ten things

[Kelsey Linduff]

I thought about writing a blog about various trips I have been on and the things I have learned through them. But there is much that God has taught me and I soon realized that it would be more like a book than a blog and while that may happen one day, at this point I do not have the time to write nor do I think you probably have the time to read. So for now, a list will have to suffice. Each of these has a story behind it. Each could probably be a chapter in and of itself. Some are things I knew in my head before, but they effected my heart in a new way. Some were new revelations. Some I am still trying to figure out. Some I know I could not have learned any other way.

These lists aren't extensive and don't cover every trip. But its good to remember and share the things God has done in us. I would love to hear your lists too. What are 10 things God has taught you on a trip (international or not, A218 Launch or other)? Please share with us :)


10 Things I learned in Sydney...

1) The Church needs a different kind of leader because we work for and in the realm of the invisible.
2) Leadership is proven in our capacity to lead a few.
3) God wants the Church to be magnificent and beautiful.
4) Don't just live as the saved-- live as the called.
5 As inadequate as we may feel, God trusts A218 with His people.
6) This is the Church of the living God. Which is the pillar and support of the truth. 1 Tim 3:15
7) There is a problem if I am excited about learning how to "do church better" yet do not have any emotional attachment to the lost.
8) Moses' and God's hearts were aligned because of what "wrecked" Moses' heart.
9) The world is asking "Do things really have to be like this?" and we have the answer.
10) When we see and hear what God sees and hears, our agendas change.


10 Things I learned in Amsterdam...

1) We live in a broken world that is searching for something more.
2) "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:16-17
3) Living in community isn't easy, but it is good.
4) When we push past our blinders, we will be amazed at the friendships we make.
5) I want a heart that is limitless.
6) The world is waiting on us.
7) A218 is part of God's plan of reconciling that city back to Himself.
8) I am blessed.
9) The light is greater than the darkness.
10) When God looks at Amsterdam and the people there He says, "This city is mine. These people are mine."


10 Things I learned in Asia....

1) In my weakness He is strong.
2) When you ask God to break your heart for something, be careful because He probably will.
3) If you walk away from Gods calling, it could effect the nations.
4) God is doing something bigger than me... every day is not about my happiness and comfort (DS3 sermon on Jonah in '05).
5) There are people today who have never heard the name of Jesus.
6) Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.
7) There are spiritual ramifications to be being "sent" by a local church both for myself and for the church.
8) The name of Jesus is breaking down strongholds that have been over a people for generations.
9) God will equip us for the work that He has called us to.
10) A smile and laughter can go a really long way.

[Geri]

Since one of the launches this year is to Haiti, a place I have been more than a couple times, and a place that God has used to completely change the trajectory of my life, I would like to share a list of 10 things I have learned either in Haiti, or during the preparation for a trip. Like Kels, I could share so much more, and there are stories behind each thing (and blogs in the recesses of my myspace...). But I will attempt here to bring it into a list of of concise thoughts...

10 Things I learned in/because of Haiti

1. Regardless of my background and upbringing, as an American, I am rich and blessed.
2. I have a moral responsibility to do something about that.
3. I need God to be my strength, even in the things that I am supposedly good at.
4. God ALWAYS provides where He leads. ALWAYS. And He does it in His timing... :-)
5. A prayed up group determined to operate in unity is a formidable force for the Kingdom.
6. The poorest people in the world are often the most generous; we can learn a lot from them.
7. God uses the last and the least to revolutionize lives, towns, and ways of thinking and living.
8. You never realize how dark it is until you have a light. And they will never be in the dark again.
9. God will give you what you need when you need it. Sometimes you will only have enough to give it all. That is okay.
10. Language barriers do not matter when you are bonding with family.


And I have to tag on one more: Abject poverty and tropical paradise can coexist. I have the pictures to prove it if you don't believe me....