Sorry, there was no post last week! The week just seemed to get away from us. This week has been really cool because we’ve got to spend the majority of it focusing on the youth ministry. There is always so much to do so we really took advantage of this time to dream, create, and just continue to think of things that will help make this an awesome place for teens to want to come!
Last night was our KEEP THE LIGHTS ON service. It went really great. Anthony spoke on “Sacrifice.” and he has grown so much in his speaking abilities! It was truly amazing. One of the scriptures he read last week and I’m still thinking on was 1 Peter 1:13 in the message translation:
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil [or just living normally], doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy.”
It was really awesome because Anthony talked about how being holy sounds like it would be super untouchable, or like those Catholic priest wearing all of those ornaments, but in it’s truest form all holy means is relating to or belonging to God and how when people see you they should relate you to God.
It was in that instance could we see little light bulbs turn on over the students heads. (haha no pun intended) It was his take on a scary scripture “Be Holy.” that showed the students the simplest message of how the truest part of what we do should be doing in life is simply belonging to God and doing what He asks you.
I wonder if any of you needed to hear that today. Hmmm.
On a more personal note, The Rick family is doing great! We are going home to MEMPHIS next week for a birthday week! Sis, JJ, Other Sis (that’s me), Hermana- we get to celebrate 4 birthdays in the 7 days we’re home! Also, this week marks one year that Osito Sebastian Rick has been a part of our family! :)
Thank you to all who read our blog, those of you who sponsor us, and especially those of you who pray for us! We feel as Paul did when he wrote the tells Philippians in Philippians 1:3, “I thank God every time I remember you”. Thank you so much for being a part of our lives!
Til’ next time,
Brooke, Anthony, and Osobear
