Guys performing their swim routine in the kiddie pool.

After work, everyone came back to a delicious meal.  After eating the meal and waiting for the storm to pass, the boys from project performed routines in the pool.  The goal of their routine was to win a girls room.  The girls had an option to accept them or swap them for a different boys’ room.  The boys permormed hilarious and outrageous routines, vying for the of approval from the girls.

After the routines were finished, and the group dates were established, the students spent the evening on the group date of which was previously planned by the girls’ room.  This time was spent from fun treasure hunts to mini-golfing to beach games.  Everyone loved having a night of funny swim routines and amusable group dates.

Girls being entertained from the balcony

During the afternoon, Reid Jilek gave a talk on evangelism to everyone.  We watched a clip in which an atheist made the point, “How much do you have to hate someone to not share your faith?” He said that if you knew for sure that heaven and hell were real, why would you not be urgently telling others of truth? This stuck out to many of us because we often shy away from sharing our faith. However, the reality is startling, that unless people know Christ, they will be forever eternally sepertaed from Him.  This comment gave students much to think about.

After evangelism training, students went out on the beach to share their faith.  This was a wonderful time for students to practice sharing what they believe with others.  Many students desire to continue praying with those that they had shared their faith with.  Even though people may not immediately accepted Jesus Christ as the way to God, it can be seeds that are planted.

He began with discussing Acts 17:25.”Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” He had us consider whether or not we truly believe this in our everyday lives. The good news is that as believers, we simply receive from Him.  We cannot do anything to add to this, It is finished! He is continually giving to us, and we receive what He has accomplished on the cross for us.

The gospel is clear in the Bible that though we are sinful, Christ came and died on the cross so that we may experience forever the grace of God.  Christ promises to be our advocate forevermore, pleading for us before God.

Matt discussed some barriers in our lives that prevent us from knowing Christ’s love for us. We are continually distracted by personal performance and performance from God.  Although we have heard the truth of the cross, we seem to always seek ways to gain approval from both God and man.  Throughout our lives our sinful nature seeks to find ways to turn the gospel into laws.Romans 4:4-5 says, “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” No longer do we have to work for God’s approval! We can repent of sin in our hearts, and turn to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. It is completely FINISHED because of Christ!

After the talk, there was a time of worship and prayer. The room was filled with people worshipping the Lord, praying to Him, and crying over the wonderful news that was so clearly heard.  Back on project, many students were having conversations with others rejoicing over what the Lord is doing in their heart.  Last night depicted so clearly that the gospel truly is the power for salvation. Please pray for the students whose hearts were open to this for the first time last night. Pray that they would continue to be rooted in Christ, bearing fruit.  We are delighted and in awe of God for bringing people to understanding of Christ last night.

He described it as “our whole life,” “the thing that is the center of all history” and “the clearest picture of who Jesus is.”

For most of his message, Matt talked about how good the Good News is.

Hebrews 10:14: For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

But how can we hear this and so often feel nothing? How can there be such numbness to the gospel in our hearts?

Matt brought up three sedatives that put us to sleep when it comes to the gospel.

One is a shallow understanding of sin. This blog post could never fully describe the weight that was felt in the fellowship hall of Garden City Baptist last night. With full conviction, holding nothing back, Matt preached about sin that was in every heart in the room.

“You must get to a place in your life when you say, ‘how could he possibly love me?’”

We must know we are broken to understand the gospel.

Another sedative is the distraction of personal performance. This one hit home for many people (probably everyone). He talked about how we perform for people, and we perform for God. He stressed how there is nothing we can do for God.

Romans 4:4-5: Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness…

There is nothing that we do. Matt quoted something he has read: “the law requires 100 percent doing; the gospel requires 100 percent not doing.”

Luke 18:9-14 is a perfect passage for what we have a right to say before the Lord. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” We can’t pay God back with obedience or gratitude, and there is nothing we can do to improve him or improve ourselves.

But, this is such good news!

1 Cor. 3: 21-23: So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

All work has been done. It is finished. Now, we can rejoice that all is our’s because we are Christ’s.

The third and final sedative is the forgotten reality of eternity. We are now free to say that God’s wrath has been taken away from me forever, and I will never see it.

Matt said, “The rest of your life should be a celebration.”

Guys from Northwestern getting to know each other more during campus time

Yesterday morning, Stephen Discher gave a talk regarding technology.  He discussed both the benefits of technology and the trappings we often fall into.  He explained that technology in and of itself, is not bad.  In fact, Christ has created all things good. (1 Timothy 4:4)  However, our sinful hearts turn good things into idols.  Therefore, as believers in Christ. we want to be aware of technology as an idol so we can effectively use technology to spread the gospel of Christ.  We want to be faithful ministers of all that the Lord has blessed us with, including technology.

After Steve’s talk, everyone split up for campus time. During campus time, students were able to form relationships with other students from their campuses.  After campus time, everyone went to their designated church in garden city.  Sunday morning proved to be an enjoyable time for students to worship Christ.

