seven wonders of the world...

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
James 2:18

Transferring bubbles is a difficult task. You have to build new deep relationships – grow more in love with God - learn from wise man...yeah, I’ve got it tough.

That statement sounds completely ridiculous doesn’t it? But the reality is, since mid- June I have had the privilege of being part of two communities, camp and Kaleo, that have provided the right setting for God to work in me in ways I could never have imagined. And lately I’ve been yearning.

This yearn is tangible, like a hunger pain, or a lover waiting for a plane to arrive – it’s deeper. Somehow, in some way, I understand that this yearning is taking place on a spiritual plane. This yearning is for the work that is taking place in my head and heart, to be transferred to my hands and feet.

I’ve heard the excuses, “Jesus was thirty when he began his ministry” or “keep your faith to yourself until you’ve established it more.” Well I can’t believe Jesus did nothing till he was thirty, and I’m pretty positive my faith will never be fully established – and so although I accept that for a season this is what God has for me, I also recognize that if I am not pouring this overflow of love into people then I am drowning.

Drowning.

On Monday we had the opportunity as a group of students to go to downtown Victoria and give out some socks and other items to the homeless down there. We heard the story of Mark, a man who had moved to Victoria from Ontario in pursuit of a girl – but when the girl died of cancer Mark turned to crack. We saw the exchanging of syringes, the rolling of joints, the exhale of momentary relief. We felt the heaviness, the desperation, the hopelessness.

And as we went about our day something felt right, that this was natural. This is the gospel of Christ. Despite the obvious work of the enemy it was overshadowed by the hope that God is working through these people in a way that is far beyond what we can do or comprehend.

I understand that this was for one day, not even, four hours. Then I returned to my hot meals, bank card, and warm bed. God is intentional though, I felt him saying, “ Here, look at what I have in store for you – but for now, for this season, I have something planned for you – trust me.”

James 2: 17 is straight forward, faith without deeds is dead. So I’m striving to resurrect my faith at Kaleo, in my church, with people back home, in my life. God has been so faithful this year, specifically in the lives of those in my youth. I would ask that you will continue to pray for the work that is taking place – that enemy would have no part in that work, that I would continually surrender that work and take none of it for myself.

Again, I cannot express my gratitude.

Much love,

Jake.