Summer LINK Clemson: Even in the Midst of the Craziness, God Provides

Only seven more weeks of the program that acts as a relief from my hectic schedule. I can't believe how much I have learned, just in these few short weeks with summer LINK Clemson. One of these things includes how God is in control and finds ways to reassure us that his direction is sovereign. When signing on with Clemson SummerLINK, I was a tad hesitant that it would conflict with my strenuous class schedule. Not being the only one taking classes, there was a bit of relief, but for some reason I felt that because I was taking the dreaded ORGANIC CHEMISTRY that my schedule was going to busier than others, and oh how I was wrong. It turns out, everybody doing summer LINK is extremely busy taking classes, working, and trying to manage their time just as I am. And still, after spending time with this awesome group of people being on mission for the Lord, there is always that little assurance from God telling me that this is exactly what I should be doing with my summer. Participating in Summer LINK activities during the week is sometimes stressful, but it isn't the activities that stress me out. I look forward to every single one of them, whether it is being trained in discipleship, or fellowshipping with families in the church. Yes, my classes are crazy hard, but I always find such a relief when I get to go do "Summer LINK" things. Sometimes, I find myself driving to the church just to hang out and help out with some of the other generation LINK staff. I just love the people that I am privileged to interact with this summer and cherish the time that I get to spend with them. That being said, this summer has still had it's hardships. There have been multiple instances when school has kept me from doing the thing that my heart desires, even the things that I feel that God has called me to pursue. These situations especially have been difficult because I feel like it is what God wants me to do, but also know how strong my fleshly desire is. It is sometimes tough to distinguish which one is real. And always, after much prayer and petition, God leads me to the wisest, most rational decision. Part of Summer LINK involves scripture memory and the first week me and my discipleship leader, the amazing Sammi Fife, agreed to memorize and abide on Galations 2:20, which states that we have been crucified in Christ so that he lives through us and we should live therefore live our lives by faith in him. What a verse to start off with! It was key in showing me that no matter what I am doing, I am doing it for the glory of God who sent his only Son to die on the cross for our wretched sins so that we could live. So as miserable as organic chemistry is some days, it is nice to have to perspective to know that this is what I had committed to this summer, and therefore, I need to do it in a way that pleases the Lord. The same goes for hectic busy schedules. As hard as it seems to make them all fit together, God has a way of working things out so that we can further bring him glory through being on mission with SummerLINK Clemson. Therefore, if I commit to things that I clearly do not have time for, I would not be able to do the other things well, and that would not bring honor and glory to my Savior. So when times seem bleak, and schedules don't fit together, I just have to remember this verse and know that this summer was a summer for the Lord to strengthen me spiritually and physically. Yes, school is hard...but YES, God has given me supernatural focus and concentration to do well in my class. Yes, there are constant schedule conflicts... but YES, God has a way of working things out in the favor of those who seek after Him. God does have overarching plan for our lives and He is sovereign in everything he does. And with these things, he constantly provides for us.

By: Katy Weaver

SummerLINK Myrtle Beach: He is Faithful

“Who can really be faithful in the great things if he has not learned to be faithful in the things of daily life?”

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together

This past week has honestly been one of the most tiring weeks so far on Summer LINK (SLINK). All of us have started our jobs and many of us come back to the SeaMist ready to go to bed finding ourselves preparing to go to the next SLINK event. As a result of these long days there is a temptation for us to slack on essential disciplines that deepen our relationship with the Lord. For me one discipline that I have definitely been slacking on is scripture memorization. How can I know truth and guard my heart if I do not keep scripture in my heart? Graciously, the Lord has reminded many of my teammates and I of this truth and continues to mold us into men and women who will be “faithful in the things of daily life” (Bonhoeffer).

