Can one serve God faithfully and serve his country as well? This is a questions that has been on my mind for awhile now about being devoted to God, yet being enlisted in some type of military branch for the U.S.
May 23, 2008
As I was sitting on my plane pending its arrival to El Paso, Tx I was interviewed by Laurie one of the crews cameramen. She asked me a bunch of questions I really never thought about before. She asked me questions like, "What are you expecting?" or " What do you think it will be like?" "What do you think you will learn?" As i was starring into the camera i simply blurted lame answers that I came up with in a few seconds. As Laurie went back to her seat I sat their thinking about what she asked me. I couldn't imagine what it would be like, I've never been to anywhere in the world like that before and I've never done something like build houses for less fortunate people before. I continued to think, "What will this whole experience be like?"
Our first day in Mexico was quite a sight. The south is quite an interesting place and beyond the border can not be described well enough with words, pictures, or videos. As we began to arrive in the outskirts of Juarez it looked like a trash dump combined with a dessert with small shacks people call home scattered around. It was certainly nothing i've ever seen before.
When I learned our work schedule I was a little nervous, working intense hours in the Mexico sun worried me a bit but as soon as we began to build none of that mattered anymore. I made sure that the last thing I worried about on the trip was my myself. The week was about serving, and it was incredible.
On the third and final day working on the house, I looked at it when it was complete and I thought about how each persons hand had something to do with the house. Each persons hands created what we called, "a free gift from God." As that day progressed it got even more amazing. Our dedication ceremony touched even the hardest hearts. This blog post isnt even 1/100th of what happened there but just the shortest possibly cut down version, maybe the real deal will come later on when I've fully understand what really happened there.
It was definitely an honor serving with each and every person on that trip. Our first meeting was scary and I didn't know many of the other people going, but by the end of the week I felt like I could talk to anyone. It was truly amazing we felt like one big family.
Thanks everyone for making it one of the best experiences of my life.
Our first day in Mexico was quite a sight. The south is quite an interesting place and beyond the border can not be described well enough with words, pictures, or videos. As we began to arrive in the outskirts of Juarez it looked like a trash dump combined with a dessert with small shacks people call home scattered around. It was certainly nothing i've ever seen before.When I learned our work schedule I was a little nervous, working intense hours in the Mexico sun worried me a bit but as soon as we began to build none of that mattered anymore. I made sure that the last thing I worried about on the trip was my myself. The week was about serving, and it was incredible.
On the third and final day working on the house, I looked at it when it was complete and I thought about how each persons hand had something to do with the house. Each persons hands created what we called, "a free gift from God." As that day progressed it got even more amazing. Our dedication ceremony touched even the hardest hearts. This blog post isnt even 1/100th of what happened there but just the shortest possibly cut down version, maybe the real deal will come later on when I've fully understand what really happened there.It was definitely an honor serving with each and every person on that trip. Our first meeting was scary and I didn't know many of the other people going, but by the end of the week I felt like I could talk to anyone. It was truly amazing we felt like one big family.
Thanks everyone for making it one of the best experiences of my life.
May 22, 2008
What if people constantly told you that your #1 ability is playing Halo....How would that make you feel?
At youth group when I am introduced to a new person the first thing the person says is, "This is Evan, his hands are big and hes good at Halo" Im tired of being introduced as the kid who is good at a bum video game.
For some lame reason also, im always told that my number one skill is playing Halo. I don't think people understand what kind of lame ass remark that is when they tell me and other people my number one talent is a video game. Its just a video game I used to enjoy playing. Now people have twisted it and turned it into being the only thing im good at. Someone telling me that Halo is my number one skill is like bragging about being 17 and being able to whip my own butt. Its so meaningless and demoralizing. Obviously im pissed, but I dont want to be known as "the guy who is good at Halo." How lame is that? Ridiculous...
At youth group when I am introduced to a new person the first thing the person says is, "This is Evan, his hands are big and hes good at Halo" Im tired of being introduced as the kid who is good at a bum video game.
