This weekend was beautiful. Delta sunsets, screaming worship, Costco muffins, blanket sharing, laughter and tears. We bonded not just as the random assortment of people from the West that we are- we bonded as a team. More than that, we came together as a family united/reunited by a mutual calling to bring glory to Jesus' name. In less than 48 hours, Yahweh took a group of people(most whom some of us haven't seen in months or years, others whom we've never met at all) and began a work for intimate fellowship that we know and declare he will use this summer as we serve alongside one another. It won't always be a pretty picture. Like this weekend, there will awkward instances as hearts are softened and walls are torn down. We all bring (and inevitably, this summer, will bring) "dirty, stinky feet" to the table . The temptation to hide our feet and strap up big boots weighs on all of us. Our greatest desire is to avoid weakness, vulnerability and death. The trouble is when we hide and deny our weakness from people, we also hide it from Jesus. We become like Peter when he doesn't want Jesus to wash his feet. We don't understand about Jesus being the Slave King and that the only way to be close to him is to let him wash away our dirt. When He does, we become stripped of the boots that shock and weigh us down and our feet become beautiful. There is freedom, joy and excitement. To be cleansed by Christ is become transparent. Nothing is hidden. There is no shame. We can boast in our weakness. As a we come to take ourselves less seriously, our agenda is opened up to bring out the best in others. We become the beautiful bride/church/family God intended us to be. While still miraculous, it's natural to see how a random assortment of people from all over the West Coast become more than family.
If we want to be the hands and feet of Christ moving on the waters of Lake Shasta and the Delta this summer, if we want to draw close to Jesus and each other, we have to allow ourselves to be washed of our dirt by Jesus and each other.
Let's not waste any time this Summer. Let's become real, honest, transparent, and vulnerable with each other so that as a team led by the Spirit, Jesus can make the greatest impact and change possible in every camper's life. Yahweh receives the glory and people are brought into restoration.
This is going to be a crazy, amazing summer. The time between now and the day we'll all be together will be spent in anticipation. I can hardly wait, but having this blog and being able to hear/pray for each other will bond us so intimately that the wait will be worth it.
You are so loved!
- Emily Ferree & Jonathan Beltran
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