Also the Lord has just LAVISHED us with blessings. This past Sunday we had the opportunity to have our prayer and praise night at a neighborhood pool with some of the youth from Cornerstone Church. This was such a blessing because we were able to connect with some of the youth and really model before them what being a college student who is in love with the Lord looks like. Then, this past Tuesday we were blessed by having dinner at the Morton’s house where we discussed the introduction to Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and heard the testimonies of Blake and Ashley Morton as well as Lucas and Suellen Oliveira. It is always encouraging to hear how the Lord transforms lives through His gospel. It reminds me that you always have something to share with anyone you meet, the Gospel. For a believer it is encouraging and joyous and for a non-believer it is truth and freedom. Later on that night I found out that Blake drove motorcycles and then I so happened to find one in their garage.  The rest is history.

Then on Wednesday we were blessed to have Bible study at the Pauly’s house. They fed us a delicious meal, Andrew and I had the joy of sharing our testimonies, and then we dove into Matthew 7:6-11 and discussed truly seeking the Lord in prayer and evaluating our heart's intentions in what we were seeking the Lord for. What was very encouraging was that the Lord wants us to come to Him in prayer; He clearly states that in His Word. He is not a Father who is distant or wants to be distant. He is a Father who is near and close to us at all times, even when we do not desire Him to be or we think He is far away. He also is a Father who provides. He provides everything we need for every day. Seek and trust the Lord in prayer. He knows your exact needs and will provide.

Finally, this weekend was family weekend! Many of our families came down and joined the team in various activities. One of the activities was outreaching to different businesses in the community and showing our appreciation by giving them cookies. We baked 300 cookies and served around 7 businesses. It is really beautiful to see families serving together and alongside of each other with the purpose of sharing the Gospel! Also, that same day we had a cookout for the families where conversations were rich and athletic talents displayed.

All in all, our team is THANKFUL. God continues to bless us in amazing ways. He continually shows us His faithfulness everyday, whether that be setting us up to share the Gospel or revealing to us our sin and guiding us in sanctification. God is here. He will always be here. He is faithful and we are blessed to be used by Him here.

Much love from the team!

Michelle 

Summer LINK Raleigh: Preparation for the Philippines

Oh my how these few weeks have flown by. I feel like the first day of Summer LINK was just yesterday. So my story is a little bit different. I’m not a ten-week Summer LINK staff who attends staff meetings. I do not get to participate in all the big events that we have been planning. I will not be there for the retreat or a celebration at the end. However, I do get the privilege of extending the Summer LINK family to the other side of the world. 

I leave in two weeks for the Philippines. Then for six months I will be doing evangelism and discipleship among an unreached people group. How exciting, right? Summer LINK has been such an encouragement to me in these weeks of preparation. The equipping nights, bible studies, and intentional time with my mentors and leaders have been extremely beneficial to me. There are two main things that I will be able to look back and say: “I remember when this clicked for me during Summer LINK.”

1) Pruning is the placing of God’s word in my heart. It affects the way I live in community with others and make disciples. John 15:1-3 talks about God the Father pruning us as branches. During our first Equipping Night with Zach Nelson we discussed what it means to actually be pruned. Most answers were things like, “trials, tribulations, sin, suffering.” While these things are correct, the main answer was the placing of God’s word in our hearts. This is when we are pruned; when the bad is stripped away from us. When the Living Word of God speaks into our hearts and conforms us more into the image of our Creator. What does this mean? Spend time in the Word. I will not just read with the intention of learning about God or about the Bible. I will not just read Psalms or Proverbs to feel all squishy and warm inside. I will read the Living Word with the intention of God speaking truth into my life to sometimes painfully conform me more unto Himself. What will it do? It will change my relationships. I will live humbly with those around me. I will love them like Christ does. If I must confront I will do it lovingly and with God’s Word not with my own. It will transform those around me. 

2)  Calvinism. What? Really, Laura? You want to write a blog about Calvinism? Yes. I do. But not exactly. I’ve been fighting through these different views to see where I come out. I’ve been back and forth, angry, confused, and distracted. I had conflicting ideas within my head and I needed to do something about it. What a better place than around a campfire? (welcome to Summer LINK Raleigh where we have theological conversations day in and day out.) I do not have the space to spill out all my thoughts or all the words that came out of everyone’s mouth that night, but I do have my conclusion. Now I really don’t care which side you stand on in this battle, but I want you to hear me out. Here is my vague and non-Tulip conclusion about where I stand on this issue. I do not say this to convince anyone or educate you. I simply want to share how I am growing, and this was a big step!