Enjoying ice cream during a group date

During the afternoon, everyone spent time relaxing.  Some people went to the beach, some played pool ball, and others went on group dates.  This time was a time for them to re-cooperate before, again, another busy week ahead.  At night, there was an optional worship time where they were able to worship and praise Christ though song. Praise the Lord that he created us to need and enjoy time of rest!

At 8:45 before church, Mike Polley talked about working to rest, saying that Christ has given us rest in the gospel.

“Stay in the rest that we’ve been given,” he said.

At this point at Project, weariness has started to set in for many people. Full-time jobs and nightly project activities, for some, make schedules much busier than what is normal.

Mike reminded us how we have already received ultimate rest, and how we have the opportunity to give it to others.

“Only Christians can share eternal rest,” he said.

He also went into some helpful tips about working and resting, explaining how there is a rest in remembering that God sanctifies us.

So today, in a very practical sense, people have been resting. Many have visited the beach in the 95-degree weather, and the local coffee shop has had people in and out of it all day.

Here are the tips Mike gave everyone to think about when it comes to work and rest:

1. Know yourself.

When it comes to a work ethic, are you on the lazy end or the over-working, anxious side?

2. Get good sleep.

3. Be efficient in the use of time.

Be devoted to work when you work and be devoted to sleep when you sleep. This will result in better work and better rest.

4. Be thankful.

“When you’re thankful, you’re awake to the gift you’ve been given?”

5. Take a day off.

This doesn’t mean sleeping all day. It’s a day for whatever is refreshing. This may be going for a run, taking a nap, or reading a book. It depends on the person.

6. Pace yourself.

You don’t always need to go 100 percent. It’s OK to run at a slower pace that can last.

7. Make a weekly schedule.

Schedule a time to rest, and make sure to make it a priority.

Maradith Saunders is one of the many students working at Walmart.

…It’s off to work we go.

A majority of the students on Project have been blessed with full-time jobs in the community. Over 50 work at Walmart. Also, there are some at Chic-Filet, Krystal Burger, McDonalds, Sonic, Buy Low, KFC, Painters, and a few various internships.

For many students, Saturdays mean longer hours, as there are no scheduled Project events.

Tonight, people are relaxing from a long day flipping burgers and stocking shelves. Some people are playing pool ball, some are throwing a frisbee, some are playing cards, and some are plucking the ukulele. As Rachel Sandager, Caleb Nordquist, Lucy Lou, and Max Cruz play Egyptian Rat Race (a card game), they reflect on their day.

Rachel (Walmart):

“I could smile for days now with all my practice as a greeter.”

Caleb (McDonalds):

“From beginning to end, you’re just making sandwiches, and you really don’t have time to think.”

Lucy (Walmart):

“My feet hurt, but I’m happy.”

Max (internship at a vet clinic):

“I got to save lives.”

A couple guys are reading Colossians together. (photo by Jenny Hessman)

This morning everyone walked across the parking lot for Bible Study Training at Garden City Chapel.

Elliot Stokes went through what the Bible is and why we read it.

“Here are the most important things about the universe … and you’re being walked through those things (when you read the Bible),” he said.

Elliot started by explaining that all of the Scriptures are about Jesus.

“If we miss that, it’s not just that we’re reading the Bible wrong. It means we have a heart defect.”

He stressed how the Bible is God’s spoken word – that God literally speaks things into existence. He creates and defines truth by his words.  He referenced 2 Timothy 3:15-16 and 2 Peter 3:15-16 to explain this.

Elliot called everyone to open the Bible realizing that they are hearing from God.

He also talked about how “the Bible tells you who God is, and people don’t like that.” People like to make up things about God and choose what they like or don’t like to believe.

“The real God is way, way, way better than anything you would make up,” Elliot said.

Titus 3:3 says, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”

“That’s you,” Elliot said. “The Bible tells you the hard truth about yourself.”

The last point Elliot made was that “the Bible didn’t die for your sins.”

“The Bible is not God,” he said. “It reveals God.”

After the message, some of the students said this was convicting, reflecting on how it can be easy to seek forgiveness by getting in the Word rather than falling before the cross.

Bible Study Training is a weekly event. Every Friday morning, a different message is presented, and then we practice the inductive method of reading the Scriptures. This morning, we read today’s verse from Colossians: Col. 1:24.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.

Andrew and Lauren Holbrook talking about biblical relationships

Andrew and Lauren Holbrook gave the relationships seminar.  Andrew Holbrook is the regional director of Campus Outreach Charlotte.  In their talks, they highlighted the fact that relationships are to point us more to Jesus Christ, not merely another person.  In addition, they walked through how biblical marriages symbolize Christ’s love for His church.  They also answered many misconceptions our culture has towards relationships.

Many students were encouraged by these talks.  There was much conversation by the students evaluating their relationships and setting goals and guidelines for healthy relationship. Remya Thomas, an international recent graduate from St. Stephens in Delhi, India, was quoted saying, “It’s not all about marriage, and It’s not about the intimacy we share with a man or a woman, but marriage is a glimpse of the intimacy we will share with the Lord.” This thought was what stuck out to her the most from relatiosnhips week.

