Why is it that the longer I wait to update my blog- the harder it is to say what I'm trying to say? Thus I wait longer to write, and it gets more difficult to articulate. That seems to be what happens to everything I put on my to-do list-- it just gets harder and harder to get done. So I'm going to write you an update- and apologize from the beginning for it's rough edges.
It's Tuesday, April 22 here-- we're in the middle of our mid-semester break-- and I must say it has been a wonderful, needed break. I've had a chance to catch my ministry-breath and to try and re-energize myself. Some days I'm more successful at this than others. I suppose though that the best way to update you is with a lovely list of what's been happening:
- I have been spending most of my days with the students at Victoria University (although there are 3 other campuses in Welli), trying to build relationships and help students to see God in all of life. Most people (myself included) wonder what our schedules should look like to do this so I'll paint as best a picture as I can. Most mornings I spend doing Bible study planning, thinking though what needs done for the ministry, what needs my girls have, and growing in my understanding of Scripture. After this time, we have designated the hours each day from 10am-4pm "hot hours" where we make out best effort to be on campus. During this time I have 4 different Bible studies, prayer times, or time to connect with students whom I'm building relationships with. What does that mean? The best example I have is of a group of 1st year students who meet in the bar on campus every Tuesday afternoon to chill out with one another. They have invited Justin and I to join them whenever we want. So we make our best effort to place ourselves in their world and to meet them where they're at spiritually. Right now the group has 4-5 regulars. One guy calls himself a Christian but struggles to stay sober most days. He's really honest about his life- but the rest of the group knows he's a Christian and I'm sure become confused by his actions. One guy in the group is a strong atheist who comes from no church background. Through him I met his girlfriend- and this is where the story gets interesting. I don't want to use names- but his girlfriend comes from a "strong Christian background." She grew up going to church and believing in God. As she started Uni a few months ago and dating her atheist boyfriend, she decided to start really thinking about her beliefs. This led her to read "The God Delusion," a best-selling book right now all about having a fulfilling life of atheism. Her parents are fighting with her constantly about reading it, her professors are praising her new found agnosticism, and she will gladly discuss with me all the reasons for not believing in God. And she has plenty. After the first conversation I had with her, my heart was heavy. We chatted for an hour or two about the things she was learning through her philosophy class and "The God Delusion," and I walked away feeling the weight of my job. I felt the weight of all the students around me. I felt the weight of Christians in today's very post-Christian culture, and I felt the weight of her personal experience with Christianity.
- The next week, the weight didn't lighten up much. I was sitting in the atrium preparing to leave campus for the day and thinking about my goal for the week to engage with students on the outside of the uni culutre--when a guy sat across from me. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity, I engaged in conversation with him and soon enough he was explaining to me his spiritual beliefs for the next hour or so. He believes in a higher power, he knows his life is meant to be much more than living for himself, he seeks to understand others at all times, has 1 Christian friend who he admires, and he's gay. He's studying religion and loves chatting about his beliefs. Once again- my job didn't feel like an easy one.
- So what have I been learning and doing beyond this? The first thing that I've been confronted with is the fact that God is the one in control. He's the one speaking inside of these students, and He's the one with the power. Through Him I seek to love these students and to point towards Jesus in whatever way I can. If they believe we are a 1 in billion biological accident- I try to affirm in them that they are so much more. If they can't believe in Christianity b/c they don't want to sit on a cloud and strum a harp all day, I try to discover with them that this is not at all the hope we have with Jesus. If they hate or mistrust Christians because they've seen actions that don't line up with their words, I seek to line up my words and my actions and live them out for them. Whether it's a girl who meets with me for Bible study, or a gay friend I've made- I ask God to help me live my faith out with them and to love them for who He's made them to be.
- So there have been days when my heart feels so heavy that I'm not sure I can do it. There have been days when I ask God why the heck He's set up the world this way. But there have been days when I thank God for every amazing thing He is doing and every amazing person He has placed in my path. I thank Him for allowing me to journey with Him, for his depth!, His grace, His incomprehensible love, His promises, and for the way He provides me with the hope and faith to press on.
I can't write this blog without expressing to you how much I ADORE THE WELLI MOSAIC COMMUNITY! Some days I step back and admire God for placing me right here and right now because it just seems so fitting. No the community is not perfect. But could I have asked for a better fit for what God is teaching me right now- absolutely not. This is a community- who like they told me from the 1st day-- have jumped out of a plane to go after God-- and I love going through the sky with them! (it's as fun as sky diving was)!
Thank you heaps and heaps for those of you who I've gotten to chat with recently to energize me and reconnect me with life at home!!!! Sometimes I cry just thinking about home, yet it makes me think about crying when I realize I only have a visa here for 7 more months. Even though I have no idea where God is taking me next, or even this afternoon, I am extremely thankful for the ways God gives me dreams and teaches me how to go after them. And I am thankful for all of you that let me dream. Much prayer and love goes your way!
~Lacey Leigh
ps- I just realized I didn't really wrap up the story of my friends on campus-- but although it's beyond my understanding-- they continue to meet with Justin and I each week to chat about life and God. I have to believe that God is doing His thing.
pps- If you buy one thing this week for yourself-- buy "Everything is Spiritual" it's a dvd of a talk by Rob Bell. Since I can quote it now I think I've watched it a few too many times-- but I love it!!!! http://shop.everythingisspiritual.com/ -- check it out!
