School started.  I hope to really focus on my studies this semester, but there are so many distractions.  I need to cut these distractions from my life.  Easier said than done.  God I need you.

Our EM's new name is official... It's called UCF(Ultimate Champions of Fighting)...No really it's called Unity Christian Fellowship. 
It's meaning is taken from Psalm 133.

Although a lot more preparation and prayer could have gone into the UCF Retreat, I think that God has been more than faithful to His purpose. 

VBS, I heard, was a really good!  I believe that this summer was full of events and programs.  I wish that we will not consider these programs as just way to keep us busy, but use them so that we will draw nearer to God.  I always enjoy the company of fellow believers and would like to encourage and be encouraged by them. 

Sandra did an excellent job in reserving the more than sufficient cabin for us.  Pastor Joseph had messages that I believe were God inspired.  All the ladies worked hard so that we ate really well.  The boys were great in participation.  I thank God that He provided our group with men and women who are gracious enough not to complain at the largest of distractions, but did there best with the hand that was given to them.  I will miss Jason as he is a huge part of our group.  Hope for the best in Berkeley. 

I am tired, but I believe that the retreat was a good way in which our group displayed our unity.  We got along remarkably well and worked to help each other when in need.  God works in spite of our foolishness.  He truly is faithful!

Grace&Peace

Arizona was wonderful!
I am confident that God was watching us as we left LA for Arizona and as we came back from the Grand Canyon.  I believe He was watching us the whole way.  Indeed the Grand Canyon further enhances my appreciation for God's creation.  I was literally taken aback by the depth and the sheer massiveness of the Canyon.  How much more perplexed would(should) we be if we were to encounter the overwhelming beauty of the Creator? 

I must admit that I have become rather attached to the Hopi Indians and the village that we stayed at for three days.  Now I know better of what to expect next year and what we can do better. 

I personally didn't suffer as much as I expected to and am grateful for that.  Perhaps, God is preparing us for the future by slowly weaning us in the ways of suffering. 

I got to see Rudy and Hye Jin and they were doing fine.  It was good to see some old friends and to meet new people. 

This trip has definitely opened my eyes to a different perspective from very different people.  I very much hope to return to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with a more encouraging effort next year. 

Don Jdsn did the most in preparing for this mission trip and I am very grateful for his wise guidance in most EM affairs.  The fundraiser would have been much harder to do without his help.  Thanks for your hard work Jdsn.  I admire your humility.

I started to see some of our church members grow before my very eyes.  I consider it a real blessing to see most of our members serving and working hard to further the kingdom of God.  I hope to cherish this memory for the rest of my days.  It was far better than any vacation that I've ever taken.  Back to fighting the complacent lifestlyle.

Grace & Peace

I'm getting ready for Arizona Mission this week.  I don't quite know what to expect.  I don't even know if we are going to be of any benefit to the Native people there.  I do know that God will watch us there and we will open our ignorant eyes to some things we weren't aware of before. 

Today, the fundraiser went really well even though I woke up too late to set up and test the drinks.  Times like these are really humbling.  The sad thing is that these occurances occur a little too often.  Maybe God's allowing me to fail on a consistent basis to humble me or perhaps I'm just too lazy.

I hope to be diligent with the talents that God has provided for me.  May God give me power to survive a week in scorching Arizona. 

The church members did an admirable job by covering for my failure.  I am very encouraged by their willingness to serve.  Service is really lacking in this 'me first' culture that we love to associate ourselves with.  Today, I saw people who served with humility.  Jesus used a couple ordinary people to turn the world upside down.  May we expect for God to use us in extraordinary ways. 
May the Spirit not be quenched!
May God be glorified!