You are the God of this city
I have so many exciting stories to tell I don’t even know where to start! I do want to say thank you for all of your prayers. This was the best way I could have spent my spring break. It was truly a life changing experience. I didn’t really know anyone on going on this trip, but I definitely made some really great friends. After our 5 hour drive from Pittsburgh to Detroit, we arrived at the elementary school turned church called House of Help. The sight of this building was shocking to say the least. It was disheveled and many of the windows were broken. I honestly was worried about my safety at this point. As I looked around many of the house were boarded up and tires, mattresses, and garbage was in the yards. However, this was a case of don’t judge a book by its cover because honestly I felt very safe this entire trip. We got ourselves settled in and began to scope out the others we would be living with for the next week. The campuses represented were the University of Pittsburgh, Eastern Kentucky University, Ball State, and Eastern Michigan. The first day was pretty much a social day where we played games and hangout. The following day was sunday so naturally we attended church. We went to the church we were staying at. Let me just say it was quite the experience. Later that day we headed to downtown Detroit for a scavenger hunt.
downtown Detroit
One of the tasks was to get flaming cheese. Not only was it entertaining, but it was also delicious!
flaming cheese
That night was another night of getting to know each other and playing games. We even built a puzzle.
The third day we had a speaker. I was so impressed by the speakers this week! Every single one of them taught me so much. We learned that the Bible emphasises taking care of the poor, we need to love the poor not pity them, giving money to the poor should be like making an investment, and the importance of unity in Christ. This day I went to a school called City Mission and got to work with some amazing kids. I even went on a field trip to the library. I helped Diamond do a paper on Eleanor Roosevelt. She was such an amazing little girl. She just loved learning. I was so proud of her!
Diamond working hard on her paper
One day, we all went to Wayne State (a college in Detroit) and evangelised. I was super-duper nervous about this. However, God provided me with an amazing partner. His name is Jacob and we became very good friends throughout the week.
every campus should have a coffee with Jesus room
Jacob and I had some amazing conversations! The first picture is two girls who told us they are Chaldean. I had never heard of this before so naturally they had to explain. Chaldeans are middle eastern Catholics. In Detroit there is a large population of people from the middle east. These two girls, Sarah and Rebecca, are from Iraq. We talked about some of the negative perceptions of middle easterners and Catholics and how we could overcome them. The best part was praying out loud, together in the middle of a busy cafeteria. Then Jacob and I decided to take a trip upstairs to see what was up there. While we were up there, we decided to approach a girl eating lunch in a common area. Her name was Tincy and she was Indian Orthodox which was another religion I never heard of. God was showing us that he is not only the God of this city but also the God of all nations. Just because some of our traditions are different, doesn’t make any of us better than the other. We all worship the same God which is the most important aspect. I know I felt so much more unified in Christ after these conversations. Again, we prayed together. At this point Jacob and I felt God moving and were on a spiritual high.
from left to right: Me, Sarah, Jacob, and Rebecca
left to right: Me, Tincy, Jacob
The next day, I had one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I volunteered at the I am My Brother’s Keeper homeless shelter. I just want to say that if you ever have the opportunity to serve the homeless, do it. I learned so much and was just so humbled by the whole experience. That day I was complaining about the uncomfortable cot I was sleeping on and the cold showers we had to take (there was no warm water). But, the homeless were just so grateful to sleep on the gym floor. It was a slap in the face. I saw just how selfish I was. First, we served the homeless their food restaurant style. We got them refills on drinks and they were able to get seconds. Then, we were able to get some food and sit down and talk to the individuals. They were all so welcoming and friendly. They truly cared about me and wanted to get to know me. I even met two guys from Pittsburgh! However, one man just touched my heart and I still to this day cannot get him off my mind. His name was Quincy. He was a veteran that suffered from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and that lead him to homelessness. He told me he joined the military to get an education and better himself. Somehow, that isn’t what happened. This caused me to wonder what are we doing wrong that our veterans are homeless? I asked Quincy if I could pray with him and he said yes. I still pray for him every day.
The church the homeless shelter was in is actually a pretty famous church. Mitch Albom’s book “Have a little Faith” is based on this church. The book was also made into a Hallmark movie! I don’t know the whole story behind the church, but I do know that it had to do with a large hole in the roof. I have the book and plan on reading it. I also really want to see the movie.
I am My Brother's Keeper
On the last full day, I helped clean up a garage full of donations at the Covenant House of Michigan. This is a place for 18 to 22-year-olds to escape whatever terrible situation they are in. The place is proactive in looking for youth. They actually drive around looking for people in trouble to take them back to the Covenant House. Sorting through all the donations was tough work, but the lady in charge was so grateful.
