Una Voce

I've been meaning to update this awhile ago, but I haven't had internet access for quite some time, and I only have cell phone reception about half the time.  So here are a few things I wanted to share with you.

"Una Voce." 

This means "with one voice" in latin. I'm not sure exactly why I thought of that the other day, but I realized that for one reason or another, it stuck. 

And then I began to think about it. Really, that's the purpose of Encounter. That we might be one voice that speaks truth and life as opposed to a bunch of individuals out to further ourselves. Sure, we're each still unique; I'm not saying we each think exactly alike or even act exactly alike all the time. But our goal is not to each try to stand out amongst the crowd.

Ultimately, we are striving to be unified as the body of Christ and even harmonize with each other. No pun intended =P. When we sing as a choir on stage, Peter (our sound tech) does an awesome job at blending our sound so that each is heard equally within the whole. One voice; una voce. 

So God is Nothing Short of Amazing!

Wow. I don't even think words could begin to express just how much I am in love with God and how grateful I am for the opportunity to be a part of this team! I feel like I have grown in leaps and bounds already, but at the same time I feel like I have so far to go! 


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2 


The other day we had our team and individual pictures. It was SO hot out, but the group shot turned out beautifully! We don't have the individual pictures back yet, but I thought I'd share the group picture. =]

Also while on the topic of pictures, one of my dear sisters here left her Bible and journal on the sofa this morning. I happened to notice the verse and it impressed upon me. So I grabbed my camera and decided to capture it the way I saw it. =]

ERM Board Meeting

So tonight we had our board of directors and their wives at Mount Lou San for our annual board meeting! It was amazing to get an update of the ministry and the ways God has worked within the last year. We also got the fantastic opportunity to sing five of our songs for them as a "first performance" of the year. =] God worked in so many ways tonight; it was SUCH a blessing. Throughout the day I felt spiritual and physical attack from satan through feeling like I would pass out during rehearsal, an asthma episode and a headache at one point, but God lifted all of that from me by the end of the day. Praise Him for His mighty works! I have some pictures posted in a private account; if you'd like the link please comment me with your email address!

God Bless! =]

One Down, Fifty-One To Go!

So here I am, just about done with the first week here with Encounter. It's been amazing so far! I'm  looking forward to what else is in store. =]

The classes that we are taking so far are fantastic. The first book we are taking a look at is, "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges.  We've only finished the first two chapters, but it's an easy read and well worth your time. The second class we've been introduced to is called "The Message and Ministry of Christ". This is a class about some of Christ's commands and callings that was developed by one of the staff members here. Our director, Ardy, is teaching a class on Biblical Life Foundations, Life Management and Life Application. The newest class we started is on Biblical Apologetics through Answers Academy, an Answers in Genesis curriculum. I'm so excited about each class because I can tell our instructors have taken the time to make them worth the while.

The music is amazing!! We have learned 8-9 songs already and next week we have an instructor for learning sign language to go with some of the songs! I can't wait till we can start performing some of these songs. Tonight we had a preliminary drama rehearsal. First year team members didn't really do much, but we got to watch the returning team run over one of the skits from last year and it was a blast.

I'm surprised how quickly I've gotten to know everyone. I really thought it would take a lot longer to warm up to 24 other new people. But already I consider them all my brothers and sisters. I've never had brothers comparable in age to myself, so it's awesome to have 13 of them! =D And each of the girls have been so welcoming and ready to share everything they can.

Well, I'm not sure what tomorrow has in store, but I'm sure it will be awesome as the rest of the week has been. On Saturday we are taking the team to Gettysburg! I'm hoping we get to visit the museum and hike around Devil's Den. =]

As far as prayer requests go, I would just ask that the team stay like-minded and unified; that we would learn our lessons well and memorize the music. Also, on a slightly more comical note, pray that I don't become any more of a walking accident waiting to happen =P My first day going into chapel I tripped on my flip flop and just about all but fell flat on my face stepping up into the doorway. Then we had a team bonding/unity exercise on a ropes course in the woods and I caught myself from falling off but in the meantime bruised my ankle muscle pretty bad; I've had it wrapped the last two days but today it's just funny looking is all. I could use all the grace I can get ;-)

God Bless!

Wow, So Here We Go!

Hmm. Where to begin?

It seemed like when I first got the phone call asking me if I still was open to being a part of the Encounter team, that the time couldn't go fast enough. Now here I am, my last night at home, and I'm wondering where all the time went. I guess I never fathomed that there would be SO much to wrap up before I left. God has been extremely good though (as He always is) and I've been able to finish up just about everything. 

My goal is to use this blog to keep everyone updated about how God is working among His people, especially within the Encounter team and staff. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity and I really can't wait to see what's in store! 

I'll be posting pictures and updates from time to time, as well as prayer requests and praises. 

God bless!