For some lame reason also, im always told that my number one skill is playing Halo. I don't think people understand what kind of lame ass remark that is when they tell me and other people my number one talent is a video game. Its just a video game I used to enjoy playing. Now people have twisted it and turned it into being the only thing im good at. Someone telling me that Halo is my number one skill is like bragging about being 17 and being able to whip my own butt. Its so meaningless and demoralizing. Obviously im pissed, but I dont want to be known as "the guy who is good at Halo." How lame is that? Ridiculous...
Apr 21, 2008
Matt and Noonan showed up at my door yesterday, two of my favorite people were at my house, and it was quite a shocker. These two busy guys never just randomly show up to hang out so I knew something wasn't right. As we sat down at my table, Matt began to explain to me how things are changing and Gods plans are different than what we expected and want. He explained to me how there is another church that needs his help. He was moving. It wasn't what me or anyone had seen coming and it hurt.
A bit over four years ago, in middle school Matt had a great relationship with my brother. One day I walked outside and I saw this guy who I've never seen before. He asked me a few questions and asked me If I would be interested in going to IMPACT (middle school youth group) I was hesitant and a few seconds later he replied with, "We've got Halo!" I was the master at that game and so i decided I needed to beat people other than my Dad and Adam(bro). I accepted and I was willing to check it out, and that Sunday I went to Impact. And so it all started. I'm not sure if it was luck or if Matt has the ability to seek dedicated servers because a few weeks after my first week Matt asked me if I would be interested in helping set-up and tear down each week. Again, I was hesitant but since a pretty girl(whose name we don't speak of) was there I thought sure, why not? Every Sunday that year I got to spend an hour before and after Impact with the legendary Matt Silver helping setup and clean up. Once Matt knew that I seemed interested in helping he than began to ask me tough questions about God. I listened to all that he said and I asked him question after question about this crazy thing called Christianity, and he always had a logical answer that made sense in my 8th grade brain.
Nearly twenty minutes after I almost witnessed my first Pastor fight in line at Hershey park is when I told Matt that I was ready to give my life up to God. Thanks Matt. Soon after that we went to the Believe conference is when I discovered who Matt Silver was. This crazy, wise, insightful guy who I wanted to be like. That trip was also the first time I ever experienced a crack in a shower, It was crazy!
Each Sunday Matt picked me up and took me home, teaching me slowly what serving was and how incredibly important it was. Week after week he made sure I was there. He called me often to just chill or do work somewhere and just hangout.
PCTC after PCTC and CIY after CIY, Matt was always there and always trying to be my friend and mentor. I cant even remember how many 100 mile plus trips I've spent with him.
For anyone who knows him knows what 10+, ten hour car rides will do to you If your with him, you wont be the same you'll learn something.
Words don't even express how much that guy had done for me. I've lost a lot of friends to moving before but none of them had the affect on me like Matt has. He's the reason why the concept of serving in engraved in my heart. Hes pushed me and challenged me more than I can imagine. I often called him my second Dad, he took care of my like my own father. If I was hurt he'd call me up, or just hang with me, If he wanted my help he'd ask me, and most importantly he challenged me spiritually time after time never giving up. He always loved his students more than anyone I knew. Even his wife loved me! She always knew I could work hard in school, neither of them gave up on me.
Whats even more incredible is that dozens of people can give a testimony similar to mine. So many other people can say that Matt has been the biggest influence of their life. I know I can say It. I can comfortably say that if Matt was not in my life that I wouldn't be even close to the person I am today. I am not even sure If I would be Christian.
Some of my favorite memories of my almost 17 years of living all involve Matt. Whether it was a trip to Tennessee, Illinois, West Virginia, or even to home depot I always had the best time ever. Like I previously said before he isn't leaving because he did something wrong or something like that. People need him and his ability to lead. I'm almost certain that in a few years some teenager in Maryland will be writing something like this explaining how Matt has incredibly affected their life. Im excited to see what he does in Maryland and who he effects.
Thank you for being the best, for pushing me, for never giving up, for seeing the best in me, for helping me always, showing me Gods love, teaching me how to serve, showing me new places, giving me new ideas, and most importantly teaching me about dingleberries. Pa wont ever seem the same.
