Quick update...
Hey guys.
So I was not able to raise enough funds in time to secure my spot as a CTI team member this summer so I will be continuing to raise funds in order to go as a team member in 2012.
As much as I wanted to go back and serve with CTI this summer, I know that God has a plan for it all and so I'm excited to see what God's gonna do as this all unfolds.
Continue to pray for me, the 5 teams that will be going out this year, and prayerfully consider supporting me for next year. Thanks!
Love y'all.
Cheers,
Jon
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tornado warnings and the work of God?
Hi friends!
It's been a busy last couple weeks as I've officially started support raising for my trip with CTI Music Ministries this upcoming summer. It's been a strange mix of feeling out of control and yet OK with it as I know God has it covered.
I just wanted to share a story about something that happened last week.
So during one of my observation days at one of the local High Schools, we were abruptly interrupted by a tornado warning. As you can imagine, a hallway full of 9th graders with teachers who needed the day to get through materials for FCAT testing during a tornado warning, is not a fun place to be. Being the "go-getter" I am, I saw that the teachers could not control the 100 or so students in the hallway so I decided to take control of the situation and got them all quiet and seated.
As I was walking up and down the hallway, making sure the students were doing OK, not freaking out too much, one of the students said something that made me think. They said, "I know the tornado is pretty close to here... Are we going to die? If so, how come none of the teachers are sitting down with us?"
Without thinking, I replied, "Right now, our main concern is to make sure that all you guys are safe and well taken care of. As long as we have that in mind as the most important thing, we're not concerned about what situation we're in."
The student understood and I walked off. Then it hit me...
It made me think of the first missionaries to Africa. I remember a sermon my pastor gave a while back and he said something along the lines of, "Why is it that [they] packed up all their belongings in a coffin and sailed off? It's because they went with an understanding that they will be doing the work of God until the day they die." It got me thinking... do we approach the work of advancing the Gospel the same way?
I want to challenge all you readers (however few or many there might be) to live life in this way. Be bold for the sake of the Gospel. You never know who you might be influencing.
It's been a busy last couple weeks as I've officially started support raising for my trip with CTI Music Ministries this upcoming summer. It's been a strange mix of feeling out of control and yet OK with it as I know God has it covered.
I just wanted to share a story about something that happened last week.
So during one of my observation days at one of the local High Schools, we were abruptly interrupted by a tornado warning. As you can imagine, a hallway full of 9th graders with teachers who needed the day to get through materials for FCAT testing during a tornado warning, is not a fun place to be. Being the "go-getter" I am, I saw that the teachers could not control the 100 or so students in the hallway so I decided to take control of the situation and got them all quiet and seated.
As I was walking up and down the hallway, making sure the students were doing OK, not freaking out too much, one of the students said something that made me think. They said, "I know the tornado is pretty close to here... Are we going to die? If so, how come none of the teachers are sitting down with us?"
Without thinking, I replied, "Right now, our main concern is to make sure that all you guys are safe and well taken care of. As long as we have that in mind as the most important thing, we're not concerned about what situation we're in."
The student understood and I walked off. Then it hit me...
It made me think of the first missionaries to Africa. I remember a sermon my pastor gave a while back and he said something along the lines of, "Why is it that [they] packed up all their belongings in a coffin and sailed off? It's because they went with an understanding that they will be doing the work of God until the day they die." It got me thinking... do we approach the work of advancing the Gospel the same way?
I want to challenge all you readers (however few or many there might be) to live life in this way. Be bold for the sake of the Gospel. You never know who you might be influencing.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Hi Friends! It's been a while.
Update time...
School has been fantastic! It's been a super busy semester but God is SOOOO good and I'm thankful for all the friends and professors who have walked beside me in my pursuit of an education.
A couple weeks ago, Gungor came to Southeastern! How awesome is that. Definitely had a fail moment too when I walked right past him, not realizing who it was.
Thinking back to it, I think it's real important to reflect on what happened. So many times, we're just so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we neglect to see people for who they are. My *first* interaction with Michael Gungor was non-existent. I was too wrapped up in something else. And by the time I realized who I had walked past, it was too late. So many times, that's how things are too, no? We walk past all of the people God has placed in our lives and we're so caught up in what we're doing... and we lose sight of all the opportunities that we have to share life with them. I want to encourage you to remember that God has placed all of those opportunities there for a reason and challenge you to take them.
