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Pursuing Growth

Last night, Luisa explained to everyone on summer project about her story of what God has done to change her life.

iwitness from jessica

• 6/12: Decoding DePaul
• 6/15: A Leading Question
• 6/19: Pursuing Growth
• 6/23: The Surprise in the Mail
• 6/26: Popsicles in the Park
• 6/30: Dirty Cars and Neon Posters
• 7/03: Around the World in One Campus
• 7/07: Window to the Soul
• 7/10: Ambassador's Pledge

Thursday, June 19

This summer I've been paired with two girls, Luisa and Danyelle. For the next couple weeks, it is my job (and privilege) to meet with them on a regular basis, to love and encourage them, study God's word with them and train them in ministry skills.

Each girl is so different, but both have an incredible desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord and learn to listen to Him and obey what He is calling her to do.

Danyelle has a great desire to learn how to communicate what she believes to others. She has many friends that would call themselves Christians but aren't really living lives pleasing to the Lord.

This fall she'll be living in a dorm on her campus and wants to build relationships with many girls and share with them the hope she has found in Christ.

Tools in a Toolbox

It was exciting to encourage Danyelle yesterday and talk about some ways she can communicate God's love and truth to those He has placed in her life.

We talked about having "tools in her toolbox," different resources, ideas and Bible verses that she can use to communicate her faith.

One tool we all have is the story of how we became a Christian, or what we call our "testimony."

Last night, Luisa explained her testimony -- this story of what God has done to change her life -- in front of everyone on our summer project. As she was preparing, we talked about the importance of communicating 3 things: 

• what her life was like before walking with Christ,
• why she decided to place her faith in Christ, and 
• now what life is like as she lives in obedience to Christ.

This summer we are studying the book of Colossians and I was reminded anew of the great change that happens when we surrender our life to Jesus: "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14).

What a great God we serve -- the God who truly changes lives for all eternity.