Compassion

"Follow your call fully, not half of the call."

Week six teachings were on Compassion and Justice, taught by the one and only Phil Gazley. First off, I love Phil Gazley! I wish he would be my grandpa. He has cheesy jokes for daaaayyyss. Growing up with Rocky, I have grown to love cheesy jokes. He was very much a one of a kind dude. He listens to what God has to say, and follows it. Even when he is embarrassed or not completely sure why he's doing something, he gets up and does it.  I appreciate who he is very much.

So, we had great teachings. Being in the Compassion DTS, this week obviously hit home, because I decided on this school for the compassion aspects of it.  He put the definition of compassion into truth. Compassion is to suffer with.  Since I was young, I think I have had a heart of compassion. It's built into my soul. Often I try to fight it, because suffering with others really isn't any fun. But, there is a reason for it.  I wish I could put this week into words, but it's so hard to try to summarize a whole week of amazing teachings.

Phil spent a lot of time on the topic of human trafficking. This also hit home.  My wonderful mother and brother have a heart for these things. He reminded us of how important it is to be aware of these things. We learned all about migration, warehousing, and the selling of people. Did you know there is 100 million street children worldwide?  There is said to be between 14 and 15 million refugees in our world? 3% of the population on the world is migrating. Sure, you think 3% isn't a lot, but think 3% of seven billion people. That is a lot of people moving from their home countries. The largest number of people being trafficked are at risk youth. It's estimated that 17,000 people are trafficked into the USA annually for forced labor or sexual trafficking. 82% of trafficking is forced labor trafficking.  These are only a small amount of statistics I have heard in the last week.  Our world is so broken. Preventing things like this are hard. You can't just preach to the choir, everyone has to be aware of these things.  Get out of the churches and start telling the world. Start with your community, and go from there. Phil said "Human trafficking isn't on every street corner, but it is big enough to be on every one's radar." And I fully agree.  Brook, if you are reading this, I am so ready to do something big. Double Dynamic Duo, here we come.

Also, I just read a book. (That's right, I read a whole book.)  It was Speaking of Jesus, by Carl Medearis.  The art of not-evangelism. A great read.  He speaks of how speaking of Jesus is the answer. Stop trying to get people to be "Christians" but instead learn who Jesus is. You know when you introduce your friends to each other, and they get to know each other without you saying everything for them. You just had to introduce them...that's kinda what Jesus will do. Religion is what throws people off. I am one who doesn't like to be called "religious." I'm not all about rules, regulations and traditions. I just love Jesus. And that's kinda what the book is about. Not only is it a good book, but it's an easy read!  Check it out.

I am really excited for classes to start tomorrow. Week seven is on relationships with Troy Sherman. I hear he is going to be my favorite. And with all I have heard about him, I wouldn't doubt it!  So stoked for this next weeks teachings!

WOO! I found out some deets on my trip to the Philippines!  I fly out of Denver on September 15! I will be traveling for a long time with my amazing team. We'll be at two different YWAM bases in the Philippines. We get to hang with kids, go to the red light districts, share our lives with the people, learn so much from others and so so so much more!  I can't wait to get there! We will be leaving there on November first, I want to say. AND I get a layover for 12 hours in South Korea!! We get to leave the airport and enjoy Seoul, South Korea for the day! So not only do I get to be in the Philippines for 7 weeks, but I also get to spend a day in South Korea! I believe we return to Denver the 2nd of November. I can't wait for this adventure!  I can't believe this dream of YWAM is real life.  We get our week on Outreach prep on during week 8. It's going to be a fun week, learning dramas and skits and so much more. It's going to be so much fun!  Gosh! I cant wait.  My final payment is due on the 16th. So a little less than two weeks away.  I am so ridiculously blessed by all the people who have been supporting me especially financially!  I'll have a look at how much I still owe either Monday or Tuesday. This trip is not just for me and my team, but also to make Jesus known!  How awesome. Can't put a price on that!  I have to get some new skirts for the trip, things to cover my knees. This week we get the pictures for our visas, and I think next week our shots.  Yeah, I am so excited and blessed for this entire YWAM experience. Totally changing my life.

I am so thankful for the people in my life, old and new.  Can't believe I have so many amazing people in my life. People supporting me, even when they don't always understand why I am doing what I am doing! You are all amazing. So many people running through my mind.