3 testimonies and a hike! (Jim)

Hello Home Team! -
Today we head out on a hike further up the mountains (reaching approx. 800 meters) and sleep out under the stars ... whew!  Therefore, you won't hear from us for a 24 hour period or so.

Peter, Liz, and Andrew have now given their testimonies in the last few days ... all have been well received (you'll have to ask those students if others have commented to them afterward) and have initiated some conversations. 

Peter commented on God's work in his heart through his sports involvement ups and downs, and significant moments at Camp Sankanac (it is very cool to have a faithful camp nearby).  Liz also shared of sports highs and lows, but mainly how she has been aware of her need for men and women's (peers mainly) approval, and how God was moving her away from that addiction (if I can call it that ... I can relate).  Andrew shared of the significant impact of Champfleuri in 2010 ... and he wasn't even here!  His brother Kris was here, and God had continued to make Kris a changed man in the timeframe at Champfleuri.  Andrew noticed, and via G3 youth group, God began to bring Andrew to an understanding of His great love, and Andrew's sinful nature.  Apparently, our Fall 2011 retreat was quite a turning point.  Sweet!

The talk this morning concerned suffering ... and how God uses it for a number of purposes.  He works to grow us in Christlikeness, to make us aware of God's work in us (how we respond reflects how we believe), and to bring us together in community to name a few. 

Pray for ongoing and growing intentionality in our team and the other American teams.  Time is seemingly always short!

Blessings,
Jim