First, there is a Great Commission. This implies urgency to go and tell all people. Second, you cannot deny Ephesians 2 that all people are dead before Christ gives grace.  Third, there is Romans 10. “… and how are they to hear without someone preaching? … So faith comes from hearing, and hearing the word of Christ.” My conclusion: Salvation is in the hands of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, thus people teaching the Word of God. Jesus commands us to go and tell. Therefore, it is not in our hands who is able to respond to God’s grace. We also do not know who God has chosen, therefore, GO TELL EVERYONE. Is it sad that people go to Hell? Absolutely, we should never lose that grief. Is it amazing that God even chooses to save some (billions and billions) from eternal damnation? Absolutely, we should never lose our thankfulness for his mercy. Is there tension? Yes, but rest comfortably knowing that you are not in control, but that our Sovereign God is. And go and tell this glorious Gospel so that more may hear of saving grace!

I am so thankful for everything the Lord is doing in my life and how we are able to serve our local church. While the other interns are doing dirty work, I have had the privilege of attending the events and reaping the wisdom from those who sit around me. I praise God for this group and the mighty things that will happen this summer and beyond!  

Camping with the Summer LINK team this past week

By Laura Hahn

Summer LINK Clemson: Christ our Sustainer

Our second week in Tigertown has come to a close, and what a great week it was! The Lord blessed our week in so many different ways. Thursday nights we meet in different church members' homes to fellowship with them over a meal and conversation of God's grace in their lives. The Finley family was gracious to host us this past week. We had a delicious meal prepared by Cayce, and a sweet time getting to know this awesome family of seven! It was a blessing to be loved on and encouraged by such a great family through their hospitality and sharing of what our precious Savior has done in their lives.

Many of us on the team are taking summer classes, working long hours, or doing both in addition to the responsibilities that come with serving our local church body through Summer LINK. Therefore when the weekend approaches, we welcome it with open arms!

Friday is the night designated as our “socials” night. Each week we alternate the structure of our social.  We start out with a larger more structured event planned by Sean and Sammi, and the next week is meant to be something low key and planned amongst ourselves. We call these “group dates.” “Group dates” are intended to be a time for us to continue to fellowship with one another through fun activities! These nights can be as a whole group, or we could choose to split and do different things in smaller groups. The purpose is to have a fun time that allows us to relax and continue building relationships with one another. 

This past Friday marked our first group date social. The guys planned for us to eat dinner at Paw’s, a local diner, and then head to Clemson’s campus to play Frisbee golf! During dinner an intense storm arrived, and we thought we wouldn’t be able to play. However, the Lord was gracious and eventually the storm subsided enough for us to begin playing in a light rain. It turned out to be a great evening full of laughter, playing in the rain, and encouraging one another! I was really encouraged by our two guys, Victor and Edward, as they stepped and took leadership over this night! They took initiative to make plans and served the girls well by being patient and encouraging as they taught many of us to play Frisbee golf for the first time.

Saturday is designed to be our day of rest, so we all are generally doing very different things. This past Saturday, Crosspoint’s youth had a lake day so those on our team serving with the youth for the summer spent their Saturday afternoon on the lake loving on the students and building relationships with them. The rest of us spent our day doing various things as we all sought to be rejuvenated for the next week!

Sundays are always a big day for us. We arrive an hour before the first service to come alongside the other staff and help complete whatever needs to be done for Sundays to operate smoothly. These tasks always look very different. Some of the team helped set up the café area and prepared to greet people as they arrived, while others served with the kid’s ministry. This summer I am serving with Crosspoint’s college ministry; ergo my primary responsibility on Sunday morning’s is making sure everything for our college discussion groups is set up and ready to run smoothly.

