1 Corinthians

Last week we studied Galatians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians... it was also a very busy week with a test and other things going on which just added some stress. So... no updates from last week... sorry!

This week however, we are studying 1 Corinthians, and its all about the love.

The more I read about the background of the people living in Corinth, the more I understand this book. I really haven't gotten far into it since it is the beginning of the week, but its awesome so far! The more I've studied the more I've been excited for what is coming up in a few months.... OUTREACH!

I am having fun fundraising for outreach. I think I've mentioned before, I'm going to Chiang Rai, Thailand to teach the bible and how to study the bible inductively to pastors and churches in this region. Thailand is mainly Buddhist, with also some Hindu and Muslim communities. We will be working in a predominantly Buddhist area that is in desperate need of discipleship through the Word. Anyway, I was praying about what to do about my finances, since I don't need to raise a LOT, but I will need to see more come in than my regular support, as my outreach fees are about $2800 and right now I have about 1/3 of that amount. Since my school requires almost all of my free time for homework, I can't exactly go out and work an evening job either. So, I got the idea to make smoothies. I know... brilliant, right? Well, I can't take credit for it - my friend Priscille suggested it. I wanted to do something with my hands and be faithful with what God has given me - a bit of time here and there, and creativity! So, after a trip to Costco, I was armed with bags of frozen blueberries and strawberries, bananas, yoghurt, apple juice, and determination to give it my best. I'm going to be selling smoothies after our Base Meetings on Mondays and Thursdays (our times for worship and prayer as a whole community). I've only been doing the sale for a week, so I haven't seen a huge income, but... its fun and I feel I am being obedient to God, and I trust he will bless that. As we do the possible he does the impossible, right?

In other news, I had the opportunity to see some good friends in Costa Mesa on Sunday night, whom I had not seen for over 2 years. One, Sara, lives in New Zealand but was in town for a wedding. It was so great to catch up with these girls who invested in my life when I lived in Orange County back in 2001-2002. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories, we prayed... I'm so grateful for Sara, Jamie, Cyndi, and Heather - women who were used by God in my life to bring me closer to him!

And as I'm sure you all know already, my dear friend, Vikki, (technically she's like a 2nd cousin or something) and her family need your prayer. Their son Luke has Leukemia for the 3rd time and it breaks my heart to know he is going through this. I wish I could do something, but then I realize, I CAN. I can pray. Even though I live hundreds of miles away, God is still God here in Los Angeles and he hears me here, too! I know there are people all over that are praying for Luke and his family. If you want to read about him, check out his website, and then PRAY for him, his mom and dad (Vikki & Steve), his older brother Jake, and his younger sister Tori too. God really does hear our prayers.

I think that is it for now. Oh, the photos are from Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles in Hollywood (we went for my classmate Jeff's birthday), and from a Base Cleaning Day where I was on the van-washing crew. Love you all and thanks for reading!

1 Corinthians 16:14 "Let all that you do be done in love."