I did indeed get to spend some time working in Vancouvers downtown East side last week. As well, I got to visit Street Hope Abbotsford and the Global Harvest Church. More stories later!
I need Jesus more than ever before...
Let's face it...as Christians we mess up. Sometimes our hearts are full of deceit. We lie, cheat, steal, lust, envy etc.
"I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time...." Romans 7
I've come through a time.. well I'm still in it where I feel like I've really messed up (okay a little heart exposed.. but I really want to share what I've learned). I've been walking around in this guilt and shame and put this distancing between myself and God because I felt like I "had too much sin"...and was too ashamed to even face God. I was chatting with Rick the other day and he totally nailed it on the head for me.
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8
I have always known this verse...but the revelation that came with it was that by continuing to walk in guilt and shame and condemnation- I'm "de-valuing" what Jesus did on the cross for me. I'm saying that the crucifixion wasn't good enough to pay for my sin. I do of course need to come to a place of repentance and turn away from my sin.. but I need to understand that Jesus' death was sufficient for all of my sin...past and present. I never knew that would be so hard for me to get a hold of.
Hi friends,
It's been a long time with no post.. I'll do my best to fill you all in on the last two months. I have no access to internet right now, so my updates will continue to be sporadic.
Nothing terribly significant has been going on. I finished my full time work at the youth shelter and am now now just working weekends and as relief staff. I have moved in with a Salvation Army student who does a lot of work with the homeless and has very similar visions and goals as myself. This has proved to be a very positive move and certainly just at the right time! It's been awesome to be able to talk with someone about things that work and don't work and more or less just have a friend. I truly understand and recognize the need to be with people and to be part of a worshipping, praying community that supports each other in their personal missions- I've just had a hard time finding that. I don't think we're designed to make it on our own.
I enjoyed a much needed week home to New Brunswick in February where I visited with many friends and family.. and I think celebrated my birthday all week long. I am blessed to belong to such a great community on the East Coast. Shortly after I had a friend from the East Coast visit me here in Victoria for a week. We did a lot of the tourist things I hadn't done, visited some cool beaches and I showed her around the street a bit as well.
I've developed a lot of great relationships with the kids on the street. I love spending time with them each day and hearing their stories. Continue to pray for unique opportunities to share Jesus and for healing and restoration to come into their lives. Sometimes I feel kinda depressed when I walk around. There is so much addiction and so much hurt. I just try and stay hopeful and try and see Jesus in the small things. This world REALLY needs Jesus.
On a lighter note, I might have the opportunity to go with a team of people and serve in the downtown East Side of Vancouver this week. The East Side of Van has some of the toughest addiction and prostitution stories. It should be an eyeopener, but hopefully a blessing as well. I'm hoping to visit Streethope Abbotsford later on in the week. Still waiting to hear though.
Other than that, I'm ploughing through essays, anticipating my mothers visit easter weekend and looking to go home for good April 26th. I will be going on placement with a team from the college to Aliquippa PA, USA starting June 1st. The Lord is faithful.
Peace of the Lord,
Erin
