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With God as my Strength
> By Mikey Rivas community ministry intern
>
At the beginning of the summer during supervisor training, I began to realize the full extent of what I was going to
be doing, and to be honest, I felt overwhelmed. I was a SMT last summer and I did not have any experience in leading
ministries within the community. I had no idea how I was going to suddenly conjure up the ability to lead. Once I realized
my lack of ability I wandered into the Meadows and went to the campfire out there and just laid on the bench looking to
the sky. I cried to the Lord and shared with Him how I was feeling. I confessed that I felt incapable and inexperienced,
how I felt that I couldn’t do it. I was weak. I ended up lying on that bench for a while and falling asleep. When I woke
up, the only way to describe how I felt is “comforted.” Because it was then I realized something- God says in His Word
that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).” He also says to “be strong
and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord goes with you; He will never leave or forsake you (Deut 31: 6).” Upon
remembering these words I understood that it does not matter how “successful” I am at this job, or even how many kids
come to know Jesus through what I am doing. All the Lord wants me to do while I am here or anywhere else in life is to be
obedient to Him. I may never see the fruit of our work, but I know that the Lord has put me where I am today, and so all
I can do is trust in Him. He will take care of the rest.
So here I am, more than halfway through the summer, and let me say that this year so far has been an experience that I
will never forget. Meals-on-Wheels, Dive! Into Thursdays, Tuesday night apartment visits, and Sunday night Kids Corner
have all been such blessings to be a part of. I love interacting with the kids and hanging out with them. I have enjoyed
meeting new people and praying with them. I have found great delight in delivering meals to the elderly and having long
conversations with them. Yes, these ministries have all had their challenges, but I see that God is really doing great things
here in Giddings through Camp Tejas, and I am thankful that I have been able to be a part of it. All I can say now is
praise the Lord! >>
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Tejas members participate in a three-legged
race with the local children of Giddings.
pages 2009
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