Emersion

With the internship underway, I have been thrust into the mix, downloading information at record speeds. I didn't know I could digest so much and so quickly; yet another evidence of God's miraculous power.

The focus of my work this past week has been assimilation and emersion into WLD culture and technology. Timelines, deadlines, software, hardware, my brain is desperately trying to get completely caught up to everyone else. At times I have been too hard on myself thinking, "I'm supposed to be making everyone's life easier and helping things move quicker but instead I'm slowing people down as they take the necessary time to train me." I forget that training is necessary and I demand immediate results from myself. Please pray that I grow more gracious and patient with myself.

On the plus side, I'm learning a ton. For example, The Journey uses "Planning Center Online" to schedule their services, their worship set-lists, AND their volunteers. It takes the administrative headache out of coordinating volunteers and makes "serving in the church" user friendly. True it doesn't create a servant-heart, but it certainly helps the church as whole from the top down.

This week in our Grudem book study, we are reading about The Atonement. My favorite quote so far:

"Was there any other way for God to save human beings than by sending His Son to die in our place? Before answering this question, it is important to realize that it was not necessary for God to save any people at all." - Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

It reminds me that, as God, He could have done and can do anything He desires ... and He chose to spare me the punishment that I so deeply deserve. He sacrificed His Son, in my place. He didn't have to, but He did it anyway. Praise Him.

Hope Fully,

Adam

Regular Updates: GO

I said I would keep everyone updated regularly. Today is a great day to begin those updates.

Monday 8.17 was my first official start date with The Journey. Thank you for helping to make this internship possible; I have already been so blessed and affirmed that this is God's plan and to know that you have gone ahead of me in prayer and support is fantastic. God is so good.

On Monday the Worship Leadership Department (WLD) begins the day with a book study. Each week we are to read a chapter and come prepared to discuss how God revealed Himself to us and how we can apply what we have read to our daily life. The current book of choice happens to be Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology." My guys from Va Beach will know how pumped I am to be diving into such a rich text on God and what His Word has to say about who He is.

After the book discussion, we prayed with one another for an hour before beginning a busy meeting the team calls: Tactical. At this time we each announce our responsibilities for the week and look to each other for ways to help with the tasks. This week I am responsible for re-designing the lighting plan in the venue at 4900 Reber Place. My next priority is assisting the Video Production head, Zak Mussig, with creating short films of interviews in preparation for our next sermon series.

I am so happy to be working alongside these driven men, striving for God's glory through excellent church production and leadership.

Please pray for Rachel and me; we are still ironing out our apartment and learning how to serve each other through the duties at home. We know God has brought us to this place and we are both looking for ways to live out the gospel.

PS. She got a job at V'shon High School, teaching 10th grade literacy. She will also be coaching girls Cross Country! I am so proud of her; she will be a wonderful role model for her students.

Hope:Fully

Adam