My Summer in England

“Axiom: a truth that stands alone; a principle that is accepted as true without proof”

Axiom team summer 2015

It’s proper bittersweet, to say the least, to be coming closer to the end of my time here with Tees Valley Youth for Christ. This place quickly became home for me. In a matter of two and a half months, I adapted to the Teesside culture. It was suggested that I do so and let go of my American attachments in order to fully grasp the reality of where I am. I’m going to be honest, it worked you guys.

With Axiom, I lost all my boundaries, all my self-limitations, and brought myself to do sport ministry by the power and grace of God. I came to England with the blooming thought that all I would be doing here is walking around with my camera and what not and documenting every flickering moment among the camps ran by all my peers. I was wrong.

I was trained in media, in sports leadership, and in my walk with Christ. It all happened by the grace of God. I was helped by the legend, Jared Bredeson, and was able to edit an interview video (see below) with an Adobe program which might not seem like that much of an accomplishment for some. Gradually, I led programs of certain park days and events. Which couldn’t been done without the aid of leader Tyler McClure along with Logan Holloman. They pushed me to be better and made sure I felt confident and comfortable. There was just so much that I grew in and experienced. To God be the glory.

Oh yeah, and one more pretty huge accomplishment. Before this summer, I have never seen one Star Wars film. I got to watch all six episodes of the Star Wars series and I absolutely fell in deep fandom. Again, to God be the glory. May the force be with you!

Amazing, challenging, growing— words like these come to mind each time I’ve been asked, “How’d you manage this summer?” I have been privileged with this internship, the workload, the pressures, the adventures, and the worries. I have been privileged with it all, and I have to say goodbye to those. To the people I have met here in England, I’ll say, “see yous later.” (in a proper Teesside way).

I’m looking forward to taking some of the things that I learned this summer into my life in America. I want to use some of the skills and traits that I developed and positively integrate them into my life. I cannot wait to be a better brother, son, boyfriend, uncle, student, worker, mentor, anything! I just really want to be better and I think that is not a wrong intention. I believe that’s also what our heavenly Father wants from us as well. There are trials that we will all face in our lives, but it’s to strengthen us in the practical and in faith. I want to go home and allow Christ to create a difference in the nation through me, just like I saw Him do here in the Tees Valley.

Greg // 2015 Summer Intern

The Big Smoke

Last week a group of us got to explore London for the first two days of holiday.  I had never been before, so the 6 hour bus ride seemed like FOREVER as I was waiting to see the city.  Tons of people talk about London and how beautiful it is, and I couldn't wait to experience it for myself.  We got to the city around 2pm and had the rest of that day, plus the next to fit everything in.  Aka run around the city like mad men trying to see everything.  Not much was planned out which made it even more fun.  I'm always one to love spontaneity and adventure, so finding my way around a big city was the perfect scenario.  London was everything people hyped it up to be and more, and trying to capture that is not an easy thing. However, it's always fun to try and I'm thankful I'll forever have these memories.  Enjoy!

Pretty positive reflections are becoming my favorite type of photo.

The London Eye...didn't go in it, but I'm sure the view is incredible!

Does Big Ben need a caption?

Long exposure when waiting for our delayed train.

Probably the freshest, yummiest burrito ever in the heart of London

The beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral

Thank you to multiple strangers for your tickets and wrist bands that we so sneakily used to "re-enter" Wimbledon 2015

Buckingham Palace

The most detailed gate I've ever seen!

Oh, hi Queen!

The amount of people was a bit ridiculous, but I actually loved all the chaos

"Drop Greece's Debt"

Kiki, Summer Intern

Thankful in the little

One thing that Kiki and I often talk about is how thankful we are for the "little" things that God has given us here in England purely because He loves us. It is His delight to love His children and we rejoice seeing more and more ways that He does. One of the things He has given me here is a chance to paint with every project that I am working on. In the coffee shop in Darlington (see previous post by Kiki), I am working on small paintings for the walls. In the media team where we are producing and editing videos, I got to paint for our main project while being filmed painting.

The town I spend most of my time in is called Thornaby. There are different youth clubs and park events that we do there almost every day of the week. One day last week, all of the girls asked me to paint them animals. I sat there stunned that God has been able to love me by giving me the chance to paint and that that is how He wants to show these girls that He loves them. What a beautiful picture of gifts God has given us. They are meant to bless others with His presence and in the same way, we are blessed with His presence. The way God has incorporated painting into every area I am working here has left me with my eyes wide and my mouth speechless. He loves to delight in His children!

A few of the other ways He has chosen to show us His love in "little" ways has been: natural white light in our room, a house full of vegetables, a family with kids, random days of rest, a beautiful park next to our house to run in, big fluffy comforters that envelope you, french press coffee in an instant coffee world, almond butter, the best carrots ever tasted, and many more that would make no sense in writing. What are the ways God loves you in your life? We all sing 10,000 reasons but how many of us have sat down to try and write out as many reasons as we can that we have to praise? I encourage you to do it now. Sit down and write out as many ways as you can possibly find that show God's love for you. I promise your heart will be encouraged by the God who delights over you with song. 

