We made it home!
We landed back in Texas after a great week in Gainesville, Florida!!!
This morning we packed up and headed to church at Westside. It was encouraging to worship together as a team, as well as sit alongside students we met throughout this week. This week was humbling and eye-opening. It was humbling to do work without seeing immediate, tangible progress. It was humbling to hear stories from a number of international students who just arrived to Florida. It was humbling to watch God work through my teammates and do ministry alongside of them. It was eye-opening to see so many students from all over the world right there at the University of Florida. At church this morning, one of the students, Ling said, “You don’t have to go far to share stories with one another and do life with one another.” What a profound thought. Yes, Jesus called us to go and make disciples, there is action in his call. However, I’m learning that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to go across the globe (although I think we should do this too!!!) We can make disciples as we go to work, as we go to our local coffee shop, or as we go across the street to meet our neighbors. I am thankful for God who uses us amidst our weakness to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. I am thankful for a week that gave me a broader worldview and the chance to be let in on so many new friends’ stories.
If you would, please pray that God would continue to do work in Gainesville, multiplying the believers there. Pray for God to show favor on the organization we partnered with, International Bridge Fellowship. Pray for boldness amongst international students who are getting ready to go back home, that they would feel confident to share the Gospel with friends and family.
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” — 1 Corinthians 3:7-9
Thank you for spending the time to read these posts. Please ask us over the next few weeks about our time in Florida. We are excited to share our stories with you!
—Katie Young
