I Thought I Knew Them
Monday, July 28
We've been together for 8 weeks now.
Our OSP team of 23 interns is starting to feel more like a small town than a group of students from all over the nation. Everyone seems to know everything, whether you want them to or not.
When I heard that we would be getting together in small groups to share our testimonies, I'll admit it: I thought the exercise was pointless. I knew everyone, and they knew me.
I wasn't thrilled, but I wasn't arguing either. We were meeting for ice cream first, and sugar always sweetens unwilling attitudes - at least mine.
I was put into a group with Ben and Josh. We started the conversation talking about our favorite movies, and an hour later, we were delving into our personal stories of how we became Christians.
Josh's Story
As a freshman in college, Josh had been tempted by the party scene. One thing led to another, and now Josh is out of school.
The story seemed discouraging, but it is amazing what God can do with the broken pieces of our lives.
"This summer, God has placed me in a great Christ-following community to help me grow and live like a true Christian," Josh said.
Now, Josh is praying about heading to Japan on a short-term international mission trip (called STINT) and trusting God to lead him where he needs to be. If he had not gone through all those negative experiences, he may not be where he is today.
Ben's Story
Ben's testimony was different. He had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia when he was 12 years old, and the years had been rough up to the point when he was given a bone marrow transplant.
Through the experience, he discovered his love of film. Ben said, "I do believe that the Lord has given me a passion for film in order to further His kingdom in hopes of reaching the lost."
It's easier to recognize God's presence in others' lives. That night, it was incredible to see how God had brought us each down to Orlando for OSP and how He was continuing to move in our lives.
Through this summer project, the guys were growing closer to God and learning to sit back and watch Him work.
And I stood corrected: I didn't know them at all.