The End -- or the Beginning?
This summer, I had planned to work at the same restaurant that I've worked at for the past 6 years, living for my one day off a week.
Elizabeth Hudson reports from Orlando, Fla.
iwitness from osp
Friday, August 1
I can still hear my grandmother's words replaying in my mind: "If you never step outside of your comfort zone, you'll never grow."
It took a summer in Orlando for me to fully comprehend the truth of such words.
It was hard for me to commit my summer to OSP. I had planned to work at the same restaurant that I've worked at for the past 6 years. Once again, I would be living for my one day off a week.
It didn't sound exciting or adventurous, but it was familiar and safe. Fortunately, God had other plans for my summer.
The past 9 weeks have been a catalyst for growth in my life. I've met the most incredible people: interns that have such a passion for following God's plan for their lives.
I've learned to take steps of faith in evangelism and leading a Bible study. I've experienced true discipleship and loving fellowship.
Thinking back to all of the great times I've had on summer project, I cannot praise God enough for dragging me out of my dull summer routine and placing me in such a dynamic Christian community.
Matt Schelhaas' Experience
It's amazing to have witnessed changes in the lives of each intern.
Matt Schelhaas is one of those people, and God has challenged him in so many ways this summer.
The senior at South Dakota State University has learned that God is always faithful and that he needs to always put his trust in Him.
Matt said, "Evangelism is not something we have to do because we are Christians. It's the greatest privilege in the world that He would have me help Him."
And after spending his summer as an intern with Financial Services Group here at Campus Crusade's international headquarters, Matt's also learned that there is a calling out there for him.
God has a plan for each one of the interns' lives, and this summer has served in bringing us closer to discovering those plans.
Matt Miller's Experience
God's work is also evident in Matt Miller's life. It's incredible to be able to recognize God working in a person.
Through a strong desire to know God more, the junior majoring in graphic design at Pennsylvania College of Technology now says he has a greater zeal for God's plans in his life.
"God has been teaching me so much about who I am and the potential He has for my life," says Matt. "I've been stretched in new ways with evangelism, and I've really been discovering my passion for lost people."
In a week, we will all be back home and preparing for a new semester at school. We'll be back into the familiar and the comfortable.
It will be difficult to withstand settling back into complacency, but our experience with OSP has lit a fire in all of our hearts.
This summer has sparked a passion for God and all His people, and I know this fervor will spread when we go back to the Campus Crusade for Christ groups on our campuses.
Orlando Summer Project has served as a launching pad, and now as we prepare to return home, we are ready and willing to live fully for God.
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