Covenant House
At the end of the week, I realized that I just took a whole week and didn’t worry about myself for one minute. It was all about what I could do for others. I am definitely not the same person I was before I left. I thank God so much for this amazing experience. This is just a quick summary of what I did that week. There is so much God showed me and taught me about myself and about Him.
I will end this blog with a picture of the group from Pittsburgh and a picture of the entire group from Urban Immersion. I just want to say these are some of the most amazing christians I have ever met. We had some really great spiritual conversations and praised God non-stop. So amazing!
Detroit? I thought you were going to Jamaica. . .
Hey everyone! I just have a few parting thoughts before leaving for Detroit to take part in Urban Immersion. First, I have never gone away for spring break. I feel like a real college student! Though i can’t say I haven’t felt like a real college student. I just feel more so college-y now. Second, please pray for the people of Detroit I will be coming in contact with. I pray that we all can share the love of God and do God’s will throughout the week. Third, I am looking at this trip as a “practice trip” before Jamaica. I will make mistakes and learn new things that I can take with me to Jamaica. That is my ultimate goal. Fourth, I want this trip to be life changing. I want God to change me and use me in ways that I never could ever imagine. Finally, I won’t have access to a computer so when I come back be expecting a really, really long blog. I can’t wait to share with you what God is teaching me and how he is using me!
Matthew 28:19-20 New Living Translation (NLT)
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Just call me Isaiah
On Wednesday nights I attend the University of Pittsburgh’s Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) weekly meeting. It is a time that I look forward to every week. It’s a place where I can go and worship God with my peers. I don;t know what it is about worshipping with your peers, but it a whole different experience. I highly recommend to those who do not have a place to worship with their peers to find one. This week Cru is going out and spreading the gospel in so many amazing and creative ways. I was so inspired by everyone’s motivation to share God’s word with those on campus. The speaker that night was an amazing women named Laura. She spoke about how God has already commanded us to go and how he has already equipped us with the right words to share with others. What affected me the most was her point about telling people about God. She explained that if we have such amazing news why are we not sharing it? How much do we hate someone to not tell them this amazing news? Her example was if you saw someone about to be hit by a truck would you not tell them to move, and if they wouldn’t move would you not push them out-of-the-way? How much more important is someone’s salvation than being hit by a truck? I think this is an amazing perspective! The first thing that came to mind was the prophet Isaiah. When God was looking for anyone to send to do his will, Isaiah eagerly said send me Lord! Not just send me, but send me anywhere to do anything! There were no conditions! This is how I will live my life. God, I am affirming now that when you are looking for someone to send , send me. I say this with no conditions.
I also have some really exciting news! Over spring break I will be going to Detroit with Urban Immersion to work with the homeless and talk to people about God. I am using this as “practice” for when I go to Jamaica. this is a great learning experience for me. I ask that you pray for the homeless in Detroit as well as me that I may learn and grow through this experience.
Isaiah 6:8 – Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This song is based on Isaiah 6 so I wanted to share it with you!
Happy New Year =)
Now, I don’t do the whole New Year’s resolutions because it has such a low rate of success, but I am going to make what I have decided to call a life resolution. I am definitely one of those people who are looking towards the future constantly. Which is basically a nice way of saying I worry a lot about things that are not in my control. My life resolution is to live in the now and put the future in God‘s hand. It seems like God has convicted me of this problem and I am going to work on it. Worry is definitely a tool that Satan uses against me and he uses it quite often. God wants us to enjoy the life we are living now. Yes, it is important to look to the future and make plans and all that jazz, but it becomes a problem when that is all you can think about. In highschool, all I could think about was what college I was going to go to. Now, in college all I think about is where am I going to work and how am I to pay off all this debt. I’m sure once I get a job I’ll start worrying about settling down and starting a family. Although, I must admit, I worry about that now sometimes. Since I am too busy worrying about all these things that are for the most part out of my control, I don’t completely enjoy life. More importantly, I often take my future into my own hands and that always turns out to be a huge mistake. God has always provided me with exactly what I need when I need it. The problem is I don’t always get what I want so trusting is sometimes hard. It’s funny to me how I know in my heart that God is going to take care of me, but as soon as I need a little patience or things aren’t going exactly the way I planned I take back control. I know that it won’t turn out right and I know that God’s plan is far superior to mine. I am trying my best to put this trip in God’s hands. I know this is part of God’s will so he will provide. He has already provided me with money for a down payment, passport, and enough money for my plane ticket! So, if all of you could pray that I am able to leave my worries and my life in God’s hands I would really appreciate it! Also, if anyone has advice or is having this same issue, i would love to hear from you! Please leave comments!
