Student Venture San Diego

The Supreme Example of Prayer

2011-08-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know for you, but this chapter really hit me hard. The fact that Jesus, the King of the Universe did all things through prayer. From page 98, "nothing could serve as a more sober rejoinder than the fact that Jesus - the all-powerful Son of God - humbly and incessantly prayed." Jesus always prayed to the Father, He was always praying for his earthly ministry and in Hebrews it says, to look to the author and perfector of our faith, the living example. Christ came to be our example, as the author says He was fully God and fully Man, but He relied on prayer, continually speaking with the Father, offering requests and prayers for His people to turn from there sin as well as all the miracles He performed. I found it interesting also in this chapter was how the disciple had seen Jesus perform amazing miracles, and yet one day that asked Jesus how to pray like He prays. They could have asked Jesus how He walked on water or this or that miracle but they were so blown away by the way that He prayed they asked Him to show them exactly that. Can you imagine what it was like to be around Jesus when He prayed? But also the disciples realized that THROUGH PRAYER they would learn how to be like Jesus, perform things like Jesus and look to the Father, like Jesus.

On page 101&102 the author points out all the times Jesus goes and prays, all the times Jesus is found, with no one around Him, praying. How many times are you found through out the day, alone, praying to God? Spending time with Jesus and speaking with the Father? I know for me I was convicted by this chapter, realizing I am not spending time with the Lord enough. It says that He prayed through trials, temptations, and struggles....... are you doing that? You want to know why Jesus was so serious when it came to prayer? Is because He knew who He was, He knew the example He was setting and you need to look at Him and take it seriously. Don't get me wrong, God is hilarious, He invented laughter, but I think you and I can both agree that there are times to joke around, be funny and laugh and there are times to be serious and know that its time for business. The reason why Jesus was so serious is because prayer isn't to be taken lightly. The Father of the universe isn't to be taken lightly. Read through this chapter and let me know what you think, what is going on in your head when you read this? What jumps out at you? Take some time, I know you have it.

-Blessings guys&gals

Confession & Repentence

2011-07-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

I dont know about you all but I am loving this book, the more and more I read the more and more the Lord reveals to me His heart for campuses and His Love throughout them but also, for my life, and what He wants for it. This week the chapter is on Confession & Repentence. The author goes into awesome detail of what America looked like in the 1790s and how, with not much chance, that we are the same, other then cell phones, cars and computers. Sin is sin and it is serperating us from what God has, the author describes it as putting an elephant on our hose from God. The middle paragraph on page 80 goes into great detail of the sin that Christians deal with today.... read all of them and highlight or underline which ones you find in your own life are giving you problems.

Confession is simply agreeing with God, I think that is so true, recognizing our sin, and saying.... "God I know that I have sinned." I really like how the author tied in humility of the last chapter and this chapter of confession.... because when we confess.... that is humbling ourselves. Say you did something wrong, you stole something and the next day you go in to tell the principal or whoever, your parents, that takes a lot of humbling on your part, admitting your wrong, confessing and agreeing that what you did is wrong. Sin is just like that in our own lives, but we will never know all of our sins if we dont ask The Holy Spirit to reveal them to us, trust me, you dont want an elephant to be chillin up on your hose from God.

Continue to read and tell me what you are thinking of this book, no one is commenting, come on I want to know what you guys are thinking, what you don't like, don't be scared, on the other hand, who is reading? ha! Well.....

God Bless guys&gals

Humility and It's Role In Revival

2011-07-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have found this chapter to be extremely helpful for my personal life. I really enjoyed how the author stated in the first few pages what humility is NOT. On page 57 the author says some very important things that he states.....

I am deeply flawed and sinful, yet I am loved and valued by God
I cannot earn God's favor but have received it as a gift.
I have been cleansed and forgiven for all of my sins and am a child of God.
God has given me certain gifts and abilities that I willingly surrender to His service.
I desperately need God's resources
I am part of the body of Christ and must depend on and value the gifts and abilities of others.

In terms of revival we need to recognize these things, we also need to recognize that God is close to the humble and low in heart. We see this example of humility first hand with David Brainerd starting on page 60. I would suggest re-reading his journal entries, if you have time.
Coming from experience and still learning I want to encourage you reading this that humility is vital to our Christian walks, the fact is Jesus, our Lord, humbled himself to the point of death. If you have a chance and your bible is near read Isaiah 6 and you will get a clear picture of Jesus, and then you realized that He gave up EVERYTHING for us.
Continue to read this guys and find "Nuggets" as i like to call them, use a highlighter and pen and mark up this book, so you can come back and remember what jumps out at you.

