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It's a common saying amongst short term Mission trippers, "God doesn't take you halfway around the world to return home the same." Something I pondered on the flight from the U.S. to Kenya.
"Why am I going to Kenya?"
Sure, I knew the practical reasons. Iam going to experience God, I am going to learn things from Mavuno Church, I am going to experience our church partners... But, as I took off on that plane, I was unprepared to experience God the way I did in Africa.
The end of the year is approaching. Well, it's here, to say the least. As I look back on What God has done in HSM and in the lives of students in Orange County I cannot help but thank Jesus for his provision and grace!
Now, I have been in youth ministry for a while now--I cannot call myself a veteran, but I can say that I have seen so many students, leaders, sermons, trainings, camps, videos, pranks... you name it! I know that amidst so much to be thankful for, there are students who hurt, students who are lonely, students who have questions, students who are forgotten, and so much more! This letter, is to you, the students of HSM and Orange County who might find yourself at a place like this.
To the student who had a rad 2016: Ride the wave, thank Jesus, and don't take those good moments for granted. Blessing is often received, but not often recognized. Recognize it.
To the student who feels far from God: God isn't far from you. He's actually very, very close. That's the message of Christmas... In moments when we feel we aren't close to him, he actually is closer to us than we think. God is with you, in the good, the bad, and the ugly.