A bit over four years ago, in middle school Matt had a great relationship with my brother. One day I walked outside and I saw this guy who I've never seen before. He asked me a few questions and asked me If I would be interested in going to IMPACT (middle school youth group) I was hesitant and a few seconds later he replied with, "We've got Halo!" I was the master at that game and so i decided I needed to beat people other than my Dad and Adam(bro). I accepted and I was willing to check it out, and that Sunday I went to Impact. And so it all started. I'm not sure if it was luck or if Matt has the ability to seek dedicated servers because a few weeks after my first week Matt asked me if I would be interested in helping set-up and tear down each week. Again, I was hesitant but since a pretty girl(whose name we don't speak of) was there I thought sure, why not? Every Sunday that year I got to spend an hour before and after Impact with the legendary Matt Silver helping setup and clean up. Once Matt knew that I seemed interested in helping he than began to ask me tough questions about God. I listened to all that he said and I asked him question after question about this crazy thing called Christianity, and he always had a logical answer that made sense in my 8th grade brain.
Nearly twenty minutes after I almost witnessed my first Pastor fight in line at Hershey park is when I told Matt that I was ready to give my life up to God. Thanks Matt. Soon after that we went to the Believe conference is when I discovered who Matt Silver was. This crazy, wise, insightful guy who I wanted to be like. That trip was also the first time I ever experienced a crack in a shower, It was crazy!
Each Sunday Matt picked me up and took me home, teaching me slowly what serving was and how incredibly important it was. Week after week he made sure I was there. He called me often to just chill or do work somewhere and just hangout.
PCTC after PCTC and CIY after CIY, Matt was always there and always trying to be my friend and mentor. I cant even remember how many 100 mile plus trips I've spent with him.
For anyone who knows him knows what 10+, ten hour car rides will do to you If your with him, you wont be the same you'll learn something.
Words don't even express how much that guy had done for me. I've lost a lot of friends to moving before but none of them had the affect on me like Matt has. He's the reason why the concept of serving in engraved in my heart. Hes pushed me and challenged me more than I can imagine. I often called him my second Dad, he took care of my like my own father. If I was hurt he'd call me up, or just hang with me, If he wanted my help he'd ask me, and most importantly he challenged me spiritually time after time never giving up. He always loved his students more than anyone I knew. Even his wife loved me! She always knew I could work hard in school, neither of them gave up on me.
Whats even more incredible is that dozens of people can give a testimony similar to mine. So many other people can say that Matt has been the biggest influence of their life. I know I can say It. I can comfortably say that if Matt was not in my life that I wouldn't be even close to the person I am today. I am not even sure If I would be Christian.
Some of my favorite memories of my almost 17 years of living all involve Matt. Whether it was a trip to Tennessee, Illinois, West Virginia, or even to home depot I always had the best time ever. Like I previously said before he isn't leaving because he did something wrong or something like that. People need him and his ability to lead. I'm almost certain that in a few years some teenager in Maryland will be writing something like this explaining how Matt has incredibly affected their life. Im excited to see what he does in Maryland and who he effects.
Thank you for being the best, for pushing me, for never giving up, for seeing the best in me, for helping me always, showing me Gods love, teaching me how to serve, showing me new places, giving me new ideas, and most importantly teaching me about dingleberries. Pa wont ever seem the same.
Apr 4, 2008
Pctc, (Pennsylvania Christian Teen Convention) a great 3 day conference located in the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg, PA. High school and middle school teens to get together from all over the east coast to get to learn about God. Its also a great period of time to get to build great relationships. Its an event that does a lot of good for people so I was excited about what was going to happen this year. I got the privilege to serve there as a middle school coach, it was a great opportunity for me. I spent with the weekend with middle school kids, which is alright to me. Its an opportunity for me to beat up on kids who are half my size.
The first night was nothing special for me I guess. Just a bunch of hyped up kids going insane. Some worship, a great speaker, and some fun relax time in a "coffee shop" environment.
