Last month, we took 23 college students to
Jubilee -- the CCO conference that challenges students to live out their faith in every area of life. Two weeks before leaving, we weren't sure that we would have enough scholarships to cover the cost for all the students, most of whom could not pay out of their own pocket.
God provided abundantly through our supporters and fellow church members. Every student that wanted to go got to go! Here are some testimonials:
I saw God present the most in the reality that the kingdom of God is diverse. Every speaker offered a different perspective to the issues that Christians will face. I appreciated the fact that I was able to take a look at the ramifications of globalization from a more positive light. In many respects I think Jubilee was preparation on a small level for my spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. Many of Jubilees speakers demanded that the students understand the importance of being culturally competent. While I struggle with the word competence (because I don't think as foreigners we can ever be fully culturally competent) I appreciated the heave emphasis on remaining "unchurched" but living out Christianity. I saw that present in the DR. I speak fluent Spanish but it was not my Spanish that grabbed the attention of the women working in the kitchen-- it was my sincere love and appreciation for them that caused their hearts to be moved. Selah.
-- Angeley, Eastern University
From my time at Jubilee I have let myself be open to God. What I mean by this is that I went with the mindset to have God open my eyes to things going on in my life. Even now, after that weekend, God is continuing to reveal areas of my life where I need to change and let his love take over. This was not an easy thing to ask for from God because it is difficult and painful to change. With that being said, I know that I will be taken care of but this change can only come from God. And through this time from Jubilee I am working on that change and I am continuing to search for the woman that God has created me to be. It is going to be a life long journey but it is worth it because God will never leave me but will always be beside me in both the good and bad times. Jubilee has given me the push that I needed to face those tough areas in my life that I was unwilling to acknowledge and reminded me to stay strong in God’s love, power and mercy.
-- Sara Barnhurst, Eastern University
As a senior in college, this was my first time going to Jubilee, so it was really great to be going in with the perspective of graduating in just a few months. In many ways, the experience helped me to rethink how I would approach post-graduation with a Christian perspective. Overall, God has also used the experience to teach me more about Him. It was an exciting and encouraging experience!
-- Liz Wolensky, Haverford College
Annnnnnd if you were one of the supporters who helped get the students to Jubilee, or if you were praying for the students, here is a special thank you from Eric Mayhew, junior at Eastern University:
I hope this letter finds you well. Especially since we have been experiencing some fantastic weather. I would like to sincerely thank you for your support in this trip. I was blessed through your support and God willing I was able to gain just enough support to go and received it at just the right time, so Thank You.
Jubilee was such a great experience that I know God knew I needed. I was blessed beyond belief. I went into it not expecting anything and came out gaining a lot. God really pressed it on my heart to be more of a Godly man. He wanted me to be a firmer leader and take control, enacting justice on the behalf of others, have empathy for the hurting and by making the world a better place.
But the one thing that he really let stand out is that of being noticed. Letting everyone around me know that I am a Christian and letting their judgment not waver if I am or not. This can be done primarily through my actions and not being a “Sunday Christian”, being a Christian in church but walking out the doors not even changed.
One speaker said, “There are 50 million Christians in our country today. But… If that is a true statistic then where are they? By the state of our nation you would not know that the majority of the people in our country are in fact Christian.” He went on to say that we need to be changed to make a change and that we also need to not live a safe life. Everyone in the bible who made a different did not live a safe life. Just think of Noah, David or even Jesus. None of them lived a safe life.
This is just some of the things that God reveled to me on this trip. It was though him and through you that it was made possible and again I thank you for your help. If I could also ask for your continual support for me in my college career through your prayers. I have hit a rough patch and am not sure where God wants me right now and am having trouble deciding what to do. Your prayers would be of great assistance in this struggle. Thank You.
Sincerely,
Eric Mayhew
