Intimacy With God - Week 8
Good evening ladies and gentlemen…reporting to you LIVE (well…maybe not) from Manitoba, the paradise of prairies. Behold, yet another update has arrived concerning the Winnipeg DTS of ‘07:
Angela Oliver, a member the leadership team at YWAM Vancouver, honored us with her presence as she shared on the topic of Intimacy with God. Angela was an interactive and insightful instructor, not only encouraging us with personal stories, but with warm kindness and the giving of thought-filled cards. We had a lot of fun this week, and to spice up the blog, we’ll lay out the news in highlight-focused style.
Highlights of Week:
The Mask(s)
We were instructed to grab some construction paper, markers, and a handful of creativity to construct a mask which represented/stated aspects of our life or personality which hindered us from having a more intimate relationship with God and others. Realizing that such things as humor, shyness, past hurt, work, etc., could become cover ups for our true selves was healthy to realize. All took turns unveiling their masks, and sharing the qualities about themselves that keep us from knowing them better. We also noted how we could change this, and what steps we could do to improve our vulnerability to God and each other.
Bruce “ALL MIGHTY THEN”
Friday we huddled around the projector on comfy sofas to watch “Bruce Almighty.” Angela prompted us to watch carefully and observe qualities in the characters that resembled some of our own, and to just take notice of what perceptions people have concerning God. After enjoying the movie, the group had some deep and enlightening conclusions about themselves and the world around us.
B. E. A. UTIFUL Introductions
Even introducing ourselves to our new speaker this week was interesting. She proceeded to ask the usual like, “What is your name, where are you from,” and then out of nowhere we get a “What would be your superhero name and what are your powers?” Some of the answers were hilarious! We especially enjoyed Robin’s answer, which was best described as “I’m Rapunzel Love Bug, because I lasso people in with my locks, and then hug them till they get all mushy!” Now that’s a way to fight crime folks….hehe. Other enjoyable super-heroe names included, Captain Corny, Invisi-girl, and Captain Ninja. Nice!
“Like A Glove” Observations
We went through sixteen points (not complete representation, just an accurate overview) of what defines intimacy with Christ. It included such points as knowledge, participation, time, love, and passion. We also pondered why intimacy is important, and how to create/uncover more of it.
Re-he-he-heally Great Activities
Given a maximum time limit of one minute, we were asked to write a personal introduction of who God is. Being able to speak about how God moves/has moved in our lives, and not just in generalizations was challenging but very beneficial. Hearing the other student’s perceptions of Christ brought a new depth of richness and understanding to our own knowledge of him. After this, we had a list of relationships in our lives, and then were asked what we expected and felt about each one. It began with such interactions as knowing a stranger, to an acquaintance, pastor, family, and spouse. As the list increased in intimacy level, it was apparent that we had more expectations of those relationships, and seeing how we related to others revealed how we related to God.
Note to reader: If you didn’t notice, I’m using quotes from Jim Carey movies as titles…so please, don’t be alarmed!
Outreach Groups:
Brenden, Lindsey, and Stacie
Rotating between LBE (Living Bible Explorers) and MYC (Manitoba Youth Centre), we get to develop relationships with many teens. At LBE, an inner city youth group, we preform skits, participate in worship leading, hang out with the youth, keep them in line (somewhat), and enjoy their company. MYC is characterized by getting involved in the recreation program and spending time with the guys. Through all of this, we hope to spread God’s love, build relationships, and share joy with those around us.
Thoughts on MYC:
Running around, we tend to get sore….hahaha (meaning maybe we should work out more often). We have fun playing sports with the guys. They are great and hilarious, making up nicknames for some of us and being curious about our time there.
AND THEN Thoughts on LBE:
It is interesting to see the dynamics of inner city youth. Also, observing the differences between LBE youth and the those who come from the Waves of Glory Chapel mixing together is great! To see hurting teens and hungry hearts inspires us to love and give our time, hoping they will see how much God cares for them.
Ed, JP, Robin
We spend time with an inner city home group which meets all over the place for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. We discuss such topics as personal issues, relationships, temptations, struggles, etc. Celebrating each other, encouraging one another in Christ, and just enjoying life together defines the group.
Thoughts on the Care Group:
A highpoint for us was seeing the birthday of a certain gentleman being celebrated. He doesn’t have his own family, so we the church are his family. He was given gifts, birthday cake, and the company of friends. To see the smile spread across his face and the joy in his heart was wonderful. Honestly, it made his year!
Some Staff Perspectives (summaries of their thoughts):
Question: What aspects of Angela’s teaching did you find encouraging/challenging in your walk with Christ?
Paul: Understanding how we interact with God: If we cannot love (or develop relationships) with those around us, how can expect to do the same with God? I appreciated the teaching on this.
Michelle: Creating masks: It was valuable learning about the ways/things which hinder our ability to grow more intimate with Christ and others.
Well everyone. There you have it. Sharing in the life’s of others is so amazing! Good day, and if I don’t see you later, Good morning, Good evening, and Good night! Take Care!
Always a sister in Christ,
Stacie
Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; Love your neighbor as yourself.’
can i make friend with you??