Loving Maniwaki

Last week in Maniwaki a group came up from Tennesee to run a sports camp. I got to know several of the youth there and be inspired by their boldness. It was like being on a mission trip with someone else's youth group. My favorite part of the time was the morning quiet times. God revealed to me through last week and those times my purpose in Canada. One: To reach the people. I had several conversations with some of the youth of Maniwaki through the sports camp. Just relating to them and trying to convey how Christ can bring them hope. This trip I think is teaching me how to love others--despite what they look like or how different they are from me. All I have to do is be willing to listen. God always comes through to provide the sympathy in me. Two: Learning to rely on Christ for all my strength. 2 Peter 1:3-11 has become my theme passage for this summer. By relying on Him for "everything we need for life and godliness," our lives will always be in touch with His will. When He calls us to do something, He provides the strength we just have to go. So this past week God has revealed to me personally how to obey His first two commandments: loving God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving my neighbor as myself. It all has to do with the sanctification process in my heart. As grow closer to God in godliness eventually love comes out as a byproduct.