Update!

Hello Followers!

I am now entering week 3 of my time in Berlin, and it has been truly amazing how I have seen God move in my life and the life of many others. My first full week on campus was filled with wonderful conversations where we were able to share the gospel to people who were interested in the hope and joy that it has to offer. I had some really encouraging conversations that brought me joy and excitement that there are people that want to hear what we have to say. However, I also experienced some really difficult conversations that really put my faith to the test and forced me to explain why I believe what I believe. One conversation was with a pretty hardcore atheist who not only disagreed with just about everything we had to say, but was also determined to disprove our beliefs. It was a really challenging conversation, but I really think God was using it to strengthen my faith in Him and challenge me to grow in my reliance on the Holy Spirit. So many times I wanted to pack up and go back to the hostel, but it is amazing how the Holy Spirit has been working through me and just giving me strength and wisdom.

Today, I had a really encouraging conversation with a woman from the Netherlands. She was not a Christian, but it was truly amazing the way she encouraged us to continue having these conversations with students and continue to pursue what we believe. She seemed to truly be interested in how Christianity has affected our lives, and she asked about our testimonies and whether or not we felt persecuted for being Christian. I was astounded by her desire to learn more, and we hope to meet up with her again.

This weekend we went to Wittenberg and visited the town where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses and the church where he preached. It was cool to get to see a piece of history that has had an immense impact on the world over the past 500 years.

I have been reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan while on the trip, and this book has been convicting me in regards to my view of God. God loves me so strongly, so unconditionally, and so passionately, yet I struggle to truly love Him back. I want to be in a place where I am willing to stay up late talking to God, where I am willing to sacrifice my needs for Him, and where I am willing to give up my plans for God, and do all of these things completely out of love, not guilt or shame.

Please pray:
-For patience
-That I will continue to grow in my love of God
-Conversations on campus will always point to Christ and the work He did on the cross for everyone.
-That I will continue to rely on the Holy Spirit, and that He will work through me in powerful and mighty ways.