(you can find a short explanation of the program here, if you aren't already on board with me)
If you've ever spent a summer at an STP, you know what great memories are attached to those words. You know the incredible growth, the challenge, the fellowship, how tiring it is, how FUN it is, and everything else that comes along with the territory. You understand why, as you read this and I am on my way to Jacksonville, I am probably OVERLY excited and annoying everyone else in my car as I incessantly remind them of our destination with maybe a little too much enthusiasm.
If you haven't been to STP - you say... cool. I don't see what's so great about it - let me try to tell you.
Jacksonville is a unique program, that creates a unique environment that fosters spiritual growth like nothing else I've experienced. There are roughly 180 to 200 college students who come together with Navigator staff with the sole purpose of growing in their walks with God. When you put together that many young people with a common purpose that great, God definitely is faithful to move in many ways!! The program is structured in teams (guys teams and girls teams) who live together in a dorm space, many students in the program work together (everyone has a job), and we have great Navigator staff come in and share on a different aspect of spiritual life (From 'The Word' to 'Relationships' to 'Back to Campus') twice each week. I could go on and on about how awesome it is, how much I grew, and look forward to growing this year, etc., but the best way to find out what I'll be RAVING about all summer is to just go, if you get the chance!
I went to Jax the summer of 2010, right after my freshman year, and it is exactly what I needed. God used that season to grow me SO much more than I ever expected before I left. I came out of the summer with great friends, with whom I have lived out Hebrews 10:24-25 and Proverbs 27:17 in the time since the program.
I can hardly wait to see what the Lord has in store for this summer. If you would like to be praying along with me as I begin this adventure, specific prayer points are below:
- Pray that I would rely on God, and not fall into the dangerous pit of self-reliance in any way
- Pray for my team: that together we would experience true fellowship (that we would experience the community pictured in Ephesians 4), and that we would grow together more than we could imagine this summer
- Pray for everyone who will be at the program; for planning, for resolving conflicts in a godly way, for jobs for those who do not yet have them, for safe travels, and for open hearts and minds
- Pray for the staff and the speakers who will be pouring into the team leaders and team members over these few months
- Pray against the enemy, that we would actively fight against him when he tries to thwart the BIG work I am sure God is going to do this summer
- Pray for lives to be changed
I appreciate all your support and prayers. :)
P.S. Next time I post, I'll be in JAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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