Remya Thomas is attending our project this summer.  Former Cross Cultural Projects from CO Minneapolis have come to St. Stephens College in the past summers.  They have been able to minister to her and help equip her to lead other women.  We are so blessed by her coming this summer. Last night, students gathered

The encouragement for this week. In light of relationships week, the men served the girls ice cream after evangelism training yesterday.

outside and prayed together for the people of Dhobi, India.  They prayed that these people would hear the gospel of Christ. Remya was able to provide us with insight into the people.

Project was incredibly blessed by the Holbrooks coming to speak about relationships.  Students are excited to grow in godly relationships with one another and in dating relationships.  We are also delighted that Remya is with us this summer. Her being here is a continual reminder to pray for the nations that have not yet been reached with the gospel.

Paul Poteat and Matt Reagan discuss various theological questions with a group of students at Project. (photo by Jenny Hessman)

“This is heavy.”

Matt Reagan said that a couple times last night as a part of his response to the questions at Theology Time.

Every Sunday night, a couple people on staff answer any questions students may have about God, Christianity, and anything else. Last week, Matt Reagan and Jon Saunders and about 20 students huddled under the tent during a massive thunderstorm to have this discussion.

Three nights ago, Paul Poteat and Matt Reagan answered a variety of questions, from heaven and hell to angels and demons to sin and salvation. The format of the discussion is question-and-answer. Students ask questions, and Paul and Matt point to places all over the Bible for answers.

So, here are three of the questions asked and the responses given, as well as a complete list of all the questions asked.*

What does the Bible say about levels of heaven? – Josh Drost, Michigan State University

They are not the layers found in Dante’s Inferno, but the idea of levels in heaven is Biblical. 1 Cor. 3: 9-17 talks about this.

Matt said that Not extra possessions in heaven.

In 1 Thes. 2, the apostle Paul talks about how the people he is writing to are his “glory and joy” at the coming of Jesus. Matt stressed that this language of boasting and reward ultimately gives Jesus all the glory.

There will be rewards in heaven. Matt said, “You ought not worry too much about your heavenly rewards.” He stressed that there will be no envy. The way we will think about our own rewards and other rewards will be in a completely sinless way.

Paul added that rewards don’t come when we think intentionally about the rewards. It’s the gospel that produces good fruit. “Focus on who Jesus is for you and not who you are for Jesus,” Matt said.

They also pointed out that Luke 12:47-48 talks about levels of Hell.

If someone were to ask, “Why can we not atone for our own sin,” where do I point them? – Ben Degroote, Michigan State University

Matt and Paul brought up Hebrews 7-9, suggesting that Ben look there to understand how the sacrificial system is insufficient.

Then, a woman who had stopped to listen shouted from the back, “Romans 6:23.” She said she was there with a small group, and she said, “that’s the perfect verse!” For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matt just said, “Amen.”

At the end of the discussion, Paul added a reference to Rom. 8:5-7, explaining how the flesh is hostile to God.

What exactly are angels? How do they interact with humans? – Ammie Lace, University of Minnesota

Paul said that one of his past professors told him that of all the ethical things we deal with, God is number one and angels are number two. Paul also brought up 2 Kings 6:16, where Elisha had faith in angels during battle. He added that people in America are deluded that supernatural forces are not actually real.

Matt said that there is a whole other realm of cosmic powers that we just don’t see – that angels and demons are at war. He mentioned Daniel 10 as an example of this.

Paul brought up how in 1 Cor. 11:10, the language shows how the people of that time knew about angels – more than we do now.

All the questions:

• What does it mean when we say that Jesus was begotton?

• What does the Bible say about levels of heaven?

• Is Hell God turning away from you in rejection or to you in anger?

• Is it possible for people to fall from Heaven (like Satan)?

• In Colossians 1, what is the kingdom of his Beloved Son?

• Would it have been just for God not to save anyone?

• If someone were to ask, “Why can we not atone for our own sin,” where do I point them?

• What do Jews believe about when the Messiah comes?

• How did Adam and Eve populate the world?

• What exactly are angels? How do they interact with humans?

• How do demons fit into us being accountable for our sins?

• Where is the name Lucifer in the Bible?

• What’s the difference between a new earth and heaven?

• My roommate thinks she can become God by being in nature more. What can I say to her?

*Including the responses to each one of these questions would make this post longer than a daily blog post should be. This might also be a good time to ask for forgiveness for any poor note taking on my part. If I include exact words from anyone, I will put them in quotations. Otherwise, assume that I am paraphrasing.

The Goof Troop listens to the judges remarks for their performance at the boat social. (photo by Jenny Hessman)

Five-cent coffee is just around the corner. But at the 2011 Summer Training Project, caffeine has nothing to do with staying awake.

Awake is the theme for the summer, and Elliot Stokes gave the first theme training June 2. He said there is an awake way to live and a sleepy way to live. We want to be awake to all spiritual truth, and we want to see the world through a Biblical lens. This is what we will be focusing on for the two months in Garden City, S.C.

So what’s been happing at Project for the past two weeks?

