Once again departing from the States

9pm I'm about to go to bed. Breakfast is at 3:45am. This time tomorrow I should be in the Dominican Republic. I'm excited and honestly, nervous. We've been warned that we will sweat continually, we will get sick and we will experience poverty in a new way. I feel unprepared.

Thus far the summer has taught me a lot. I've studied the bible more in depth than possibly ever before and it has really been amazing. The words jump out at me as I read or hear teachers speak of the truth of the scripture. Passages of the bible that once gave me trouble are now speaking truth into my life and pointing me towards my need for a savior and the hope I have in Jesus.

I believe the Lord will teach me much in the coming days. Please pray for the safety of our team and that I would be willing to be used by God in bold ways. Thank you for your prayers.

The Great Baptist Experience

I am now in Louisville, KY. That's Loo-uh-vull. Day 4.

My low expectations for this summer have of course been shattered. Thus far the people, the program and the food have been more than wonderful. My favorite has been learning about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The scripture is really challenging and teaching me. I've thought a lot recently about church and what seems to be missing. I'm discontent with a simple belief in the bible that doesn't lead to actually following Jesus. I'm learning that Jesus said to almost every person he met, "Follow me."

I'm looking forward to seeing more of the city and hopefully capturing some Loo-uh-vull culture.