Additionally, I really want to start praying for Jamaica. Without prayer this trip will be a waste of time. The more people praying for the children I will be working with the better! Please also pray for me to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that I may be bold in sharing my faith. The trip is not necessarily Christian affiliated but I completely intend on taking the initiative to share my faith. I am not totally sure yet as to how I will do that. I am confident God will show me how to share my faith.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own.” Matthew 6:24
Dear Satan:
Dear Satan:
I am writing to let you know that you no longer have control of my life. In the past, when I would run into difficulties and hurdles, I would turn to the easiest way out which usually just lead to even more heartbreak and pain. However, this time I will not give in. I will stand firm knowing God will be my strength. Even though nothing is going the way i want it to way and I feel all alone, I know that God is with me and leading me down the path of his will. This time Satan I will not let you discourage me. I will praise God knowing that he is in control and has amazing plans for me. Your temptations no longer affects me. So just leave me alone. I am sick and tired of fighting to hear God’s voice past yours. I will only listen to Him now. I am done listening to your whispers of you aren’t good enough, you aren’t pretty enough, you are worthless. Just so you know, I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God, and God has told me I am good enough and I am beautiful and I am worth more than precious rubies. See Satan, you took advantage of my weaknesses, but God He will use my weaknesses for His Glory. Satan, you have lost so just give up.
God Bless,
Stephanie Edwards
The true meaning of Christmas!
Sorry I haven’t blogged in so long! It’s that busy time of year. Now that finals are winding down and I have most of my shopping done, I will be updating more often. Anyways, I just wanted to let everyone know that the RIver HIll Church of Christ’s annual Christmas play is this Thursday December 15th at 7:30. Title of the play this year is The true meaning of Christmas. There will be singing, sign language, and a skit that is written by Linda Thurner one of the members of the church! Afterwards, there will be refreshments and cookies! The kids have worked so hard and they are doing so well. I know they would love for all of you to come and support them. Come find out what the true meaning of Christmas is!
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Early Merry Christmas
MY PASSPORT ARRIVED TODAY!!!!!! All capital letters do not begin to express how excited I am to get my passport! I was expecting to wait 4 to 6 weeks. It only took about 2 weeks! I am not a fan of my picture but there are shiny wavy lines over it so you can barely see the picture anyways lol Thank you US government for quickly processing my passport! I feel myself getting closer and closer to my goal. I am considering my passport an early Christman gift from my donors. Thank you all for my wonderful gift! I love this time of year. The music, the food, the celebration, and of course the birth of Jesus. Giving is always better than recieving and your donations are going to give to so many people. My patience has paid off!
Deuteronomy 15:10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
Giving Thanks
I have so much to be thankful for that I have no idea where to start! I am so blessed! This year I have a whole new thing to be thankful for. My amazing donors! All of your support is so amazing to me. I still cannot believe all of the support I have had this far! Thank you does not even began to express how grateful I am! Please keep Jamaica and all of those involved in the trip in your prayers. Give thanks!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:3-5
Passport patience
Today I officially applied for my passport! I feel like this is a huge step in my journey. It takes about four to six weeks for a passport to be processed. I cannot wait! I guess God is trying to teach me a little patience =)
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
I dedicate this song to my passport:
Infectious Inspiration
Yesterday my mom and I were watching the Barbara Walters special with Gabby Giffords and her husband Mark. All I can say is I wish I had half of the positive attitude and ambitious spirit of Congresswoman Giffords. I am so inspired by her! If you do not know the story, Congresswoman Giffords was shot in the head at point-blank range. Through a miracle, she not only survived but is making an amazing recovery!
At one point in the interview, her mom said something that blew me away. After hearing that her daughter was shot in the head, Congresswoman Gifford’s mom hopped in the car and took off to the hospital. In a panicked state, her mother heard a voice saying ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ She said she felt an instant calm and knew her daughter would be ok. How amazing! These words come from Psalm 46:10. This just goes to show knowing God’s word is so important.
On another note (pun completely intended), music is an integral part of Congresswoman Gifford’s recovery. Music effects both hemispheres of the brain. I just find this amazing and wanted to share it with you.
I urge you to research her story. It will definitely inspire you! I know I am infected by her spirit!
“You’re beat up, not beaten” – Mark Kelly (Gabby Gifford’s husband)
Journey to Jamaica 