The staff and student leaders arrived late-afternoon May 30 and were instantly hard at work. In a matter of a couple days, 37 rooms that hadn’t been unlocked since last summer were made livable.

Students at Project work at many locations, including Walmart. (photo by Jenny Hessman)

On June 2, the rest of Project arrived. As each new car unloaded, Larry Martini’s energy level kept rising. After the 22-hour car ride, the disciples were greeted with lots of cheering, Jordan Zurek sprawled on top of their car, and a popsicle.

It hasn’t taken long for the room leaders and disciples to get to know one another. Each room has one leader and three or four disciples. In each relatively small space, friendships have been formed, meals have been made, sin has been exposed, and dance parties have happened.

For the Kung Fu Panda II social, the team leaders chose birds for their jungle animal. (photo by Jenny Hessman)

Everyone has heard a variety of thought-provoking and convicting messages. At the second theme training, Matt Reagan talked about being in awe of God. He said that God is glorified by us “receiving him and enjoying him.”

Students have also grown through learning about evangelism. Jon Saunders challenged people by saying that we are natural evangelists for what we love most. Each Wednesday, everyone at Project goes out on the beach and shares the gospel with people. On June 8, people paired off and evangelized for a little over an hour. Then, everyone sat around the pool and shared how their discussions went, praying about specific individuals.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are work days. Students work at a variety of places, including Walmart, McDonalds, Krystal Burger, Sonic, and Buy Low. The Lord was so gracious to provide every person a job, and we are working to be thankful as well as joyful about work.

Every Thursday night, we have a project social. We have had two so far. For the first, everyone went to see Kung Fu Panda II, and all the disciples dressed their room leaders up as a jungle animal. It was pretty interesting. For the second social, we had a “boat social.” To sum it up: there were three spectacular performances by the pool – one with pilgrims, one with pirates, and one with The Little Mermaid. Each team had to build a boat that could take people across the pool, all the while acting out the scene.

On Sunday mornings, each team attends a different church that is close to Project. Sunday nights, there is optional worship and optional theology time. For many people, Sundays are a day to rest.

Note from Emma DeJong (author):

Hello! I’m very excited to be blogging this summer about STP. This first post is an extremely brief summary of what has happened so far. Somebody could probably right a novel about each day, but unfortunately, our schedule is pretty packed.

I’m hoping to post at least once every day. As of right now, I’m planning on posting each morning about something that happened the previous day. So basically, stay tuned and be ready to hear all about Project!

This is an email reminder that you are having a MANDATORY Informational/prep party for the Summer Training Project on Friday, May 6 at 6pm at Bethlehem Baptist Church North Campus. If you need a ride, contact a staff member or an older student that will be attending the party.

Dinner will be provided.

We will be filling out a few applications for jobs online, so bring your laptop if you have one. In order to fill out the application, you will also need the following information.
1. Social Security Number
2. Jobs information:
- Two references from past employers
- those two references’ phone numbers
3. Employment history
- bring info about your last 4-6 jobs
- the more you put in the better your pay could be
4. Educational Experience
- dates you’ve attended college
5. Special Certificates and Licenses
- Commercial Drivers License, automotive licenses, etc.
6. Language Skills
- if you are proficient in a 2nd language

Bank Accounts:
• Every summer we strongly encourage students to sign up for a local bank account in Myrtle Beach, SC
• We can’t force you to sign up for an account, but we dont want you to have to pay $10 fee every time you need to cash a check
• It generally works very well to have an account in Myrtle Beach before you start your job at project
• If you have a wells fargo account, that now works with Wachovia
We are providing you the resource tomorrow at the Prep Party to get your account setup before we get to project so you can have your debit/check cards established when you arrive.

Please Bring to PREP PARTY:
• Drivers License
• 2nd form of ID (Social Security Card | Passport | Birth Certificate)

Students that attend Bethel University or Northwestern College will meet at Bethlehem Baptist Church – North Campus (map below).

View Bethlehem Baptist Church, North Campus in a larger map

Both parties start at 6PM
Dinner will be provided
Bring your parental authorization form, support procedures form, any support money you have received (filled out with proper forms), and a laptop.

Contact a staff member if you have any questions.

You can apply for the opportunity to take part in a Summer Project or Summer Resource Center Intership

We have the following internships available in the following areas:

• Communications / Marketing
• Social Media
• Photography
• Video
• Graphic Design
• Financial / Accounting / Business

Nick Stromwall leads the internship and will mentor you throughout the duration of the internship

Most of the internships are unpaid, however, many schools offer you the ability to earn college credit by completing an internship.

Please fill out this webform: to apply and select your interested.

Please fill this out by April 10th, 2011

Nick will be in contact with you around then for more details.

A copy of the form is attached below.
SupportOverageRequestForms_gas

“Long for Jesus and you will grow up.”

Have a plan.

Larry Martini encourages us to be intentional in our relationships and how we go about building our community and evangelizing to others in this coming school year.

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:14-15).

Steve Discher attempts formulate a framework for suffering and how it points to Christ.

Matt Messerly talks about the theology of family, how Jesus values family but also how we can let family become an idol if we are not careful.

