After three amazing days of ministry at the God's Image retreat, we've come to our first rest day. Justin (our drummer) invited us over to his place in Fullerton to hang out. We had homemade Korean food compliments of Justin's mom and afterwards, we just chilled, swam, jammed on some backyard guitar playing, and watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory... a strangely different rendition from the original..

 I was so blessed by the kids at the God's Image retreat. They have SUCH sweet spirits to them.. such innocence.. such sincerity. They're incredibly talented dancers who have such a passion for dancing. I always find it initially difficult to connect with youth because quite honestly, I want them to like me. But what I quickly realized was that all God asks me to do is to love them and serve them, not entertain them or try to be someone that I'm not. That takes the pressure off and it allows the Holy Spirit to do the transforming work in these kids' lives.

Ministry nights were such a blessing. God was moving on there hearts, drawing them into a deeper relationship with Himself. I could see their passion, their hunger, their need for God in their faces as they worshipped and as they sat intently listening to Pastor James and Pastor Tom preach.

After the message, we'd have another time of extended worship. I love that time the most. There's such an organic movement of the Holy Spirit. It's both exhilirating and nerve-racking at the same time. We'd start off the set singing one song, only to lead into a completely unplanned song afterwards, which would lead to another and another... it's an organic process of constant humility, constant listening to where the Holy Spirit wants to lead in that moment. I'd like to believe that I'm hearing Him right most of the time, but if I'm honest, most of the time I'm absolutely unsure of what to do next. All I can do is act on faith and trust that the Lord is, ultimately, in complete control.

 This mission has really shown me the amazing blessing of serving side by side with people who love Jesus and are about His mission to save the lost. It's so much fun to hang with my team! 

Until the next time I get internet access...

 ~Sam

it's 2:36 in the morning.. i haven't blogged since january.. and i've slept a total of 9 hours in the past two days.. so, forgive me this initial blog won't be too deep or insightful :)

 day one of our one month tour. we made it safely without any setbacks to l.a. (actually, whittier). we're staying at a Days Inn just for the night, then we'll be staying for 3 days at another hotel. i'm feeling a lot of different emotions--excitement, anticipation, tiredness, fatigue... i'm sure this mission will stretch me in my leadership and in my personal walk with the Lord. can't wait to write more about what God will be doing on this trip.

 our first ministry day will begin tomorrow. we'll be leading service for youth ranging in age from 10-18 years old.. i should probably get some rest so that i can attempt to keep up with them tomorrow. :)

 night.

 ~sam