Rollercoaster
I feel like I am standing in line for an emotional rollercoaster (in many ways, it has already started). When I saw it from afar, it looked like such an adventure – fun stomach dropping descents that would make me a stronger person. I knew that this was something I really wanted to experience and God confirmed He wished for me to go as well. Now I have my ticket and am about to embark on one CRAZY ride. As I get closer, it just looks bigger and more precarious. There is no stopping, no turning back, just full force twists, turns, ups and downs. My whole world is about to be turned upside down and I am a little bit scared. Thank goodness God running the ride and I can trust Him as my safety belt! I am trying to gather the courage to sit back, put my hands up and enjoy the ride. Please pray that He would prepare me for the motion sickness that I am undeniably going to feel.

Last night, I had a dream that when I woke up, it was time for me to leave for Australia. I was totally unprepared and had a horrible feeling. It made me wonder, when the time comes, will I be ready? I think that physically I will be fine (I am such a planner!), but I am not too sure about the emotional side. What can I do to better prepare my heart and those closest to me? Suggestions please!

It gets more real every day!
Do you ever imagine something, but don't feel like it is really going to happen? That is how I have felt about going to Australia for about ten months now. I am leaving in less than one month now and it gets more real every day. I have paid my deposit, raised about 80% of my goal funds, secured a plane ticket and obtained my visa. So many steps in the process and they have all gone rather smoothly. I am confident that God will provide me with the rest of the money I need in His perfect timing - probably the very last minute. :) I learned the other day that a man named Johannas from Germany is donating a generous sum of money toward the cause. He visited Seacoast about a month ago to do intense ministry training & learn about our multi-site operation because, get this, he wants to start a Seacoast Germany! How cool is that?! I barely talked to him, but apparently he and Jason prayed for me and my trip quite a bit. Talk about unexpected sources! God works in the most incredible ways...praise Him!

Back to School

In a sense, I am going back to school so I decided to do some preparation homework. I have been thinking about the main purpose of the Discipleship Training School - fulfilling the Great Comission. As stated in Matthew 28:19, I should become better equipped to "go and make disciples of all nations, battizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." What does it really mean to become a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple of Christ, as defined in www.dictionary.com, is one who (1) believes His doctrine, (2) rests on His sacrafice, (3) imbibes His Spirit and (4) imitates his example. Here are a few Bible verses that stand behind that definition:

• John 6:69 says "We believe and know you are the Holy one of God."
• Hebrews 10:10 says "we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
• Ephesians 5:18 says "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
• 2 Corinthians 3:17-19 says "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

As believers, we should always be involved in continuing education. We do this by reading God's Word daily, attending church services as well as joining a small group in order to better understand Biblical prinicples. When Christ ascended, He gave some gifts "to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." (Ephesians 4:11-14)

When we first become Christians, I think that it is kind of like entering Kindergarden. Hopefully you have a great teacher, learn the basics, make some life long friendships and learn from your mistakes. Most of the time, Kindergarden is a lot of fun - you get to play, have nap time and the "work" is usually fairly easy. However, there might be factors that keep you from excelling or even liking school - difficult tasks, bullies, a bad teacher, etc. - but if you really focus and and work hard, you will move past that stage. As you move from grade to grade, the difficulty level only gets harder and the distractions become more prominent. In Christianity, the levels aren't as defined as they are in school, but there is always room to grow more like Christ and become stronger in your Christian walk. Once you excel past the stage of being a "baby" Christian, Satan will increasingly do all that he can to keep you from furthering the Kingdom of God. So, be on guard! Is it time for you to move up a grade? What is holding you back? Pray that God would reveal His next step for your life. Should you be leading or coaching a small group? 40 Days of Community is about to start at Seacoast and hosting a group would be a great way to "move to the next level". Please visit https://my.updateu.com/registration/register.asp?intOrgID=1444&intEventID=1822137&intOccID=45087596& to register to be a 40 Days of Community host. If you are interested, but would like more information before signing up, please contact me.