G0d Bless guys&gals

5 Prerequisites To Revival

2011-07-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

If you guys have been keeping up with the reading, we are in chapter 3. Here, the author focuses on having a need in your personal life for spiritual awakening and the need for recognizing it if we truly want a spiritual awakening. I think this chapter is very practical, at least for me in my life... on page 45 he says, "The first step, the initial prerequisite to revival. If a person really sees the need for revival, then he or she will be motivated to do something about it, beginning to pray and taking the first steps of faith." Revival starts with us, are we praying? Does God truly see our hearts for a longing to see lives turned from death to life? Not just in a few small numbers, but in numbers that you read in this book. On page 46 the question that really hit me was, "What makes you weep and pound the table?" I know that for me, it is to see students wasting their lives with things that are meaningless. I remember hearing a story about a retired couple in Florida, they lived to golf and find new recipes they could make together, also they would collect shells on the beach as the sun was setting. Now lets fast forward as they approach the Lord in the heaven, and the Lord asks them, what have you done with what I have given you? And they reply, "Look at the shells I collected!" That's all she/he had to show for. Where are our hearts in crying out to God in our personal lives for revival, for lives changed on our campus? What are WE doing with what the Lord has given us? I want you to re-read the last 2 paragraphs of the chapter, and really reflect on them. Once again, let me know what you're thinking, thoughts, comments, etc! Keep on reading and praying for the Lord to open your eyes up to see things in the book and to show you Him and what HE wants for your life.

-God Bless!

Fireseeds Chapter 2

2011-07-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

This chapter really got me pumped for my own life, especially up at the Chico campus and also for you guys and girls this upcoming school year. The author really painted a picture of how just a boy can turn a nation around, and the greatest thing is, it was straight from the Bible. I really enjoyed this quote on page 32 "We notice in the life of Josiah that he was willing to proclaim the truth of God's Word. Holding up the Scripture, he preached, proclaimed and pleaded with the nation to return to the Lord." I know in my life, that it would not be the same if I didn't have people(no matter the age) showing me how to do it, leading by example as 1 Tim 4:12 states. If you noticed in all the stories throughout the chapter, most of the time these people were young, and were following the Lord's will, and just showing up. Almost always God just asks us to show up and He will take care of the rest, as you read the story about Evan Roberts. This chapter really got me thinking about where my heart is and if I am showing up where He wants me to show up. Just as Jesus came to do the will of the Father, Jesus is our example, and we need to follow the will of the Father. I would encourage you guys to pray about it, take a minute and just ask what He wants from you, where He wants you to show up and proclaim the Truth, it doesn't have to be infront of 100 people, it can be to one friend, and all you say is a verse. Don't take today lightly, be on guard of how you can show Christ in your words, actions or even just your presence. Let me know your thoughts on this chapter, or questions you might have. And also if you are just skimming the pages, don't bother to put forth a half "butt" attitude, find a quiet place and sit down and read it, it takes no more then 15 minutes and maybe that's how the Lord is calling you to show up and stand up.

Fireseeds

2011-06-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

I just got done reading the first chapter of this book, a lot of my friends have told me how good this book is back up at college, but I never got around to reading it until now. The first chapter was an amazing chapter on what revival looks like on campuses, because I think as students today we don't have really any understanding of what that REALLY looks like. But the author did a great job of explaining to me about what that looked like. Just some stuff I decided to highlight in the first chapter was where the author says.... "We have dealt Christ a more damaging blow. We have not killed Him, but we have made Him boring." I think that is so true, and that statement is summed up so well in our churches today and so many other places. What I also found interesting because of the history class I took this past semester on Luther and Calvin and how that originated from in the early 16th century is that, that is where the first TRUE revival happened, but it was on a college campus in Germany! I think for me the biggest thing that grabbed me, even though I knew this was that... "Though the university comprises of only 1 percent of the world's population almost every military, political, religious, athletic, cultural leader will arise from the student population."

This Chapter really made me think what I was doing on my campus and what the Lord wants me to be doing when I make my journey up at Chico and get involved up there. I would encourage you to keep reading, if you guys&girls want to understand leadership, each campus had a leadership that the Lord used and you are it for your campus. So keep reading and highlight the book! that's what I do, I use a highlighter and pen so I know what was good and stuck out for me. But I want to know what you think so either comment on here or email me (Scottyoung.jc@gmail.com) and I will be doing the same thing for the next chapter, but email me or comment, anything you want, questions, opinions, what jumped out to you, i'd love to know!