The college discussion groups happen during the 11:00 service. Each week we discuss the passage/sermon that was just preached during the 9:00 service. It is a great time for food, fellowship, and time together studying God’s word. This past Sunday we had great discussion over 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10! Many good discussions broke out as we digested what we had just heard about God’s righteous judgment and discussed how the hope the Thessalonians had is the same hope we can trust in today! Praise the Lord that Christ is glorified through judgment and mercy!

As I reflect on these past two weeks, I am beyond thankful for the Lord's love and faithfulness. It has been a joy experiencing and witnessing the different ways in which the Lord answers prayers and equips his children to do work for His Kingdom. Whether that be through being refreshed by hearing of God's work in others lives, encouraging one another as we labor through long days or difficult situations, extend grace to one another when we fall short, or merely just providing one another with biblical, Christ-loving community! Regardless of our own faithfulness, our Lord is never changing and forever GOOD! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

By: Hannah Milroy 

Summer LINK Raleigh: Jesus is the Answer to Pride

I flew from Miami (Providence Road Church) to Raleigh to participate in Summer LINK at Open Door Church. It has been an amazing experience so far, and a humbling one as well. I came here thinking about how I couldn’t wait to serve the preschool ministry every day of the week, and alongside that, getting to invest in new friendships here in North Carolina. But, after the first few days of Summer Link, my expectations seemed to diminish. I found myself tired, homesick, and found it hard to serve the preschool kids at OBDC. At this moment I needed to go back to God and His Word. It was then that I realized the lesson that God was going to teach me this summer: Humility.

 Studying the book of Philippians with the Summer LINK team has been so encouraging and uplifting to me. Philippians chapter 2 says: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others” v 3 to 4. This verse was so convicting, because I was just being selfish and looking out for my own interests and what would make me comfortable or happy. Paul continues in his letter just a few more verses after, saying that the perfect example of humility is Jesus Christ. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross…” v8. Christ is the perfect example of humility that me as his daughter, am learning more on more serving the preschool ministry. I love the kids and the ladies I work with, and day by day God continues to pour His grace over me and teach me what it means to count others more significant than myself. I chose to do Summer LINK for that very reason. For God to stretch me and use this summer for His glory in whatever way He sees fit. Christians should be characterized by humility. It can only be found in Jesus Christ and it exalts Christ for Gods glory.

Recent Activity:

This past week we went to NC state with the Summer LINK team to get a feel for a good place to play Kan Jam (a totally foreign game to me) so that we could make friendships with the students there and share the Gospel. It was totally so fun, although I am probably the worst player at Kan Jam (see the humility? …or not? ;))

On Monday nights we have equipping nights. Zachary Nelson spoke about church planting through the passage in scripture from John 15. He said how not only does this passage talk about bearing fruit in our personal lives, but it also means fruit outside of ourselves. Fruit that comes with sharing the Gospel and seeing people turn to Christ as their Savior.

Although many of us have been busy with ministry, we still found time to help some our fellow Summer LINKers move. It was also a great time together, and using our “spare time” to serve each other as well. I love how many times we share in Gospel conversations with each other and edify one another by living life together on mission.

Yesterday we were presented to Open Door Church. Besides the fact that I had no idea (hehe, Michael) It was awesome being greeted by the members at Open Door and seeing the family members that we are serving and investing in.

Some of the preschool children I get to work with!

 Some of the Summer LINK girls riding to NC State

By Ally Avozani

SummerLINK Myrtle Beach: Life at the Sea Mist

It's hard to believe another week has come and gone! A lot has happened and changed in such a short amount of time. Where to begin?! This past week has looked almost nothing like the first. While the first week was filled with orientation activities and a LOT of hanging out, this week began to shape the rest of the summer as students started jobs and we began our regular week night activities. Thus, the amount of hang out time has been greatly condensed. But praise the Lord because He is doing work! Here is just a quick snapshot starting with last Saturday where the last blog post left off:

After a morning of reaching out to and connecting with several of the lifeguards, we spent the afternoon and evening getting a real feel for Myrtle Beach. We began the evening with a round of putt putt at Mount Atlanticus, boys vs. girls style. And though the girls fought valiantly, we were beat out by the slightly more athletic men. To top the night off, we walked through the heart of "The Strip," taking in the sights and the sounds of this entertainment-hungry world. And as if that wasn't enough, we ended with a couple dozen Hot Now Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and milk.