Psalm 2:8
Many people had never heard of the small country of Sri Lanka before the tsunami last year. It is unfortunate that such a disaster had to occur to make the rest of the world aware of their existence. However, Seacoast Church has had a relationship with their people for several years now. Last fall, I was blessed with the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Colombo, Sri Lanka with seven other people from Seacoast Church. For months building up to the trip and as we traveled almost exactly halfway around the world, I tried to imagine what to expect. After traveling for three days, I was hit with a wave of humidity as I stepped off the plane in the Colombo airport and was taken aback by my surroundings. The streets were filled with a chaotic mass of cars, rickshaws, people, bicycles and even cows. The smell in the air was putrid and the smog was so thick that our snot was black after just a few hours of breathing the air. Sounds of motors, the grinding of gears, blaring horns and Sinhalese chatter filled my ears.
Barely having time to get over the initial culture shock, our team began working with Bethany Church, focusing on outreach and youth ministry in the community. The large majority of the people have virtually nothing as far as material possessions go, but their hearts are overflowing with love and joy. Most houses consist of dirt or clay floors, a curtain door (if at all), a tin roof and no running water. The “bathrooms” are typically a hole in the ground out back. The Indian Ocean that lined the city was a beautiful blue-green from a distance, but incredibly contaminated with waste and pollution.
Though they had barely anything and much less to give away, we were treated like kings and offered some kind of refreshment in every home we visited. After seeing groups of children fighting over cheap plastic sunglasses and small pieces of candy, I realized how much we have and take for granted in the United States. Because there is virtually no medical care, people have to rely on their faith in God for healing. The power of prayer takes on new meaning when you have to earnestly pray “Give us today our daily bread.”
Though it sounds like it would be a very sobering experience, after spending two weeks in their Spirit filled culture, I was more humbled and closer to God than I have ever been in my life. I am not sharing this experience to give you a guilt trip, but a gratitude trip. Be thankful for the country you live in and think twice before you complain. We have all been blessed more than we could ever ask or imagine. Glory to God.

*Note: If you would like to find out more about international or local missions opportunities, please visit http://www.seacoast.org/mountpleasant/missions/index.html.

Originally posted July 28, 2005

My Best Friend
Do you remember how when you were younger, you could only have one best friend at a time? You said things like, "If you do this, I'll be your best friend." There were BFF heart necklaces that broke in half and each friend got a piece. Luckily, as I have grown older and wiser, I realized that I can have as many "best friends" as I want. They each hold a special place in my heart and always will. Since they have been such blessings in my life, I am going to highlight some of my best friends in my upcoming posts. Who is your best friend?
Above all, Jason Surratt is the best friend I have ever had. He loves God and wants to spend his life serving him. He loves missions. He is constantly supporting and encouraging me. He makes me laugh. He always calls. He listens when I need to vent. He takes care of me in the sweetest ways. When I had surgery on my leg, he took off work, stayed with me at the hospital all day long, then proceeded to deal with my sickness and pain for a couple of days. He even made a schedule of all the medicines I was supposed to take. He brings/sends me flowers. Sometimes, he tucks me in (and even tells me an occasional story). He is patient while I shop and even helps me pick things out. He drives an hour to have lunch with me (nevermind that he gets to play free golf after lunch). He calls me sweet names like pookie lou and faucet. He makes an effort to know my friends and family. He prays for me and he prays with me. He swings with me - even though swings make him sick. He is the most incredible and versitile athlete I know. Because of him, I can consider myself a surfer, tennis player and softball player. When we play softball, he always catches the ball when the other team hits it to left field - I can trust him out there almost as much as I trust Jesus. He works out with me even when he doesn't want to. He doesn't mind taking lots of pictures. He writes me notes and cards. He gives me back rubs when I am sore. He tells me I'm pretty when I feel like I'm not. He is so much fun on road trips and plane trips and boat trips. He is competitive. He is generous. He works so hard at all he does. He is an amazing leader and teacher. He is a wonderful co-leader in our small group. He thinks of me before making plans. He doesn't get upset when I cry because he appreciates my compassion. He is patient. He writes me e-mails that brighten my day even though he would prefer to just talk on the phone. He dances with me (even though neither of us can dance). He surprises me. He loves that I am a little wierd. He is thoughtful. He holds my hand at the most opportune and needed moments. Though he isn't always very serious, he always knows just the right thing to say to make me feel better, more secure and loved. He has an incredible family. Sometimes, he calls me in the morning on my long drive into work just to help me pass the time. He sings with me in the car. He will eat another brownie or get ice cream or order dessert if I want it, just to make me feel better. He knows what I drink at Starbucks (it's pretty complicated). He likes the opera and Broadway shows. He tells me when I have something in my teeth. He plays with my hair. He tells me when I need to adjust my attitude (in the nicest way). He cares about my opinion. He doesn't boast too much when he wins in Nerts. He dresses up with me. He stops to let me use the restroom when we are on road trips (unless we are late for a softball game). He is trying to get me to eat meat (once, he tried to tell me that pepperoni wasn't meat), just so we can better enjoy meals together and he doesn't want me to have to cook different food every time we eat (so badly that he even asked me to pray about it - I am humoring him). He thinks he is always right, but I never say I told you so when he is wrong (Saturday night, we had plenty of rain gear for the JT concert. Jason said it wasn't going to rain so we left it in the car. It POURED for almost the entire concert). In short, he loves me like I never imagined I could be loved. Who could ask for a better friend?
*Please note: To all of the men out there - though, in my opinion, it will never be possible to meet Jason's match, you should observe and try to replicate his behavior and qualities. You will make all of the ladies out there a lot happier. Ladies - back off, he's taken.
Originally posted August 1, 2005

