"Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone, everywhere" Mark 16:15. This usually makes one think of traveling across the globe in mission work. To me, this means that where ever I am, that is my mission field. In 2003, I was working with the U S Marshal Service, transporting inmates. One inmate was Nidal Ayyad, who was involved in the parking lot bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. I had to protect him from other inmates. In the course, I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with this murderous Muslim. I got to share Jesus, and he listened. Defying Christianity, the Holy Spirit still penetrated his heart and mind. For 45 minutes, he heard about God's love, as compared to Allah's hate. Scripture touched his heart. When I left, I told him that I would be praying for him. No, he wasn't saved that day, but he heard the Word of God, and I know he was touched by God's love and mercy. I still pray for him today.

 

Serving is something I had to get my mind around several years ago. It takes time and can take you away from other things you THINK you would rather be doing. But giving of yourself and submitting to the leadership here at Harvest is so worth it. I learn so much just by being around others who give of themselves wholeheartedly and it’s an excellent example I want my kids to follow. I want them to know and live in a way that puts others first. I help with the birthday party at Foster Kids Camp. Seeing those kids with such joy and almost a frenzy in running through those doors and seeing the whole room decked out just for them makes all the the work and time spent worth it. Cambodia has a major part of my heart; I cannot imagine not serving every summer. I was mainly a participator in the Cambodia trip, but the past two years I’ve had to step it up and take on more of a leadership role. It is easy to get comfortable being led and fed, but at some point you have to get up and go to the next level. It’s not always easy or it may not always feel natural, but giving of yourself and loving others is what it’s all about. I strongly encourage EVERYONE to serve in some capacity or another. Just try it and you will see how awesome it is.

I was involved first off in the recording and producing of the new album "only one".....also I was involved in some production areas in preparing openers for YA and putting together other music mixes for pre-service and such. I also spent most of my time drumming for night services. Honestly I am effected more and more each year by the movement of YA. It compels me to grow in my own life and it refreshes me in the spirit! Also the impact it has on each individual person effects me so very much! Knowing that I am involved in 180 degree life changes across the board from leaders to students is life changing. I have been serving for quite some time, and honestly sometimes it\'s hard to not just do it because it\'s just what I do. But I think keeping in mind that many lives rest in the balance of our willingness to give our life for the cause keeps me compelled and inspired to be involved. I think people experience life when they realize the impact they can make just showing up...just by showing up your heart is submitting to the Lord and God will bless that. Meaning true fulfillment.

This summer I volunteered in service security, youth pastor hospitality(shuttling youth pastors around in a hot van, haha), and Concessions for the campus. I really enjoyed being selfless. It was hot, I was sweating, and I had so much fun. I was able to show up early for concessions and help set up the cliffhanger and I loved it! I got to hang out and help monitor the morning service and it was great just to give some time out of my life to help a cause that is doing so much for the kingdom and young people. Our Pastors give us a chance to grow as a person because they already know the treasure God has in store for us. I get more from serving than anything I could be doing otherwise. Again, the reason I do it is because Jesus would have me do it. Loving people starts with my committing to my church and the vision. You grow as a person. You become the kind of person you really should be. You see a need and begin to act. You can truly see a change in yourself and know you are listening to God\'s call to help. This is God\'s will that we help and love each other. The local church is growing, it is meeting the needs of the nations and I can\'t miss out.

I first learned about serving as a child when I watched my mother always serving the church. It was what I was taught to do and became the norm for me. As an adult I remember when I first joined the church without my mother. I only attended church for several months before I decided to join the usher team. An older member told me I would begin to grow as a Christian now that I joined a team and started serving. She was right and I felt more connected to the body and my relationships within the church began to grow. When my father passed away the outpouring of love and support I received from my church family was unbelievably awesome. I truly believe that if I had not been serving and active in the body it would have been a very different outcome. Now that I have my own family, I have made sure that my children understand what serving is, and have had them alongside me as I serve. They know what a “Work Day” is, they know what a “Car Care Clinic” is…and better yet they know that we will be there serving. I think that as a parent it is our responsibility to not only tell our children about serving, but to also lead by example by serving. The Church can’t survive if we all don’t do our part!

Church of the Harvest has been such a powerful key that God has used in my life. Youth America is just one of the life giving, bondage freeing encounters with God that our church fully gives their lives to. This year was my third YA to attend. I knew after the first time I went that my life would literally never be the same. It freed me in such a way that I wanted everyone I knew to experience what I had, and that was the presence of God. This year I volunteered to serve hospitality every week for the after service events. Being a servant truly not only rewards those you are serving, but God in turn rewards you for being a servant. It was a great experience! I was able to bring about 8 people overall with me to YA this year..most of which had never even been to Harvest before. I know that God has placed me where I am and connected me to this wonderful church family for a purpose. I can not only spread the Love of God to the youth of this nation, but empower them with the realization that the same power that conquered the grave lives in us...