Sunday morning brought much refreshment and sweet connection with fellow believers at Cornerstone Church where we had the opportunity to worship our great God and dive into Matthew 7:1-5. This served as a great reminder that, as believers, we have all come out of darkness and been brought into marvelous light. Only through God's grace do we have the ability and freedom to deal with our own sin before going to our brother or sister in love that they might also see their sin. Also, Sunday night was a sweet time of fellowship as we joined Cornerstone for their first beach baptism of the summer. How wonderful to see such joy among church member's for the four who publicly professed Christ as their Savior!

With Monday came the first day of jobs for many on our team. Between Chick-fil-A, Sea Mist front desk and registration, Planet Hollywood, and other boutiques or camps or church offices, this team is not only on mission while we attend Cornerstone or at our nightly team events. They have jobs for income, but also for the sake of Christ, to spread the news of His great Gospel!

So, while many of our days are spent doing work of all kinds, we pray the Lord uses the activities of each weeknight to faithfully grow us up in Him. First of all, Monday night was reflection night. This is time set aside to spend alone or together, reflecting on what God is doing in each of our hearts. Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, and other local coffee shops seem to be the favorite locations for reflection.

Tuesday night was my favorite night of the week...home night! We were so blessed by Fred and Wendy Pauly, a family at Cornerstone, who so graciously allowed us to join them for dinner in their home. We spent time getting to know their family and after a delicious dinner, s'mores over the fire, and a little backyard football, we sat around their living room and had the privilege to hear them talk about what the Lord has done in their lives. What a blessing to hear testimony after testimony of the Lord's faithfulness in their lives!

Wednesday we had our first co-ed Bible study. This proved to be a fruitful time as we discussed Sunday's sermon in greater depth. If anything is to knit us together, it is the Word of God as we all seek to know Him better and to be more obedient! Ryan and I were also able to share our testimonies. It was a privilege to share, not only what the Lord has done in my life, but also to see what He is doing in others. He is SO faithful!

Moving right along to Thursday, we had Men's and Women's Time. While the men played sand volleyball and spent time discussing Biblical Manhood, the women went to Fresh Brewed Coffee House to enjoy some cheesecake and open mic performances after some of our own good discussion on Biblical Womanhood. We are trusting God to develop us into the men and women He desires us to be and time like this is so key to our growth in those areas!

The weekends will be our most unstructured time around here. This means we have time to do things like ENO by the pool, put puzzles together, and eat meals together. Even now, I am thankful for a time to rest after a busy week and after a time of evangelism at Market Common this morning. How refreshing it was to spend a few hours engaging people in Gospel conversations. While we were rejected a few times, we were able to have a few fruitful conversations where people heard the Gospel. It is our prayer that we were faithful and that God will be effective here, and that he will continue to foster the seed of truth planted in their hearts today.

And we hope the same things for this team this summer...that He will be faithful and effective in our lives as we continue to grow in our relationship with our Father and in our desire to be obedient to His Word as we desire to make disciples of all nations...disciples of Myrtle Beach.

Written by Corey Dickinson

Summer LINK Clemson: First Week Experience

    

Wow, the first week of Summer LINK Clemson has ended and there are plenty more to come. I am excited to say that I am not ready for the summer to end even though it as just begun.

Throughout this week, we have all learned more about each other and also the leaders and the leaders' families within the church. The two host dinners have been amazing! The food, fellowship, and stories have been great! Our group has learned more about how the elders of Crosspoint Church came to their relationship with Christ, as well as their spouses’ testimonies. We have been blessed to have Q&A with the families and have gotten to hear the lovely stories of how they courted in their younger days.

Lastly, throughout this week, I have been greatly discipled by Sean Alford, Will Jackson, and other godly men within the church. I can wait to hear more about the Word and stories about their lives that will help me through my walk with Christ.

By: Edward Fowler