Spoiled Brat
On Saturday, after driving for three hours in what could have been deemed a monsoon, passing four wrecks and reading three chapters of John, Jason and I arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina. My parents arrived just before we did. I should have been ever so grateful that they drove two hours just to take us to dinner before we went to see James Taylor. However, I was quite disappointed to find that my parents were waiting for us at Razzols, the only restaurant which Jason had told me he didn't want to eat. Of course, being the wonderful girlfriend that I am, I always want him to be more than happy. So, the fact that he told me to "just be agreeable" didn't change my mood at all. I mean, it was for his sake, of course, that I was upset in the first place. After sitting down for about 15 minutes, halfway trying to convince my my parents to go to another restaurant (if I really wanted to, we could have gone elsewhere), and staring at the unappealing menu, I reluctantly agreed to split something with my mom (if the food was going to be bad, I didn't want to eat a lot of it). Well, my food turned out to be fine (and at least Jason said his was good) so I felt badly for being a brat at the beginning of the evening and apologized to my parents as my dad paid the bill.
When we left the restaurant, we went to the parking lot to get some rain gear my parents had brought to us for the concert. My brother had borrowed and sent my big hiking pack back with my parents. I went to lift it out of the trunk and noticed it was heavier than usual. When I looked inside, I found a brand new, super-thin laptop, complete with wireless internet. I was so surprised and thankful. It was like Christmas without the anticipation. They knew that I wanted one for my trip to Australia in order to better communicate with family and friends (and keep my loyal blog readers up to date of course). One of the coolest parts about the laptop is that there is a world map on the desktop with current times for all timezones. So, I will always know what time it is in the States, no matter where I am. But wait - that's not all...in the front of the pack, I found a check with a significant contribution for my trip. They also brought the best fresh baked, homemade chocolate chip/walnut cookies I have ever tasted, a book on Australia and other fun accessories for the computer.
As we were heading to the concert, I began to reflect on the abundant blessing that my parents have always been in my life. Their gifts, attitudes and actions on Saturday day reminded me so much of Christ. No matter how bratty we may be at times, He never ceases to stop loving us. As Chris Tomlin put it, "He sees the depths of our hearts and He loves us the same." Praise the Lord.
Jason told me that I can be kind of bratty around my family. Maybe it is just because they have always made me feel so special - attending all of my soccer games, providing a wondeful education, taking care of all of my car problems, helping me when I am in financial need, just listening when I need to vent, caring when I am sick, constantly praying for me... I realized on Saturday that, through their overwhelming love, my parents have spoiled me. And I don't mean spoiled like I am ungrateful or anything like that, but I guess that, since I don't see them very often, I have just come to expect to get my way whenever they are involved. Anyways, I needed the check in attitude and am grateful that Jason said something. I am going to work on it and I am sure that with a lot of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, my attitude will be adjusted. Is there an area in your life where your attitude needs a check?
Originally posted July 31, 2005

