Nice to Meet You: Learning More Aboout God's Character

Hello again, readers! This week has already been crazy. Hopefully I'll be blogging again soon, because I have so much material to sort through. The following material is what I sorted through yesterday morning while sitting in my favorite little coffee shop. Hope it can be an encouragement to you!

I've had a whole lot of fun on this trip so far, but I think what has been even more exciting is how much I have learned about the character of the Lord. It's so cool to see how he has taught me so much in just a few weeks.

Omniscience:
I definitely have been amazed at seeing God's hand at work when I least expect it! Last Wednesday, Abby and I were discouraged because we weren't able to make any appointments with students we had met. We decided to go to the linguistics university to try to find new students to talk to. We ended up having a great conversation with two super sweet girls, and we even got to share the gospel! They were so excited to meet and talk with us. Even though we had no idea what our agenda was for the day, God did. He had some people he wanted us to meet. It was an encouragement to know that our "free time" was in his plan all along.
I also had a great day of rest yesterday. Our team had no appointments in the morning, so we spent it inside cozy Costa Coffee. (I really love it there.) As the morning went on, I realized how much I needed that time to myself in order to reflect and process everything that had been going on the past few days. It was sweet to know that God knew all along that I needed a quiet morning in a coffee shop, and he gave it to me!

Protection:
God has kept our team safe the entire time we have been here. How awesome! He kept Abby safe when she had to travel on the metro late at night when she lost her passport. We've had no serious injuries, either. It's really cool to be reminded how the Lord is always in control, even if we are in sketchy circumstances.
I have also appreciated how the guys on my team take the safety of us girls very seriously. They make a point to stay close by us when riding the metro. They also cheerfully offer to escort us on errands or appointments (even if that means sitting alone at Starbucks while I talk one-on-one with a new Russian friend, or going on a three-hour-long walk along the Moscow river with little engagement in conversation). Thank you, gentlemen! I know I can speak on behalf of the rest of the girls that we really appreciate your care for our well-being. We are blessed!

Work outside of my own efforts:
I can easily get caught up in a "performance" mindset when it comes to ministry; putting a lot of weight in my own actions rather than trusting God to work through me. The Lord has reminded me that I am merely His instrument, and I may not see the "fruits of my labor," but I can rest and know that His plan is greater than I can understand. We have encountered a couple of students in whom the Lord is already at work! We met a boy who lived with a pastor for a summer in the US, and he attended church during his whole stay. I met a girl who told me how she has recently begun to read the bible. DLP and Pittman met a guy who is a believer in Christ! It has been really cool to just meet students where they are and truly come alongside them in their spiritual lives. (Hello, Cru mission statement.) It's awesome to know that my encounters with these students are just part of God's plan for their lives. I'm grateful that God gave me the opportunity to plant seeds, even if I never personally see them grow. Pretty humbling.

Over all, I have especially learned to trust in God on a daily basis. It's hard for me to give parts of my life over to Him, because I want to stay in control of my life. But the truth is, I died with Christ. I have entrusted my life to the Lord, and His Spirit now lives inside me. And with that comes ultimate freedom! I am free to surrender my burdens to God and let Him work in and through me. Now, the life of a Christ-follower is no walk in the park, but it is a life of contentment. I can rest in any circumstance that comes my way because I know that God is in control, and I don't have to rely on my own human efforts. I can ask Him for the strength I need and He will give it to me. Zach read Ephesians 2:1-10 to us the other day, and it was a great refresher of the awesomeness that is the gospel. Go and read it, I dare ya. :)

Well, that's enough rambling for today. Please continue to keep my team and me in your prayers! This trip isn't about just us. It's also about the people supporting us at home. We are very grateful for you folks!

-Laura