Steve Discher shares on how we are made to be in community and encourages us to live in the light, to be accountable to each other in our successes and our failures seeing what Christ has done in us.

Jens Paulson shares on the three P’s of the NAture of Biblical Change: Planted, Produce, and Process.

There is actually less than a week left! Everyone’s last day at work was on Saturday and Wal-mart people were working early so the AiT soccer was moved to the evening (a lot more pleasant because it wasn’t as hot). On Sunday, Ken Currie led Life Training – Why People Quit Campus Outreach (theological dissonance, no time in the schedule, the pain of a broken relationship or hidden sin). Campus Time was moved to the evening, so there was free time, church and then our last Sunday to go in the pool or the beach. For Campus Time (from around 6pm-9pm) each campus met up and shared their vision and experiences from the summer – some of them played sports beforehand. Curfew was at midnight, as it will be for the rest of Project as no one works on Monday.

Walking back to Project from Life Training

9am found us at Bible Study Training and after some rapping from Sahr and Greg we dove into the topic “How do I study the Bible without Bible Study Training Each Week?” lead by Jens Paulson. Basically, we can do it by dependence (IOUS), discipline (have a plan) and community (getting someone else involved).

Here is the link to the Bible reading plan for Shirkers and Slackers
http://www.ransomfellowship.org/publications/notes_biblereadingprogram.pdf

Everyone headed off to work and in the afternoon staff started to arrive back, it was great to see them again as well as the Curries!

AiT's official picture taken after BST

After work all the groups were preparing and practicing their skits

Tables were set out and the co-workers started arriving

Time to talk, eat and show them Project

As the sun went down we headed to the chapel

MCs Aaron and Elizabeth introduced the many shows

Hardees guy’s poem and songs

The co-workers loved it

Levi Peterson shared the gospel using Ephesians 2:1-8

Pray for the students as they have only two more days of work with their co-workers and the conversations that will happen after last night’s social. It was very encouraging to see so many co-workers come and know that they have heard the gospel.

Steve Discher talks on the significance of discipleship in the pursuit of Christ, both for disciples and for leaders.

Matt Messerly makes a five-step outline of how we can redeem the time that has been wasted in our sinfulness by actively pursuing the redeeming wisdom of Christ.
1. We waste time.
2. We are foolish.
3. Jesus redeems our time.
4.We are made to be wise.
5. We actively redeem our time.

.

Everyone headed off to work bearing posters and invitations for the Job Social on Thursday; we are hoping lots of co-workers will come! The groups of people at different jobs are each preparing a skit, a dance, a rap or another show for their co-workers. After work and Ait everyone gathered together for the last team time together and then D-group. Pray for gospel conversations at work and AiT in the little time we have left!

Sunset

There was soccer on Saturday as well as a full day of work for most people; it was the Wal-Mart’s worker’s last Saturday! On Sunday Matt Messerly shared about “Family”, how we are to love our family but love Jesus so much more. We have a spiritual family in Christ (born again into it, and adopted by God) and that we can easily fall into idolizing our family or neglecting them. There was Campus Time and then everyone went to their churches (second last week of Church, so sad!). There was much appreciated free time in the afternoon (beach, group dates, meeting up with co-workers) and then at 8.20pm everyone headed off to the Brazilian Steakhouse RIOZ for a half price all you can eat meal with our co-workers. Not all of the co-workers invited came but there were a good number, keep praying that many would come to the evangelistic Job Social this coming Thursday and for the conversations that went on last night as well as them seeing us in community.

Students with Bi-Lo co-workers

“If not you, who? If not now, when?”

(split up into “part 2a” and “part 2b”)

Matt Reagan borrows imagery from the film Alice in Wonderland (2010), comparing our self to the Red Queen in rebellion against the White Queen, Christ. In doing so he reminds us to whom our life belongs and the battle against our flesh.

Charlie Brooks takes our fear of submission and shares on the benefits of becoming committed to the church.

Team Leader Nikki Seviola, shares her life.

Getting in the word before work...

Second last week of work, time is suddenly flying by way too fast. It was a very hot and humid day with a breeze (a sure sign of rain) and sure enough, it came as we were having our Project meal – Kyoto! That evening Forever Young and the Pit Crew joined together – they are organizing this week. After Jack told everyone that we were in trouble for littering we were not expecting a sudden climax as a group came out to do a dance for us! (It was all lies to make an anticlimax!)
Then we saw a bit of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” in preparation for Thursday’s social. Steve Discher shared on “The Cost of Vulnerability” – we need to be vulnerable in community and we can be because of the gospel. We were encouraged to share “our dirt” with people, we are free to do so and should because sin is so deceitful and progressive (starts small, grows quickly).

Leah Elbert, Sophomore at the University of Minnesota.

