Yes, I realize that it’s the end of November, Berkeley is getting to be pretty cold, and finals are just around the corner, so the summer seems eons away. However, I think that it’s a great time to start thinking about it because winter break and spring semester fly by, and it will be here before you know it!
Around this time three years ago, I was filling out my Summer Project application to go to Ocean City, NJ for 11 weeks. My parents thought I was crazy. Why would I want to spend my first summer in college all the way on the East Coast where it would be hot, humid, and sticky? I never would have thought that, while in this hot, humid, sticky place, God would begin reconstructive surgery on my heart and begin showing me more of Himself.
So I took a huge leap of faith, and I went, excited to embark on this new adventure with three other Cal students and over 100 other students from all over the country. And God did incredible things in me that are simply unexplainable. The list could go on for hours, but I want to highlight one of the things that He showed me. God’s heart is for the nations—for the world to be saved from enslavement to sin and come home to freedom that comes from Christ! Long story short, God then sent me to the Middle East the following summer to go on another Summer Project, and now I’m currently filling out an application to spend the 2012-2013 school year in that same country I went to in Summer 2010. Why? God’s heart is for the nations—for people to hear the Gospel and place their faith in Christ, the One whom gives life and freedom.
Going on Summer Project just following my freshman year seemed a little crazy. I missed being home. But I also wanted to be stretched in new ways, and I was excited for my faith to grow in a new environment. And it was the best choice for me. God used it to pave the way for further growth throughout my years at Cal, and He opened my eyes to more of who He is, as well as who I am as his daughter, in an environment that fosters growth, fellowship, and intimacy.
The world desperately needs a Savior. Will you be sent to share the good news of the gospel this summer?
-Melissa
