Hampton Beach '09

I would have to say I never thought that I would be back in Hampton Beach, NH. Last year in Hampton, I had a summer that was the launching pad for my relationship with Christ. I grew closer to God, learning more about His character and who I am in Christ. I grew in community and learned the importance of christian fellowship. I learned the value of true friendship. I learned that there is no better place to learn and grow deeper with God and others than in an environment full of grace and truth. I learned how to share my faith with others whether with co-workers, friends, or just a stranger on the beach. Mostly I learned that God is in control and even though I may be surprised I am back in Hampton Beach this summer, He is not. He has known all along.

This year in Hampton I have the opportunity to be a student-intern on the Hampton Beach Summer Project staff team. If you had told me this last year at this time that I myself would be back as staff next year, I wouldn't have believed it. The staff here are mainly married so it has been great to learn from women who are older or in the next phase of life. It's been a great opportunity to learn more about myself, yes even the things I would rather pretend weren't there. But this summer has been a time of healing and growth, something I was not expecting. I came here expecting God to just use me in the lives of these women, but God has been efficient with this time and has allowed a lot of learning and growth on my part as well. As a student-intern I am in a position of authority. Yes me in authority...of my peers! College students my age, some even older, I am in authority over? God really does have a sense of humor and a great reminder of how His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. I dont have much practice or experience being in authority, or shall I say a leader, especially not over my peers. It has been hard creating boundaries that paint me as a voice of authority. For those who know me, I am not one to be assertive. I tend to let the natural leaders emerge and I tend to quietly follow in their lead. So me? Be a leader? Authority? That has been my biggest challenge while here, but I am learning to embrace life, take leadership, and step out of my comfort zone.

Yesterday afternoon I was walking on the beach with Ahna, one of the women I have the opportunity to disciple this summer, and I was teaching her how to share the gospel. We saw 3 young women still in high school, sitting on the beach just talking and soaking up some sun, so Ahna and I walked over and sat down to talk with them. We asked them if they would mind doing a 5 minute spiritual survey with us, they politely agreed and so we began. As the survey moved on, the conversation got deeper and I was able to share with these women my testimony and with their permission I was able to share the gospel with them. I asked them if they would like to choose to accept Christ into their lives and hearts and just like that they said yes! I couldn't believe how much God had worked in and through that conversation. Those girls hearts were so desperate to hear the gospel and the Lord was so eager to share it with them. Talk about encouraging. The life that comes from knowing Christ and the purpose that enters your life because of Him brings the most satisfying feeling.