I hate packing. It always seems so daunting, and I spend about a week worrying about what I may forget.

But when it comes to actually doing the task, it’s no problem since I have everything at my disposal…and I wonder why I worried about it in the first place.

10 days worth of clothes? Check. Toothbrush? Check. Bible? Check. Underwear? Double check.

That’s my list of things I’m taking to New Delhi for our mission trip in a few hours. I’m actually pretty excited about this trip just to see what God is going to do. But this has literally been a year long process for me to get to this point.

I started off 2011 by going on my first missions trip ever to Orissa. I went by myself, but before I left I was completely discouraged, confused, unsure, and….worried. 2010 was quite possibly the worst year of my life with so many question marks involving work, school, family, and ministry. There was not one area of my life that wasn’t in utter confusion. All of that culminated into one giant, random (so it seemed), decision to go on a missions trip to Orissa in January.

Determined to make 2011 different, I went. I came back excited about preaching the Gospel, but little did I know that God was prepping me, and my friends, to grow closer to Him through a series of events through the next 12 months. The discouragement turned into encouragement. The troubles of the prior year served as lessons and guardrails for this year. Every so-called trial of the past revealed itself as having a purpose to make us stronger as a unit.

You may have seen our “Give Thanks” video on YouTube that we put up on Thanksgiving Day. We really meant it. This year, and seeing God literally revealing Himself to me through my job, family, friends, and ministry, I can honestly say 2011 has been completely amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. The lesson I learned can be quickly summed up by James 1:2-4 (NASB):

²Â Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

What is this perfect result? I can’t describe it. Am I there yet? No way. But to give you a glimpse, I’d like to share a picture from my trip to India back in January. I went on that trip in an utter state of confusion. But during my time there, I had the chance to go on a “houseboat”.

A houseboat is the Indian version of a…umm…boat with a house attached to it. But this was my view. The moment I sat on that boat, put my feet up on the deck, and stared out into the never ending river, I experienced a peace I’ve never felt before. It was pretty surreal on how I could feel so at home during a time in my life where everything was supposed to be confusing.

That’s God working through your trials. If you approach trials with the faith that He is perfecting a good work in you, it will give you a whole new outlook when challenges come your way.

Are there obstacles in the path of this upcoming trip? Sure. Have I seen discouragement come my way mere days before we leave? Of course. But this time, I expect it. Because I know better. This time, I know there is a reason for the trials. And to be honest, I’m ready to confront them head on because they are going to make us even stronger.

Yeah, I still have to pack. But I’m not worried. I’m actually pretty excited for what’s in store.

Here is the post where we are supposed to update you on what happened this past weekend with Project Outreach. There is only one problem with that. We can’t.

There is no possible way we can fit all the testimonies, experiences, and describe the impact we felt this weekend. Stories are still coming in of how groups went out into the heart of downtown Chicago, shared experiences and the Gospel with those who are unfortunate. I know what you’re thinking…yes, we’ve done this before. Last year we learned about how important it was to come together as a community. But this year, that same community has taken a step forward to become leaders and disciple others with that same lesson.

It’s called growth.

We are overwhelmed to see a generation that has a heart for God, and is actually doing something about it. Yes, we were able to serve over 100+ lunches. Yes, we were able to minister to strangers. But this time, we not only came together as a community, we grew together as one. If you weren’t able to experience this weekend with us, don’t get left behind in your spiritual walk with God. We are all in this together.

So to everyone from Chicago and Tennessee who came out, thanks for not making outreach a project, but a lifestyle.

God bless!

This Saturday is Project Outreach! Join ROC322 and New Creation from Chattanooga, TN as we serve and feed the homeless. Rain or shine, we will be in beautiful downtown Chicago at Millennium Park from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. We will be meeting at “The Bean” and dispersing into groups from there. This is a perfect opportunity to break outside the four walls of the church and to invite your friends into an environment where you can serve people and share the Gospel.

For more information, email us at info@roc322.org or follow us on twitter @ROC322. See you Saturday!

To just read the Bible, attend church, and avoid "big sins" - is this passionate, wholehearted love for God?

I saw this quote. I thought it was interesting. “To just read the Bible, attend church, and avoid “big sins” – is this passionate, wholehearted love for God?”

What do you think? I actually sat in front of my laptop for several minutes just thinking about it. I came to the conclusion of “absolutely not”. This is no where near being passionate or wholehearted for God. As Christians, I believe we are to do more for God than just the basics. It’s a 24-7 job. Wherever you go and whatever you say, you’re representing Jesus Christ. I believe the most important job of a Christian is to show the love of Christ and most Christians DO NOT!! You have to make time in your day to fellowship with God to make the relationship stronger because it’s only through him that you’re able to do anything. In everything you do, Jesus Christ should be glorified. Think about it. God sent his only son to DIE for you and me!! What kind of love is that? If he did that for me, then what the heck am I suppose to do for him??

That’s what I asked myself. I think all he wants us to do is to worship him and thank him for his mercies and blessings. I challenge you to do more than the mere minimum and call yourself a real Christian.

"Hater don't hate; participate"

It’s that time again. It’s our 2nd Annual Project Outreach event, and this time we are partnering up with New Creation Ministries from Chattanooga, TN! We will be going out to Millennium Park in beautiful downtown Chicago to pass out lunches to the homeless. Join us as we serve as a community for Christ!We will be dividing into groups and meeting at “The Bean” sharply at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 3rd. If you would like to be part of a group, help out, and minister with us, join our event page on Facebook or email us at info@roc322.org. Many participants from last year are now leading groups this year so don’t miss out on being a part of our growing community!

Follow us on twitter @roc322 for the latest updates, and check out our video of the epic lunches we are making :)

God bless and see you Labor Day weekend!!