February 2008
After a brief hiatus, the Mission Year Recruitment Newsletter is back in action! It’s been a very busy winter for our staff but we can already see fruits of our labor and are excited to see how God has been stirring in the hearts of so many young adults, like you! We still have room for more team members so please consider applying today! You can also RSVP for our annual One Day Gatherings in the On the Road section below. As always, if you have any questions or just want to hear a bit more about our vision, goals, and program feel free to email me at Email Sarah
Until next time…live what matters!
Sarah Bell, Dir. Of Recruitment/Admissions
A Christian Education
Here are a few thoughts from a current Mission Year team member that may speak to your heart. Enjoy…
A few days ago I overheard a phone conversation on the bus of a young mother with her two children talking to a friend. She was sharing about how she was broke and had no job or money right now and did not know what she was going to do. She did not have food in the fridge and was on her way to try and get her food stamps started up again. She also talked about how the father of her children wasn’t paying child support and might be going to jail soon. She was on the phone the whole time so I didn’t get a chance to talk with her and get her name or see if I could help so I prayed.
These experiences are sometimes great but many are sad and frustrating because you feel so helpless and you don’t know what to do. So you just have to pray and offer some encouragement. Though these stories are difficult to hear, I thank God for a chance to hear them. One of the problems that many of us Christians have today is that we have very little or no contact with the poor and oppressed. It might be because of where we live and who we interact with that we have limited contact with the poor. It might also be a fear of the poor that keeps us away, because we assume they will harm us or steal from us. As a result, we miss out on understanding them and getting the opportunity to experience compassion for others. Throughout the New Testament we read of Jesus having compassion on the poor and the sick but to do that He had to be WITH them. He was present with those in need. Many times we sing songs about wanting to be close to God or wanting to be a witness for God. The answer is to be with the least of those in society. God says that “what you do to the least of these you do unto me”.
I hope what I wrote does not come off as prideful like we are “better” because we are experiencing these things. Really it is out of humbleness that we have realized our self made bubbles that have kept us from experiencing compassion and a chance to serve others. We hope that this blog encourages you to volunteer at places that put you in contact with those whom society has labeled useless or a burden. That maybe you can take the bus once in a while in your city and experience a conversation with someone and share each others’ life experiences and let compassion and grace flow out of it. You never know, God just might use someone on the bus or at the local homeless shelter to speak to you.
Highlight of the Month
This is the inaugural year for Mission Year NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana). We are so grateful to have the opportunity to bring young adults to such a beautiful and historic city. This year we have two teams of five serving in the Central City and St. Roch (pronounced Rock) neighborhoods under the leadership of city director, Irvin Bell. This is such a unique time in history as our teams are able to engage in the rebuilding of lives, churches, communities, schools, parks, public transportation, stores, and everything else needed to maintain a city. Every day they see, feel, and hear the effects of Hurricane Katrina and every day they are able to be light, hope, and love to the Crescent City. Be encouraged to read the team member blogs and, if able, consider supporting their efforts!
Faith Nugget
Christians
By Maya Angelou
When I say… "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say… "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say… "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say… "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say… "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say… "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say… "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Where to Go Next...
Download the latest talks and news about Mission Year.
Watch videos explaining the Mission Year program.
Resources for parents of Mission Year Team Members.