Credits:

Artist: Cory Asbury

Album: Selah (Instrumental) [feat. Nathan Prior],

Faithful to the End, Let Me See Your Eyes.

p 2009 Forerunner Music

“I’ve been working at Bi-Lo grocery store in the deli this summer. A co-worker that the Lord has laid on my heart is a guy named TJ. We had a really slow night the other day and I started asking him some questions about what he believed. I was able to share the Gospel story with him. He didn’t seem to be impacted at all, saying that the Bible was too radical to believe, but I am praying for more opportunities to talk with him and that God will soften his heart and open his eyes.” Katie

Back to work and Ait (although the gym was closed because of the holiday so all the training was outside in the heat, the AC will now be appreciated again). There was no Project meal and for theme night, after watching some bad American Idol auditions (in preparation for good ones at Thursday’s social), Steve Discher talked about “The Cost of Discipleship” and went over discipleship’s meaning, what muzzles it (or prevents it, he wanted 3 Ms) and our motivation for discipleship. He encouraged us to take advantage of discipleship this summer and then to use our time in college wisely, as well as to learn from someone else and look for someone to pour into, because of the grace and love poured out on us.

One of the teams praying with Mike

On Sunday 4^th July, Matt Messerly spoke on Time Management (our time and our life has been redeemed, it doesn’t belong to us anymore so we are to manage, budget, spent, invest and give it away). There was Campus Time after Life Training for the different campuses on Project to get together again and then everyone went to church.

Finding out CO/Project stories by speed dating - U of M Campus Time

In the afternoon in celebration of the 4^th there were volleyball games going on as well as a pool “spoons” game. Project meal was moved to Sunday (instead of Monday) and Larry made the burgers for our cookout! That night everyone went to the beach to watch the fireworks (or went to Surfside to see the display). A lucky few were able to enjoy a boat ride from the manager at Bi-Lo and then go to a Brazilian restaurant in celebration of the 4^th – the people at Bi-Lo have established relationships with us over the years of STP and are happy to bless us with these things.  A number of co-workers have been coming to Project to find out what it is all about, pray for our relationships with them and gospel conversations.

After work and Ait there was the great awaited photo-scavenger hunt social: “Where in the world is the CCP team?” We had to photograph different people in the groups (a guys room and a girls room were teamed up) doing crazy things at Broadway on the Beach Boulevard (5, 10 and 20 points for different activities) and if anyone found a dressed up member of the CCP team it was 100 points. We gathered back at Project after 2 hours of hunting, waited for the results (saw and learnt some Scottish dancing in the meantime) and saw the pictures – Erin and Nina’s team won!

Walk like an Egyptian infront of the pyramid and make a pyramid out of cups

Larry and his moustache

We broke up into pairs to talk about what our motives are to pray over them and then each different group headed off either to Surfside beach or to the beach opposite our hotel. Everyone goes in pairs or in threes, usually with a room leader, team leader or this week a member of the CCP and walk up to people on the beach to share our faith.

Leah, Eb and Raquel

Chris and Joe

Jon and Reid

At about 3.45pm everyone gets back to Project and debriefs with their team – sharing stories, names and praying for the people that we talked to. Yesterday there was ice-cream for us all after debriefing and it was great!

Praying after a debrief

Sunrise prayer

5.30am found lots of the students waiting around the poolside to go to the beach for sunrise prayer. Groups of about 10 people split up with a CCP member to pray for their trip as well as other parts of the world. Everyone headed off to work after that and there was AiT in the afternoon. Some of the guys from Crabtree Memorial are coming to some talks and Lenny has been talking to Corie, a guy that trains at the gym, pray that those are AiT could have gospel conversations. There was team time and then D-groups. A CCP team member went to each of the D-groups to share exactly what they would be doing in India and answer any questions so the students could get a picture of what the India team are really going to go through.

This is a recap of what Relationship’s week was all about (last week). Special Guest, Stephan Dischaer

Christopher Hull, from Sioux Fall, SD tells us how the gospel has impacted and changed his life.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17

“One Sunday at Barnes and NobleI met a 21 year-old named Ashley who started talking to me and the conversation got to STP. I explained that it was a growth experience for believers in Jesus Christ.  She told me she was a Christian and when I asked her what that meant to her, she said that she tried to live a pretty good life and believed in God.  She further explained that her mother and brother are atheists – her father is a Muslim.  She said that she became a Christian through a friend.  I asked Ashley if she would be interested in coming to one of our STP meetings, possibly on Monday night, and she seemed very interested.  We exchanged numbers and I will be calling her closer to Monday.  Please pray that Ashley would come on Monday night and that the Lord would speak to her and that she would believe in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.”

Linda Sandager

The D-groups were at night after a morning off for most people, the Evangelism Training (Obstacles to Evangelism: Unbelief) and beach evangelism. At 10.15pm there was the staff send-off (they are leaving Project to travel and use the summer time to raise support before coming back for the last week) where some students said a few words (open mike) and then gathered in campuses to pray for their own staff.

Saddle up! The hats Matt and Lisa Reagan found before the last part of the talk

After another long day of work and AiT everyone rushed back in time to be ready for team time at 6pm. It is sweet to be part of a team and spend time getting to know not only each other but what everyone else has been learning up till now. At 7.30pm everyone headed to the chapel for Relationships Part II. There was a focus on the gospel as the most important thing, biblical principles, advice as well as Matt and Lisa’s story. We then went to Garden City Baptist to finish the meeting and had guy/girl breakouts for Q&A sessions. Curfew was extended until midnight.