Excerpt from The Gift of Change
An underground revolution is sweeping the hearts and minds of the people of the world, and it is happening despite the wars and terror that confront us. This revolution is a fundamental change of worldview, and it carries with it the potential to reorganize the structure of human civilization. It brings a basic shift in the thoughts that dominate the world. It wages a peace that will end all war. It is a global phenomenon that will change the cellular structure of the human race. To those who are part of it, who feel called to it, its reality is a growing if not obvious truth. To still others, it's a lofty but ridiculous notion, a preposterous and silly idea.
Yet no social revolution of any import emerged because everybody woke up one day saying, "I get it! I get it!" Such revolutions emerged instead from what anthropologist Margaret Mead described as "a small group of concerned citizens." Not only are such groups capable of changing the world, according to Mead, but in fact, they're the only thing that ever has. And they are doing it now.
A spiritually attuned counterculture is already in our midst. It is marked not by clothes or music, drugs or sex, as was the counterculture of the sixties, but by the internal attitudes of those who perceive it. They make suggestions and comments that are just a little bit wiser; they bring new insights into areas previously locked down by the status quo. They see some star in the sky that not everyone is seeing. And in their presence, we start to see it too.
Signing Up for Duty
We sign up for duty, for participation in this revolution, through a sincere desire to be used by something larger than ourselves, for the purpose of healing the world. It doesn't even matter if we don't call that "something larger" by the name of God. For some people conspire with God who do not yet believe in Him.* It is ultimately not our belief but our experience that matters.* God has no ego by which to be insulted if we do not get His name right.
But whatever name we call Him, we come to realize that we are the army, but He is in charge. He cannot use us to change the world deeply until first we have been changed by Him. To surrender the world to Him, first we must surrender ourselves.
The change begins with a shift in the lens through which we perceive the world. It grows within us to affect not only our own lives, but also the lives of those around us. It leads us to connect with others who are similarly undergoing a transformation of their ego structures, from an old perspective to something new. And through our individual and collective efforts, divinely inspired, we will turn the world around in time. Just when we thought all hope was ended, hope will reappear.
For those of us who are cynical; for those of us who are too tired now; for those of us who are weary of the way things always go; for those of us who used to care but are too busy now just trying to get by, there is a change afoot. It begins in the heart. And as it rises to the surface, it will change all things.
Imagine that God has asked you if He could use your hands and feet, to go where He would have you go and do what He would have you do.
Imagine that God has asked you if He could use your mouth, to say what He would have you say and to whom.
Imagine these things because He has.
"Many are called, but few are chosen" means that everyone is called but few care to listen.* The call goes out to all of us, all the time. None of us has more or less capacity for contributing to the salvation of the world.
Choosing to serve God, we are choosing the path toward God's greatness within us. When we see people who are clearly letting the spirit work through them—who have found their genius, their power, their passion—we are not seeing some special force at work that chose them over others. The power did not choose them so much as they chose it.
Those among us who have achieved the most have achieved only a fraction of what all of us are capable of.* The "gifts of the Holy Spirit" are waiting for all of us, when our lives are dedicated to God's plan.
Every morning, we have a choice: Will I seek out God's plan today, or will I go about my day as a slave to my ego's agenda? To choose God's plan is to choose the option with the best opportunity for turning your life into a conduit for the miraculous. As soon as we start asking Him how we can help with His plan, rather than just asking Him to help with our plans, everything will be better for everyone.
We're here to be teachers of God—that is, those who demonstrate love. God has a plan for the salvation of the world, called "the plan for the teachers of God."* His teachers come from all religions and no religion.* There is nothing to sign up for, no worldly organization or institution to belong to. It simply refers to a stirring in the heart, which then activates an internal guidance system already present within us. If we ask how to help, He will show us how to help.
While there are hate-filled people planning ways to sow violence and destruction on earth, God has a blueprint for creating peace on earth. It's not a physical blueprint, but rather a plan that exists in His Mind, pieces of it ready to be downloaded into the mind of anyone who asks to receive his or her part. Each of us carries maximal potential to be used by God to heal the world.
He has a plan. And it cannot not work.
~Excerpt >From The Gift of Change by Marianne Williamson

