This morning began with church. Pastor Bill Goodrich taught out of Numbers 32 about having endurance as a believer and being loyal to God and wholeheartedly following Him. A few students went to Horizon Central for church service, where Pastor Dave Kosobucki taught out of 2 Timothy on endurance and faithfulness to God. There was an interesting unity between each message.
A few of us served in youth ministries during second service. Jonathon, an HSE 1 student, shared his testimony of our practicum with the high-school students. He encouraged them to stand firm in their faith and values and cautioned them to not take advantage of their faith, knowledge and access to the church body. He shared with them about the kids from the youth mission in Wisconsin and the reality of their brokenness and lack of community. So, he motivated them to value what God has given them and where He has taken them in their lives.
After service, the church invited everyone to a potluck to watch the Indianapolis Colts Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars football game. It was a sweet time of fellowship with the body before we leave on Wednesday.
Later, we were given the option for rest and fellowship or to go to HHOOT ministries. Shannon, Chris, Lawrence and Ezekiel decided to go, in hopes Brandon and Ryan would be there (previous blog), and they were. They spent an hour and a half talking with them. It was a heartbreaking encounter because Brandon started using meth again. They encouraged and reassured him of the hope found in Jesus to break free of his addiction. He has the head knowledge of who God is and what Jesus did on the cross for him, but he has yet to accept Jesus as Lord.
Through interacting with Brandon and Ryan over the past few weeks, Shannon especially learned a lot. Although circumstances may look hopeless, God has a purpose and He is actively working in people’s lives to save them. He pursues them and draws them to Himself. She has learned that it is difficult to not be in control of people’s choices, but that we must understand God is over and through everything. He will rescue them.
Later, Horizon hosted an illusion outreach by Michael Villoria. There was a big turn out from the congregation and community, and like before, everyone was very engaged. Quite a few people raised their hands to receive Christ.
HSE students were encouraged to see specific people they had invited from different outreaches. We greeted, served refreshments, and were given the opportunity to meet and talk with people afterwards.
HSE and CCBCi students got together after the outreach and spent time drinking hot cocoa, eating s’mores, and singing and dancing. It was a great ending to our day.