Half-time at the AiT soccer game

Leeland at Walmart

The parents had a great weekend, on Saturday there was breakfast as well as a talk from Matt and Paul about what happens here and the students had a chance to share their experiences with the parents. Other than that there was AiT and work for the rest of the students. In Life Training on Sunday Charlie Brooks shared about God’s will (ultimately, our sanctification – the important thing is the person that we are becoming, not our circumstances). Everyone went to church at 11am and had a day of rest. There was Praise & Worship led by Elliot Stokes and then Theology time with Matt Reagan and Jon Saunders.

Kate and Sneha in Dunkin Donuts

Parent’s weekend has started and they have a chance to see their kids, see Project and get a feel for what we are doing here – as well as enjoy the beach! In Bible Study Training Reid Jirek talked about “What if I don’t want to study the Bible?” I don’t have time, I don’t feel like it, I don’t need it are some of the excuses we give but the root comes from unbelief – we don’t see how much our whole Christian life is one massive need because of our sin and don’t believe how good the gospel really is. There was a very useful informal Q&A session on Philippians and then everyone headed off to their different jobs.

Evangelism Training

Sam Poteat giving the girls talk

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After a quiet morning for the disciples and leadership training, Elliot Stokes talked about how our fear is an obstacle to evangelism because the excessive desire for the approval of others keeps us from obeying God. When we fear, we seek approval from others but if we don’t fear we can love instead of needing people. We are to focus on Jesus and set our eyes on him, not on ourselves so remember how big our God is. The different teams headed to the beach or the pier and shared the gospel, this time equipped with not only the bridge diagram but the possibility to share their testimony with what God is doing in their lives now by the gospel. There was free time and then the guys and the girls split up  – the guys played ultimate Frisbee and then had a talk and the girls had the equivalent of a sleepover (for 3 hours) and heard a testimony, a talk and had a Q&A session. Learning and gaining wisdom from the staff was very encouraging, humbling and useful.

Campus Outreach Minneapolis Summer Training Project 2010 – Week 2 Highlights

Walmart workers waiting to get to work

Thank the Lord that most people are now starting work (except a group of Wal-mart people that start on Thursday), Project is definitely quieter. The Athletes in Training had a sprint work-out, lifted and then had a time of praying and sharing what they were all going through. This week’s team “Forever Young” (I wanna be…) are in charge of the events so everyone had pizza, ants on a hill and watermelon quickly and then everyone headed down to the pier for the group photo to be taken (that picture will appear here at some point). It took a while, but it was a beautiful sunny day and a great time. At 8pm we had the Theme Night meeting and after a game of the staff pretending to be someone else (and getting students to guess who they were) we had a talk on “The Cost of Freedom” where the gospel was explained again and many were overwhelmed by the fact that the cost of us getting to God has been paid for in Jesus’ blood. Christianity is about us resting and celebrating what God has done for us. The costs he asks us to give up for should be no cost at all, but something given up joyfully.

Mat 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field”

Smiling up at the official photographer on the pier

On Friday mornings no one is working, and there was a Bible Study Training session lead by Paul Poteat on “What is the Bible?” That day many people headed to either Dunkin Donuts before or after the meeting to celebrate national donut day (buy a drink, get a free donut) and then in the afternoon and evening a lot of people were working. Those that don’t start until next week spent time in the word, on the beach or at the Laundromat.

Brook working in Anthropology

Not quite a day of rest, most people work either in the morning and afternoon or from afternoon until nighttime. The Athletes in Training went to the gym at 8.30am and played a game of soccer followed by some lifting. There are still a number of people that have jobs but haven’t been able to start working yet and are waiting for when they can start up.

People have been settling down into their jobs, others start officially next Monday but everyone is starting to get the feel of how Project will be running.

Having a meal at Project and getting to know each other

Campus Outreach Minneapolis Summer Training Project 2010 – Week 1 Highlights

http://tweetphoto.com/24991567

The disciples’ caravan heads out early Wednesday morning.  Pray for safe travel for all of them as well.

• Laptop computers – we strongly discourage students from bringing laptops
• Portable DVD Players / Portable TV’s – we don’t want you sitting around project watching movies all day long
• Game boys and game systems
• More than one suitcase

What to bring!

Financial:

• All your support checks, organized, and tracking sheet
• Social Security card, drivers’ license or passport
• Health insurance card
  • If you don’t currently have health insurance, talk to Nick ASAP
• First two weeks’ rent (about $400)
• Transportation charge ($250)
• Check Book – if you are paying rent

Normal packing:

• Small bag for overnight on the way down
• Duffle bag suitcases – they really help in packing
• Storage cubes for storing your clothes at project
• Sun screen and beach gear
• 2 towels, one beach, one bath
• Bible/notebook/pen/few good books
• Footballs, Frisbees, soccer balls, games!

