Monday, July 30, 2012

In Cologne

Or should I say... "Köln". I made it here Friday in a van full of luggage and Students For Christ leaders. We are here in Cologne for a SfC conference for 8 days. Over 13 different countries are here. It's so cool to interact with so many different cultures and hear so many different languages! It just reveals to me how god is so present all over Europe! It's opened my eyes to how blind I was to how God is working beyond America! He is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, never changing, powerful God with a heart that longs for EVERY nation.

I have been here on the service team for the conference. Serving as well as participating. Yesterday Jeanette and I spent 3 hours washing dishes from cake and coffee...needless to say we had some PRUNY hands. I also get to help with worship while I'm here, as well as participate in the classes and workshops. I'm learning so much, it's great!

Last night I helped with worship, and before the service, I opened up to psalms. I read this verse which was so prophetic over my life NOW, and the days to come:

"I will sing your praises among the nations.." -Psalm 57:9

Not only does this verse speak to my heart to go to all the world, but the fact that as we do worship at this conference, we are in the presence of 13 different nations! So awesome.

Throughout the course of this week, I am in a class called "Reaching Today's Student". It's especially awesome because i feel like I'm in bible college, but without the ridiculous tuition! Ha :) I am learning SO much for this next year at my University that I cannot wait to bring home. Jesus has used this trip so much for preparation for reaching the students on my campus. It makes me so thankful that I get the opportunity to do school at a secular public university!

One of the coolest things about this conference is the amount of young, TEXAN missionaries that are here! There are about 15 of them, all from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville TX. They are in their 20's, and have been sent all over the world from their Chi Alpha chapter. It has over 1200 students! Their focus is very heavy on "sending to the nations". They have gone in groups of 2-6 to different parts of the world: Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Norway, etc. its so cool to be able to see their love for god and their community. They are so focused on reaching the nations! The best part is that they get to do it together. It's really hard to do this kind of work alone! It's also SUCH an encouragement to see these people so after gods heart and His global purpose coming from a secular university! Just the encouragement I needed!!!

We still have 6 more days here at the conference and I'm super excited to see what else God has in store! Pray for god to speak clearly at this conference and to touch each nation!

2 comments:

  1. Love reading your blog, Blake! Miss you so much!!! Love, Cookie

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  2. ^ cookie :) seriously though I wasn't kidding when I said I live for your blog posts..... <3

    -hannie

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