The second day definitely improved. During the guys session, a couple spoke about purity. The sermon started off rough with an interpretive dance. Soon after she was done I got over that. Soon the couple began to speak about the importance of sexual purity, importantly what its affects are on teenage girls. It was eye-opening. I've heard at least 20 sermons on sexual purity but NEVER from a womens point of view. It was something that all the guys needed to hear. Immediately after the message all of the guys from our youth group went and had group time. Group time is a great opportunity for the guys in our group be able to grow with each other. We all discussing sexual purity and its importance. It was a real growth time.
After all the activities and meals and workshops we had free time. Me and a few of my buddies were relaxing in our hotel room when we all decided we were going to a prayer room with by far one of the most influential people I know, I figured it could be good for me. By this time it was already past 11pm. I've been to Pctc 4 times before and I have never gone into the 24x7 prayer room. It is a room in the hotel that is strictly for prayer. For the weekend someone is constantly praying in the room. I walked in not sure of what I'd see. It was dark, well decorated, assisted with quite relaxing music. There are sticky notes everywhere written from various kids. You pick one up and read the prayer that someone wrote on it. You pray for them and move on. You could sit anywhere, stand, lay down do whatever you wanted. I decided to sit at a small table and write down my prayers. This is the first time I've ever tried this. Page after page after page I couldn't stop writing. This time is something I've been needing terribly for months. I finally just let it all out and on the paper. That was my Pctc highlight. I sat in for middle school sermons and didn't hear much that stuck out to me, but being in that room was better for me than any sermon I could of possibly heard.
The next day, which came quick since there isnt much time between bed time and wake up time(4 hours at this point) I was ready to come home for reasons I wish not to share but thats okay.
This weekend did more for me than I expected and it was incredibly. One more left for this guy
Mexico Update:
Some of you know, some of you may not know. I've been accepted to go to Juarez, Mexico May 11th for a missions trip. Its an incredible opportunity for me and im really looking forward to it.
I've handed in all my passport information on it and I am waiting for that. Other than that, im broke. Keep me and this trip and the blessed family in Mexico in your prayers. Thank You.
The first night was nothing special for me I guess. Just a bunch of hyped up kids going insane. Some worship, a great speaker, and some fun relax time in a "coffee shop" environment.
The second day definitely improved. During the guys session, a couple spoke about purity. The sermon started off rough with an interpretive dance. Soon after she was done I got over that. Soon the couple began to speak about the importance of sexual purity, importantly what its affects are on teenage girls. It was eye-opening. I've heard at least 20 sermons on sexual purity but NEVER from a womens point of view. It was something that all the guys needed to hear. Immediately after the message all of the guys from our youth group went and had group time. Group time is a great opportunity for the guys in our group be able to grow with each other. We all discussing sexual purity and its importance. It was a real growth time.
After all the activities and meals and workshops we had free time. Me and a few of my buddies were relaxing in our hotel room when we all decided we were going to a prayer room with by far one of the most influential people I know, I figured it could be good for me. By this time it was already past 11pm. I've been to Pctc 4 times before and I have never gone into the 24x7 prayer room. It is a room in the hotel that is strictly for prayer. For the weekend someone is constantly praying in the room. I walked in not sure of what I'd see. It was dark, well decorated, assisted with quite relaxing music. There are sticky notes everywhere written from various kids. You pick one up and read the prayer that someone wrote on it. You pray for them and move on. You could sit anywhere, stand, lay down do whatever you wanted. I decided to sit at a small table and write down my prayers. This is the first time I've ever tried this. Page after page after page I couldn't stop writing. This time is something I've been needing terribly for months. I finally just let it all out and on the paper. That was my Pctc highlight. I sat in for middle school sermons and didn't hear much that stuck out to me, but being in that room was better for me than any sermon I could of possibly heard.
The next day, which came quick since there isnt much time between bed time and wake up time(4 hours at this point) I was ready to come home for reasons I wish not to share but thats okay.
This weekend did more for me than I expected and it was incredibly. One more left for this guy
Mexico Update:
Some of you know, some of you may not know. I've been accepted to go to Juarez, Mexico May 11th for a missions trip. Its an incredible opportunity for me and im really looking forward to it.
I've handed in all my passport information on it and I am waiting for that. Other than that, im broke. Keep me and this trip and the blessed family in Mexico in your prayers. Thank You.
Mar 2, 2008
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