world impact centre

I think it's beautiful process. The process of getting to know God. Not only getting to know Him but learning how to talk and interact with Him. I've recently learned the mysterious power of prayer. That it goes beyond just a simple thanks or blessing. I've learned that if you ask you will receive. Tonight I volunteered at World Impact Centre. It's an organization with missionaries to target the city of LA. They raise a lot of their own funds and bring God into their schools or other means. Our church provided dinner for the missionaries because they hardly have time to relax. The purpose of the night was to also get to know the missionaries.

Here's more about it if you're curious.

So I've been praying in my car starting this week. My sister suggested that I do this instead of listening to my dirty rap songs. But honestly it's really been a blessing. And even a few moments in prayer brings out a new heart for God. Anyways, before I went to volunteer both in the morning and at night, I prayed that God really use me to open up and reach out to people. I wanted to be able to share and grow. Often, I find myself to be self-conscious in my approach with people. I'm my worst enemy in a sense.

The whole night consisted of small talk. Honestly, I hate small talk. Or I guess I don't even talk that much in general. But I truly enjoyed interacting with everyone tonight. There was a sense of genuine enthusiasm to share and to shape one another. And that genuine enthusiasm brought a sense of hope and joy that was unexplainable through worldly means. Their humble, difficult life was a joy in the sense that God was their reason to live and with each worldly sense of suffering there was a delight which eliminated it all. As I was sitting and talking to the newly engaged couple Jenny and Jerome (?), I was wondering how to live a Christian life. I was wondering if my approach was wrong. For me to pursue dental school or to travel for my pure enjoyment. Because in those scenarios, God is brought into the picture rather than him being the reason for those decisions. On the other hand, this couple gave up everything and in the process, they were able to fully enjoy God and be filled because of it. So to be with God, would I have to give up my career? I was just unsure.

I also talked to another pastor and I somehow stumbled upon the topic of my vision with dentistry - to have a christian dental clinic/public health education center. He introduced me to the guy who organized a dental clinic at the world impact centre. He gave me some information about the process. It was just a reminder from God that I shouldn't let go of my vision and that it isn't impossible.

After all the missionaries left, I got to spend some time to talk to my church members. I was just comforted by the fact that they had the same vision and heart of God for the city of LA. Being at Sovereign Grace has really brought a sense of identity in Christ and also an encouragement.

So, my prayers were answered more abundantly than I had asked for. I'm blessed and encouraged by this night. I've been reminded that God is my portion and that his love is so deep and real that it moves and inspires me to new realms. I seek you.