You are My Sunshine
I just heard an inspiring thought that I wanted to share... treat each person that you encounter as if you are the only ray of sunshine that they will get in a day. Without your added brightness to their day, they would not have any at all. Wouldn't that be sad? So, no matter how much the person might grind on your nerves or how mean they may be (all those EGR people), try your best to be their sunshine. You might be surprised at the results. :)
Originally posted July 25, 2005

It's so Simple
A few nights ago, Jason took me to see Batman Begins at the IMAX. Don’t worry – I am not too fond of people telling me about movies before I have seen them, so I won’t ruin anything. However, if you don’t want to know anything about the movie, stop reading now and check this blog out after you have seen it. At the very beginning of the movie, someone tells a young Bruce Wayne (pre-Batman) that if he travels to this remote, freezing cold, mountainous area, finds and picks a very specific blue flower in the midst of the rocks and snow and carries this fragile flower to the top of the mountain, he will find what he has been searching for. Well, against all odds, he does it. And guess what happens when he gets to the top – he gets his butt kicked! Someone should have told Bruce Wayne about Jesus.

Aren’t we so blessed that receiving salvation is so simple? God humbled Himself in the form of a man and came to this earth. He lived a sinless life and died on the cross for all of mankind’s sins (that’s a lot of sins!). All we have to do is believe it and accept Him as our personal savior. We go from being condemned to death to being forgiven and having eternal life. In addition to receiving the wonderful gift of everlasting life, we get to have a personal relationship with the creator of the universe! How awesome is that! Imagine the most wise, caring, generous, patient, faithful, forgiving, loving person in the whole entire world wanting to be your best friend no matter what you do or say to Him (try to be nice - he did save your life J). Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy, then go out and tell someone how easy it is to “find what they have been searching for” and receive the gift of eternal life!
Originally posted July 22, 2005

I Surrender All
I have worshipped to the song "I Surrender All" many times. However, a couple of Sundays ago, while singing this song, the Holy Spirit really gripped my heart. The song lyrics go something like this:

I'm giving You my heart
And all that is within
I lay it all down
For the sake of You my King

For the sake of knowing You
The glory of your name
To know the lasting joy
Even sharing in your pain

And I surrender all to you
All to You, All to You

I'm singing You this song
I'm waiting at the cross
For all the world holds dear
I count it all as loss

I'm giving up my dreams
I'm laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride
For the promise of new life

And I surrender all to you
All to you, All to You

In preparation of going to Australia, I am feeling the pain of surrendering it all - leaving my precious family, my absolutely amazing boyfriend, my job, my incredible friends, my time, my home in the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina (okay, I don't really have a home)...but these things really aren't mine at all, are they? They are all wonderful gifts from God and He could take them back at any time he wishes. As the Cleansing Stream Seminar workbook points out, death to joys, hopes, dreams and desires happen when you cease to keep your gaze upon the Sovereign One who can do the impossible(1-25). I am trusting that as I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, He will give me the strength, wisdom and ability I need to obey his calling and I am hoping that he increases my vision, desire and joy to serve His Kingdom.

Apart from Christ, our thoughts are governed by our sin nature, which always put ourself first. Surrendering to Jesus means completely giving Him control over each area of our lives - finances, time, talents, abilities, possessions - regardless of the circumstances, how we feel and what other people say. Human wisdom is not the same as His wisdom. One of my favorite verses is "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." -Romans 12:1-2 Once we have accepted Christ into our hearts, we have surrendered to Him and are no longer part of this world. Jesus said "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." -Luke 9:23 I must do this as I chose to wholeheartedly follow Christ. Please pray that the Lord gives me peace, joy and strength as I surrender all.