God Bless!

Monday Morning

2011-04-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

We went to church yesterday with the staff here. We spoke to the youth there and to the church. It's a very small church.

We had the afternoon and evening off yesterday. It was our first real chance to take a break. We spoke in 30 classes this week to over 700 students at 3 different schools! We hosted 3 parties Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights 7:30pm-12:00am! Long days and long nights. Over 250 kids came to the parties where we were able to have many spiritual conversations with kids. They are open to talk but don't want to make decisions for Christ.

Heidi went out with a group of Portuguese students yesterday. They wanted to take her out for her birthday today! She shared the gospel with them over coffee. They love Heidi.

The boys are doing well. They have enjoyed staying up past midnight the last three nights at parties, dancing and playing games! Isaiah has been a magnet for students. They love to touch his hair and cheeks and give him kisses! The kids have been a huge blessing here! Thanks for all your prayers before the trip. We really can sense the Lord sustaining them and us.

This week will bs spent having appointments with students and sharing the gospel on those appointments. Pray students can meet with us and we have good soil that we share with.

We are on our way downtown right now for lunch and for a scavenger hunt with students. We have been texting many of them this morning. The girls have tired thumbs!

Four more days here in country!

Shawn

30 classroom presentations & an American Pizza Party

2011-04-08T05:09:00.001-07:00

This morning we completed our 30th classroom presentation! God has been so faithful in giving us favor to share about our lives in America & some about our faith while in the classroom. Bekah, Cassidy & Megan are doing a wonderful job sharing their "lifestyle talks" and even experienced having a translator. They are interacting with the Portuguese students & doing a great job sharing about their faith in God. Our son Jacob has been our "Simon Says" game leader & we've all had opportunities to share our photo books and interact in small groups with the Portuguese students. The administrators & teachers at the schools have been so generous & kind. In between classes we are showered with snacks & drinks (quite tasty!) from the "bar" at school. Just walking around campus we draw a crowd, mostly because of Isaiah's blond hair(and the beautiful American high school girls, of course). We opted not to use the potential babysitter after we saw what a great gatherer little Isaiah is. We literally walk on campus & have circles form around us and students want to practice their English and take photos with the kids. It's fun to hear them say "hello" & "goodbye" with a Portuguese accent. After each classroom presentation we invite the students to a party to eat, play games, dance, hear more about American life and learn about Connection(Student Venture here in Portugal). Last night was our first party, an American Pizza Party. About 80 people showed up & it was a blast! Jacob & Levi were the stars of the dance floor. Shawn shared a talk using various props about how we try to fill our lived with different things, but we always end up empty without a relationship with God. The American high school students & staff talked and played games with the Portuguese students late into the night. We didn't get to be until 12:30am(our kiddos too!) as the culture here enjoys late night meals and parties. It was fun!! Smoking is more acceptable here & legal at 16, so quite a large number of students at the party were smoking. Heidi was able to share the Gospel with three girls while they smoked and used a combination of Spanish, English & Portuguese. She has plans to go out with one of them tomorrow, go to the beach with them next week as well as have dinner in one of their homes. We're excited about these opportunities! Megan, Bekah & Cassidy are looking forward to getting to know the students more & spending more time with them. Jacob & Levi really like Portuguese food, especially their "hamburger", ham & beef with an egg on top, eaten with a fork. We have another party tonight across town and a "hot dog" party tomorrow night. Please pray that many students would come and have hearts ready to hear about Jesus' love and forgiveness. Tomorrow during the day we are going to a local park where we've invited to students to join us for American football, frisbee & volleyball. Jacob, Levi & Isaiah have been invited to a child's birthday party at the same park. Fun!! This project is going really well & we are trusting God for great things!!

Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday April 6th

2011-04-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a quick update from today.

We had the morning off until 10:45 when we hoped on the bus to Garcia high school to speak in two classrooms. The students did great again! We invited many more students to the party tomorrow night and Saturday night.

We then drove over and hour to Fafe to speak to three middle school classes. They were great! The students didn't speak english well so we had our host staff interpret for us. That was a new experience for them. The middle school kids at the school treated us like celebrities between classes and all crowded around the American students. It was a neat experience. The teachers and administrators were so helpful and kind. We have felt so loved by all the people here in Portugal. The teachers took us into their staff lounge and bought us all water, coffee, juice... really whatever we wanted. It was great.