In other news, I'm going back to CTI this summer! Below is a copy of my support letter... but if you would like a hard copy, feel free to let me know. I'd be more than happy to give you one. =)
This process is definitely stretching me because the practical side of me is saying that there is no human way possible to raise all of the support in time. But our God is a big and mighty God and no amount of human rationale is going to explain how He moves.
Hope your week is fantabalous!
Update time...
School has been fantastic! It's been a super busy semester but God is SOOOO good and I'm thankful for all the friends and professors who have walked beside me in my pursuit of an education.
A couple weeks ago, Gungor came to Southeastern! How awesome is that. Definitely had a fail moment too when I walked right past him, not realizing who it was.
Thinking back to it, I think it's real important to reflect on what happened. So many times, we're just so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we neglect to see people for who they are. My *first* interaction with Michael Gungor was non-existent. I was too wrapped up in something else. And by the time I realized who I had walked past, it was too late. So many times, that's how things are too, no? We walk past all of the people God has placed in our lives and we're so caught up in what we're doing... and we lose sight of all the opportunities that we have to share life with them. I want to encourage you to remember that God has placed all of those opportunities there for a reason and challenge you to take them.
In other news, I'm going back to CTI this summer! Below is a copy of my support letter... but if you would like a hard copy, feel free to let me know. I'd be more than happy to give you one. =)
This process is definitely stretching me because the practical side of me is saying that there is no human way possible to raise all of the support in time. But our God is a big and mighty God and no amount of human rationale is going to explain how He moves.
Hope your week is fantabalous!Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hey all. Sorry about the lack of posts lately... school recently started back up and it's been hectic getting back into the swing of things! I've been doing great. SEU has been great. I'm taking a whole bunch of classes and they've been super awesome so far. Yes, the workload can be unbearable at times but I'm just thankful for the opportunity to study.
So what else is new? I'm thinking of studying in Toronto for a year! Things are still coming together and there is a whole lot of things that need to go right in order for it to happen. Each and every day though, it's become more and more of a reality. I think this whole thing has reminded me of something. And it's challenging me daily.
There's a song by Jon Foreman titled "Your Love Is Strong" and the first line of the song just jacked me up.
Heavenly Father, you always amaze me
Let your kingdom come in my world and in my life
Give me the food I need to live through today
And forgive me as I forgive the people that wrong me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window the birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune or out of place
I walk to the meadow and stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
The kingdom of the heavens is now advancing
Invade my heart, invade this broken town
The kingdom of the Heavens is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself to buy the one you've found?
Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons
It got me thinking of this studying abroad business. I think to all those times where I'm sitting there, waiting for a meeting with important school higher-up people, going, "Oh man... what if this doesn't work?" and then when everything does work, I always go, "WOW. Praise the Lord. This is awesome."
Yes, I realize that nothing is finalized and who knows... it might not even work out in the end. But it really got me thinking of the moments where everything does work out and it's fine and dandy.
Why is it only during those times that I'm just speechless about what the Lord just did? Why am I so quick to forget of all the other times where the Lord amazes me?
I think it's because so many times, we (I) have become so calloused to seeing the Lord moving in each and every facet of life. And we've become so used to glossing over it all. "Oh we're breathing? another day? meh." Or we've become so used to looking at the problems in our lives that we forget that He is moving in ways that if we were to just stop and think about, it WOULD amaze us.
There was a sermon I listened to a little while back where my pastor said, "the problem is that we glance at God, then proceed to gaze at the problem." Is our callousness or even our lack of belief in the fact that the Lord moves in mighty ways preventing us from seeking Him and being aware of all the ways that He can amaze us?
I challenge everyone (including myself)... pray to be more aware of the Spirit and continually seek after the Lord. That way, when we can see Him move, it'll not only always amaze us... but I think it just makes God (at least in our finite, small minds) to be that much greater.
So what else is new? I'm thinking of studying in Toronto for a year! Things are still coming together and there is a whole lot of things that need to go right in order for it to happen. Each and every day though, it's become more and more of a reality. I think this whole thing has reminded me of something. And it's challenging me daily.
There's a song by Jon Foreman titled "Your Love Is Strong" and the first line of the song just jacked me up.
Heavenly Father, you always amaze me
Let your kingdom come in my world and in my life
Give me the food I need to live through today
And forgive me as I forgive the people that wrong me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window the birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune or out of place
I walk to the meadow and stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
The kingdom of the heavens is now advancing
Invade my heart, invade this broken town
The kingdom of the Heavens is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself to buy the one you've found?
Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons
It got me thinking of this studying abroad business. I think to all those times where I'm sitting there, waiting for a meeting with important school higher-up people, going, "Oh man... what if this doesn't work?" and then when everything does work, I always go, "WOW. Praise the Lord. This is awesome."
Yes, I realize that nothing is finalized and who knows... it might not even work out in the end. But it really got me thinking of the moments where everything does work out and it's fine and dandy.
Why is it only during those times that I'm just speechless about what the Lord just did? Why am I so quick to forget of all the other times where the Lord amazes me?
I think it's because so many times, we (I) have become so calloused to seeing the Lord moving in each and every facet of life. And we've become so used to glossing over it all. "Oh we're breathing? another day? meh." Or we've become so used to looking at the problems in our lives that we forget that He is moving in ways that if we were to just stop and think about, it WOULD amaze us.
There was a sermon I listened to a little while back where my pastor said, "the problem is that we glance at God, then proceed to gaze at the problem." Is our callousness or even our lack of belief in the fact that the Lord moves in mighty ways preventing us from seeking Him and being aware of all the ways that He can amaze us?
I challenge everyone (including myself)... pray to be more aware of the Spirit and continually seek after the Lord. That way, when we can see Him move, it'll not only always amaze us... but I think it just makes God (at least in our finite, small minds) to be that much greater.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
So a couple weeks ago, I had the joy of hosting some CTI friends.
And although I miss them all, it got me thinking of an experience that I had coming back from Taiwan.
In that same way, I think that's something to be looking forward to... after we have all passed and gone on, I hope to hear those comforting words. "Welcome Home!"
Just some random thoughts.
Hope you are doing fantastic!
And although I miss them all, it got me thinking of an experience that I had coming back from Taiwan.
I remember the customs agent looking over my passport and saying these words. “Welcome home Mr. Lee.” I had just spent the longest period of time away from the states (that I can distinctly remember) and it was one of the hardest experiences as well. And with those 4 words, I felt at ease. And it wasn't because I had all of these luxuries again. Or not having to deal with a language barrier. Or having ice cream truck music actually come from ice cream trucks, not garbage trucks. Or cold water at restaurants. Etc. You get the point. No, I was more at ease because I knew that there were people back home that were thinking of me. Cheering me on. Who were praying for me during each circumstance I was going through.
In that same way, I think that's something to be looking forward to... after we have all passed and gone on, I hope to hear those comforting words. "Welcome Home!"
Just some random thoughts.
Hope you are doing fantastic!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
So there's been a lot of chatter in the CTI circles about relationships. Who's going with who from what team, who finally proposed to who, which CTI couple from what year just had a baby, etc.
It's interesting to see people's reactions to these things. Most of the time, it's a mixture of "Wow. I never saw this coming." and "YAYYYYYY!!!!"
It's amazing to see what the news of a relationship change will do to someone's facebook wall the moment it goes "facebook official." Someone who has had relatively no chatter suddenly finds them self with 87 new notifications.
What I'm getting at is, why is our reaction not the same when someone comes to know the Lord? I mean, yes, we "celebrate" baptisms and confirmations... but why is it that most of the time, it comes off as a dull tedious task to get through?
The other thing that I noticed is the reaction of some of the single people. I've seen this happen a few times. When they hear of the relationship, they are usually left wondering why they're not in a relationship and wanting that.
Shouldn't the same happen when someone accepts the Lord? Shouldn't the world see the change and wonder what they're missing out on? Shouldn't the world want that relationship with the Lord?
Anyways, back to studying for finals.
It's interesting to see people's reactions to these things. Most of the time, it's a mixture of "Wow. I never saw this coming." and "YAYYYYYY!!!!"
It's amazing to see what the news of a relationship change will do to someone's facebook wall the moment it goes "facebook official." Someone who has had relatively no chatter suddenly finds them self with 87 new notifications.
What I'm getting at is, why is our reaction not the same when someone comes to know the Lord? I mean, yes, we "celebrate" baptisms and confirmations... but why is it that most of the time, it comes off as a dull tedious task to get through?
The other thing that I noticed is the reaction of some of the single people. I've seen this happen a few times. When they hear of the relationship, they are usually left wondering why they're not in a relationship and wanting that.
Shouldn't the same happen when someone accepts the Lord? Shouldn't the world see the change and wonder what they're missing out on? Shouldn't the world want that relationship with the Lord?
Anyways, back to studying for finals.
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