Next time you are faced with a decision (big or small), consider what God wants you to do. Rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom. God's Word will help you separate your soul (thoughts, emotions, attitude) from your Spirit (His Holy, Living Spirit within you). Let God's will be your own and ask Him to help you do what He is blessing, not just bless what you are doing.
Originally posted July 18, 2005

Support
I am ten weeks away from my tentative departure to Australia. Throughout the entire process, God has taught me so much. For a while, I considered going to Charlotte, North Carolina for the DTS. It seemed like the answer to all of my questions and doubts about going to Australia - I would be close to family and friends (at least for the lecture session), home for the holidays, be able to play a physical part in the start up of Mosaic Church (as well as establish a liason between YWAM and Mosaic)... However, after much prayer and consideration, I truly believe that God has plans for me to go to Australia.
My deepest apologies to those of you (especially Jason) whose hopes were up for me staying nearby. I have been in situations before where I have felt God leading me in a direction that I didn't necessarily want to go. I know that I can rest assured that He has my best interest in mind and that I must be obedient - no matter how difficult it may be. Please let this be a lesson to you all - be open listening to God's whispers and be willing to follow when He pulls on your heart. Satan WILL try to take away and deter you from God's immaculate and fulfilling plans (John 10:10). After considering Charlotte, I know even more now that God wants to take me out of my comfort zone. As my dear friend Mary Mac put it, "to NO ONE in the universe does it make sense to leave the man you love and everything you know and that is how you know my sweet Jenna that there is a God, that you would do something so crazy!" So, I am going to do my best to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let [my] requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard [my] heart and mind in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
Lately, I feel as though God has constantly been right by my side - teaching me, knowing me, growing me and showing me that He will take care of me as I trust in Him. I am up to $3568 in financial support and have been blessed with a wonderful (rent free!) home to live in during my time of transition. Through prayers, conversations (pre-Superman), financial support, e-mails, cards, phone calls, letters and hugs, I have also been shown the great extent of supportive friends that God has put in my life for a time such as this. Thank you all so very much. Please keep it up!

Originally posted July 6, 2005

Support Letters
I am sending some of my support letters today. This is what they say:
Halo: Kohom~d~
That is Sinhalese for “Hello. How are you?” As you know, last fall I went on a mission trip to Sri Lanka. It was one of the most eye opening and life altering experiences imaginable. In the two weeks that I was there, I saw God move in incredibly powerful ways that touched many hearts and lives forever. I was taken way out of my comfort zone and spiritually stretched beyond belief…and I have never felt so fulfilled. I discovered more about myself and God during those two weeks than I had in the past two years. Since that time, God has put a program called Youth With A Mission (YWAM) on my heart. YWAM is an international movement of Christians from many denominations dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world.
After prayerfully considering my options, I applied and was accepted to the All Tribes Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Carbrook, Australia. This program will prepare me for full time ministry with cross-cultural evangelism training. The DTS will assist me in gaining knowledge to “go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19),” fulfilling the Great Commission. The school consists of a lecture and an outreach phase that will last for twelve weeks each. To learn more about YWAM or the DTS that I will be attending, please visit http://www.islandbreeze.com.au/. Also, while I am away, I will be journaling and posting pictures at http://jennalewter.blog.com/.
The course starts September 18th, so, I only have a couple of months to prepare for this journey. During that time and, of course, while I am there, I would greatly appreciate your prayers. It is not going to be easy to leave behind my family, friends, job and the wonderful city of Charleston, South Carolina. I am incredibly happy and have been abundantly blessed but, I have come to the realization that worldly success does not equal a purposeful life. My heart’s desire is to know God intimately and make Him known; “Simply put, if [I] am not willing to take what is dearest to [me], whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, [I] can’t be [Jesus’] disciple (Luke 14:33). I hope you understand the difficulty of this calling and know that your prayers are so very important.
I am also responsible for raising $10,000 worth of support. This will pay for the cost of the school, three months of missions work, living expenses and all transportation involved. Please know that any investment you make in God’s Kingdom is more significant than any other you can make on earth – it’s eternal! Anything you could do to aid me financially would be such a blessing. Fortunately, I was able to set up an account with Seacoast Church. If you would like your donation to be tax deductible, please fill out the enclosed form and make your check payable to Seacoast Church.

Thank you and God Bless,



Jenna Lewter
843.696.5674
Originally posted April 26, 2005