Girl Specifics:

• 2-3 “snappy casual outfits for “nicer” group dates and church (try to have at least 1-2 that is not denim
• ~ 10 – mix & match summer items (not too short shorts, tanks, skirts, capris, pants, other shirts, sun dresses)
• T-shirts
• Bathing suit(s) and bathing suit cover-up
• Flip flops
• Something light to sleep in
• Pillow
• Try to take no more than 3-4 pairs of shoes (sandals, flops, tennis, etc)
• Ask around if other girls are bringing hair dryers, straighteners, curling, etc – no need for everyone to bring one
• Shampoo – unless you need something particular, its nice to go in together with you room when you get to SC and purchase large bottles of Shampoo, conditioner, etc – no need to transport all that
• Pack in crates, that you can stack up for a book shelf – so your storage containers become storage while at project

Guy Specifics:

• Lots of T-shirts
• 2 jeans, khakis
• A few polo’s for snappy casual events like group dates
• A few nice button-downs
• Nice shorts / workout shorts

Buy toiletries in bulk

Before you leave with your caravan we will be collecting support at Bethlehem. Please make sure your support is ready to go to ensure we get on the road in a timely manner!

• All checks are made payable to: Campus Outreach Minneapolis  … (If your supporter accidentally made the check payable to you, please sign the back over to: Campus Outreach Minneapolis, and sign your name)
• Memo Line: STP – [Last Name, First Name]
• Properly filled out Supporter Tracking List – (you keep this)
• Properly filled out Supporter Contact List – (you turn this in)
• Check the Support Raising Training Page for more info
• Have everything organized in an envelope with your name on it please!

If you are expecting online donations for project (give.cominneapolis.org) The STP finance team will provide you reports when you arrive to project. Thanks!

If you have supporters who want to donate online, send them this link or have them see the attached .pdf

STP2010_online_giving

Most students generally sign up for a checking account while at project. You need to be able to deposit pay checks, setup direct-deposit, write checks for STP costs (Rent, etc …) While it is not required to have one, it is strongly suggested. Because no Minneapolis based bank is in SC, we have partnered with First Federal Bank (the bank that is inside of Wal-Mart)

They will give you $25 after having the account open for 90 days (If you setup direct deposit, or make 30 Debit Card Purchases)!!

In order to be ready for filling out paperwork on Friday, May 28th’s job hunt day we have the ability to pre-setup your account by filling out the form below. Please take 5 minutes and fill out the attached form. This form is completely secure.

Please fill out the attached form and bring $50 cash to project to start the account. Don’t worry about a photocopy of your Drivers License or Social Security Card, the bank will collect these at project!

F.A.Q.

1. Do I have to open a checking account? No, It is strongly encouraged though! No Minneapolis based banks exist in S.C. Many of you will be writing checks throughout the summer.
2. Do I really get $25 for free for opening the account? Yes – just keep the account open 90 days, and utilize either direct deposit or make 30 transactions on your check card.
3. Do I have to use First Federal? No, but most students will either work or shop at Wal-Mart so it makes it very convenient!
4. What about my Wachovia account from last summer? Feel free to use again, or cancel and open a First Federal Account.
5. Does my home Wells Fargo account work with Wachovia in South Carolina? You are able to use Wachovia ATM’s but are limited to selective services.
6. Will there be First Federal Representatives available for questions at project? Yes, when you arrive to project on Thursday May, 27th First Federal staff will assist you, collect paperwork and signatures.

Please make sure to take your car in before departing. I would recommend checking:

• Get your Oil Changes
• Inflate your Tires properly
• Check your wipers and replace if needed
• Be sure to have your proper car insurance card and information with you
• Have one credit card ready to purchase gas on the way down. Be sure to keep your receipts together. We will give you an envelop to store your receipts. You will also need to fill out a reimbursement form.

Directions to Project:

• We will be stopping at the Madison East Town Mall (near their food court)
• We will sleeping at the LaQuinta Inn in Richmond, Ky

Directions will be provided when your caravan leaves, or feel free to download a copy below:

Leaders_Caravan_Directions

Participants_Caravan_Directions

Reminder:

Arrive to Bethlehem Baptist Downtown – (720 13th Ave South, Minneapolis MN 55415) at 550am. We will depart at 6 a.m. Please be on time!
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In order to attend the Summer Project, you must have health insurance. You might be able to get insurance from your school, or you can sign up for temporary insurance.

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers “instacare” tempory insurance for 30,60 or 90 days

Sign up online below:
www.unoquotes.com/johntyler/home

click on the above link, than on the short-term tab

Question?

Contact Nick Stromwall (nick@cominneapolis.org) or 612.424.8149

Thanks!

You will need to bring:

1. Your laptop (if you have one). this will be used to apply for some jobs online
2. Any support money that you have received already (must be accompanied by all of the proper documentation). If you need any of the forms, visit http://stp.cominneapolis.org/blog/support-raising/
3. Parental consent form. If your parents did not mail it in or turn it in online, then you should bring a signed copy to the meeting.

If you are unable to attend for some reason, you must email Matt Reagan mreagan@cominneapolis.org

See you Friday night!

Campus Outreach Staff

Map to the church:

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