grow to be more like Jesus. I asked her to work on some things before she came to project. The last few days of project she said to me "Karen, I was so mad at you for making me change... but thank you, I'm so glad you did, thanks for believing in me"... this is definitely not something to pat myself on the back for...but it was a absolute JOY to be a part of watching God change her life.
-Erika- previously was not confident in herself... She has grown A TON in taking steps of faith
-Rachel- has grown a ton in her heart to serve the Lord. She took Karen's job of the associate project director when the staff left. I really could see her making an impact for Christ wherever the Lord leads her in the future.
-Natalie- made efforts to end a relationship that was not pushing her towards Christ but hindering her in her walk. She chose her walk with Christ above her personal temporal relationship!
- Several women healed this summer from broken relationships with parents and healed from break-ups that took place in the spring semester
...and much much more!!!
Stories of Evangelism:
-all of the students grew in their knowledge and experience in evangelism. They shared their faith often
-All students made efforts to share their faith in the workplace and really learn what it means to build relationships with others in the workplace and be a good witness
-Many co-workers of our students heard the gospel
-Many people at Hampton Beach heard the gospel this summer
-Linda our summer neigbor across the street came to know the Lord through Collena(a NJ student) and Abby one of our summer project staff.
-A 13 yr. old girl was convinced not to commit suicide by Santei offering her hope. The little girl's mother was so grateful that she came and visited our summer project house. The mother was headed to jail in 2 days. She accepted Christ that night with Shelby (one of our student women). Shelby wants to go into prison ministry after she graduates-- this experience confirmed that calling from the Lord.
-Esther, one of our staff this summer, led 3 people to Christ-- this experience was so life changing for Esther (and for those 3 people) she'll never be the same!!
There are many many other stories that we could share, these are just a few!!
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