I just got back from two weeks in Florida for Big Break, our annual evangelism conference. It’s fun to see students share the gospel for the very first time. But rather than have me tell it, let me share a letter from Liza Pope, a freshman at Boston University:
I was impacted by the worship throughout the week. A room full of over 400 people stood together singing as loudly as possible praising our amazing God. A couple of times I was brought to tears because the words in the songs seemed to be directly addressing me and some of the spiritual questions or struggles that I had been going through that week. By the end of the worship, I felt so connected to God, ready to learn more about his Word, and I was eager to find out how I could honor and glorify him that day.
I was exposed to many Bible passages for the first time. The speakers during each session did a wonderful job not only interpreting God’s word, but also eliciting a clear idea of ways to apply His Word. One particular morning we discussed the parable from Luke 18:18-29. The speaker addressed the central place that money and materialistic items take in our society today. She explained, though, that ultimately, this parable was God teaching us that we should not get caught up in the things of this world. In the end, he says, the only thing that will matter is our faith in Him. God is the only thing that we can hold on to, and He is the only one that can meet all of our needs, financial or otherwise. This really struck me because I definitely let money and “things” hold too much importance in my life. These things not only cause frustration for me but for my friends and family as well.
A few nights later our team was eating dinner at a BBQ-southern style restaurant-a long standing tradition of the Big Break experience-and the waitress began telling one of our tables about her children. She explained that her two younger ones had been really sick on and off for couple of years. They had battled with pneumonia and various other viruses and illnesses for most of their lives. To make matters worse, she was unable to pay for any of the medicines that her children needed to get better.
After hearing her story, a few of the team leaders felt convicted to help this woman in any way they could. They found some verses from the Bible that they wrote down and offered to pray with her. And then, towards to the end of the meal, one our leaders came over to the other Boston Metro tables and asked if we would consider giving a $5-10 extra tip to their waitress. Everyone pitched in what they could, and by the end we had gathered $200. I had a limited amount of money left for the trip and still plenty of meals left to pay for, but I remembered God’s words from Luke and gave the few dollars that I had left to our waitress. I knew God was going to take care of me financially for the rest of the week, and it was clear that this woman needed money a LOT more than I did. When we gave her the check she burst into tears out of disbelief of the kindness of strangers. We reminded her that there was a God out there that loved her just as much as we did, and that our compassion and love was unequivocal to that of our savior, Jesus Christ.
We all piled back into the van, and people we were told exactly what had happened that night. Most of the girls, including myself, were brought to tears because of how appreciative this waitress was of our small gift, and also of the kindness and love that the team had brought to this stranger.
Later that night, our group met together in one of our condos for a mini-Bible study. We discussed Ephesians 4: 16-end. The passage explained wholesome and unwholesome words, and we talked about the importance of encouragement, the negative effects of sarcasm, and the repercussions of gossip. I felt really convicted after this discussion to be wary of the words I spoke, and motivated to give encouragement or compliments when I thought them.
For the rest of the week I not only noticed myself being more positive and trying to honestly affirm and encourage my teammates, but it was evident that the other people on the team felt convicted by the passage as well. For the remainder of our time together, people gave more sincere compliments, sarcasm ceased, and affirmations to one another increased. The team became tightly bonded and strong friendships centered on God were formed. By the end of Big Break, I felt left awestruck at the amazing things God does to our communities.
This trip really affected my walk with God. Spending 24/7 with a group of Christians allowed me to take a step back, and like a sponge, absorb to saturation what it is means to be a Christian. I learned that prayer is one of the most valuable ways we can improve relationships and ourselves with God. I pray a lot more now, and I really understand the importance of reading God’s word.
Since I have returned from school I have been praying A LOT more, trying to get into God’s word as much as possible, and I find myself really understanding what it means to surrender my life to God and live each day to glorify Him. Now, when I go to church, being there “fits” even better now, I feel even more convicted to apply God’s teaching from the sermon to my upcoming week, and I know ALL the worship songs. ☺
Overall, this was one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever had. Thank you so much for your financial support because without it I would not have been given this opportunity. I pray that God will continue to work in your lives, and that you continue to see what an amazing Father we have.
Love, Liza Pope
I thank you so much for your continued support. God Bless, Brian
