Wow, we just came back from 16 days in New York City on a mission experience in evangelism, community service, and discipleship training! Part with NYGO and part with Citivision. It was a stretching and tiring time.

One of my highlights was studying the book of 1 John with the teens. Each evening we got the team together and the students led a study/discussion on a portion of the letter. I used to struggle with John’s writing in this book because of the black&white language that he uses when talking about those who are or are not children of God. But in studying it this time I understand more of John’s purpose of offering assurance to those who claim to follow God. That the things he talks about …primarily LOVE… are all markers that should be evident in increasing measure in those who claim to be followers of Christ! Instead of something that I am bound by I now understand the things John talks about as something that is true in me because of the Spirit of God living in me through faith in the Son of God…I am becoming more and more one who is characterized by the love of God and love of others. There is truly an exciting freedom when we understand the gospel for what it is instead of a new law or list of rules that I have to work at conforming ourselves to.

Fun times were had by all! We had a few treats while in the City… one was Mandy and I getting to ham it up with Elton John! hahaha!