We drove home and enjoyed McDonalds for dinner! The girls wanted something familiar for dinner.

Tomorrow is a big day for us. Speaking in 6 classes and then hosting our first of 5 parties. Please pray that the parties will go well, many Portuguese students will come and we will build good relationship with the Portuguese students.

Thanks for your prayers.

Shawn

I Spy God...

2011-04-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

We have been having an incredible time so far in Porto, Portugal! The people have been so nice to us and we have meet some amazing people. The staff here has been great.

I wanted to give you a quick update about how we have seen God work in and through us along the way. Every day all of us on the project share our high of each day, low of each day and where we “spy” God at work. It has been a great way to keep our focus on God through out the day watching for Him to show up.

When we (Faulkners) began our flight from San Diego to Denver we met a flight attendant who was a little short with the boys and not as nice as we would have hoped. As we began talking with her we found out she was from Portugal! Once we told her we were going there she softened up and began telling us about her country and was very sweet with the boys.

From Denver we flew to Chicago. When there we were boarding our plane and the man taking our tickets had a pin on his collar that said “Jesus”. So I (Shawn) told him I liked his pin and that we were on our way on a mission project to Portugal. Now we were some of the first to board with children so there were many people behind us waiting to get on the plane. He stopped me and put his hand on my shoulders and prayed out loud for our family and the project while all the other people waited, and listened!

We met up with the students and staff a day later and then flew off to Frankfurt and then Porto. The check-in, flight, customs, luggage and all went flawlessly! The boys did wonderfully on the flight! Thank you for all your prayers! They were felt! They played games, slept, ate and watched one movie. We were hoping for TV’s on the backs of each seat but it wasn’t the case but the boys did great even without them. How did our parents manage without electronics?

Our first three days here have been very busy but very fun! The first day we checked into our rooms and then walked along the river where it meets the ocean. It is beautiful here! We had lunch as a team with the staff couple here. It was a great experience in authentic Portuguese cuisine! Not all enjoyed it. We walked some more, came back to the hostel, had a meeting, some dinner and then off to bed. Many were tired but fought through it to make the jet lag not as bad.

The second morning and first full day we spend at Garcia high school speaking in 6 classes. We split into two groups and spoke at the same times in three different class periods. Each class was 1.5 hours long so we played games, the girls spoke from up front about their lives in America and we did small group discussions. It was a great day.

Today, Day 3, was much of the same only many more classes! We spoke in 9 classes today! 15 classes in 2 days! The students have done amazingly and the staff have as well. We have met MANY students and learned a lot about life in Portugal. We have had great conversations about God as well. Many are open to talking but we hope to get to know them more at the parties we are throwing Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

It has been great to spy God working through the students especially in the small groups as they share about their faith in America. They have taken great steps of faith. I have also been able to spy God in my children. Jacob has been leading “Simon Say’s” in every classroom with the students. They really enjoy him. They also flock to Isaiah! They love a little blond baby walking around campus.

Tomorrow we have most of the morning off and then go to speak in two schools to 5 classes. It will be a full afternoon but again very rewarding and full of great conversations and hopefully great relationships.

Prayer Requests:

Pray for Energy for the team. We have been very busy.

Pray for great relationships with students and that they would want to come to the parties.

Pray for continued team unity. We have been getting along great so far.

Pray for the Faulkner boys. They have been great in the classrooms and attracting LOTS of students.

Pray they have energy each day to make it through. So far so good but they are tired.

Thanks for your prayers. We hope to update every few days. We have LOTS more pictures on other cameras.

Shawn

At the Airport in Chicago

2011-04-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

Here we are as we check in for our flight to Porto, Portugal! The team is in good spirits and ready for the long flight.

Please pray:

- For a safe flight to Germany and then Portugal.
- for everyone to change over to the new time zone well.
- for energy as we will have a busy first week speaking in three different schools to 18 English classes.

I will attempt to update this blog daily but will depend on the Internet availability in Porto.

Shawn

Sent from my iPhone

Portugal Here We Come!!!

2011-03-30T08:22:00.001-07:00

Looking forward to a great time.

What is a Blog?

2007-03-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is our first attempt to post a site for San Diego teens to blog their thought and to post updates about student venture. We can post pictures, videos, articles, etc. I am not as internet savvy as the teens I work with but I can try and keep up. I am only 20 steps behind!!! Lets see where this takes us.