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thes. 5:16-18

Sage, Summer Intern 

Learning to Say Goodbye

     I woke up an hour earlier than normal this morning because I needed to say “goodbye.” And I hate saying goodbye. However, I’ve had to do it so many times throughout life that I’m getting used to it.  I used to see goodbyes as a really sad moment, because for whatever reason you and another person won’t see each other again.  That’s sad!  However, then I started realizing there was something different I could focus on, being the memories that person(s) left me with. 

     You see, moving to England I was placed in a host family who had just been gifted with three foster kids.  I adore kids, so walking up and being greeted by so many little ones was such a heart warmer.  Today these kids will move on, which means I might not see them again.  Hence the memories start to come…I remember the first afternoon I was here we sat out front on the patio and painted some real great masterpieces – such as bricks, transparent designs on our hands and feet (cause it was just water so surprise! You didn’t actually know what you were painting), fish, rainbows, and then you have the occasional cleaning of the front gate.  Cause what four year old doesn’t want to clean every single detail on a brick with a paintbrush and water?  One of the things that I loved so much about that day was how even though these kids hadn’t known me for more than 5 minutes, they were already sitting in my lap, hugging me, etc.  as if we were best friends. #bestillmyheart

     Another memory was when Sage and I were home to eat dinner with the family.  When you’ve got eight people around a table you’re for sure going to have an interesting meal.  I just loved how the kids would make jokes or silly faces that stick with you.  One night the littlest girl said something funny to our host mom about her meal, and now Sage and I will randomly say it and crack up.  There were certain things the kids would do and say that will forever remind me of them.  I also loved eating meals with so many people cause it was a little piece of home.  Coming from a family of eight, our meals are the most chaotic thing but in a good way…usually.  Therefore, having chaotic meals for the first month I was here was a nice gift from the LORD.  Also, movie nights were a gift from the LORD.

     The kids would try and have a movie night every Friday.  Cause of our schedules we weren’t always here for that, but one night we were!  The chosen movie: Frozen. Yes please! Let me just say that even if the speakers were broken you would still get every line.  The precious kids quoted (with great enthusiasm) and sang (complete with dancing) about 95% of the movie.  And it was the cutest thing ever.  It made me laugh so much, because the kids were so excited and hype about the movie that they just didn’t care.  I came away with some great dance moves thanks to those guys, and movies really are more exciting when you’ve got four other kids quoting it almost louder than the actual tv.  

     There are so many memories I’ll always cherish but that could take a while, so I’ll leave it with this.  Thank you for: hugging me all the time, mixing up Sapon’s names on purpose and thinking it was hilarious, trying to scare me whenever I walked through the kitchen, saying “Yoohoo big summer blowout!” on a frequent basis, singing in the shower (which is right next to our room) because kid voices singing is just real precious, waving to me from outside whenever you were going to church, and everything else.  I don’t fully understand why God allows people to come and go so easily, but I’m thankful I could be in your lives for 35 days. I loved it and am praying God carries you throughout this next season!

- Kiki, summer intern

Monday Meditations

Reality.

What is it?

We all ask this question. What is reality? I sometimes find myself seeing the world around me as the realest of real things that exist. Other times I fins myself feeling like I am walking in Narnia- as if this world is the least of real things that exist. I know in my inner being that this world is not true reality. That my heart aches and moans for something greater, something purer, something unimaginable. I yearn and long to live apart from brokenness. I yearn to eat from the tree of life that is for the HEALING of the nations. To snuggle in the mane of the Lion of Judah. To dance on higher hills. To speak with Shadrach about what it was like to literally walk out of a furnace with Jesus Christ on earth. To bathe in rivers of living water and be enveloped completely by grace and love. As I daydream about the day I will see Jesus face to face, I come to terms that I am on this earth, that there is reality right here. Jesus did not place me as a worthless stone on the shore of eternity. As I long for new creation and seeing Him clearly- face to face (!) just as Paul did in his letter to the Roman church, I find myself in another letter he wrote- one to the church at Corinth:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Many of us can recite these verses over and over again and have read them hundreds of times and quote it for earthly relationships but how deep has it sunk into your heart? In all of this I see that it truly is love that is the greatest of all things remaining. “So now faith, hope, and love abide (remain), but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Faith and hope will both come to a completion. Faith will be complete when we are face to face with Jesus Christ and hope will be complete when we are in New Creation. But love will never come to a completion. God has loved us from the womb and His love for us will never come to completion. Even when we are face to face with Jesus and as we walk in New Creation, we will still be loved by the Rock of ages. And we will still have the privilege of loving Him with our entire being.

Truly nothing can separate us from this love and truly it is the greatest of all things because it will remain for eternity. And if “God is love” (1 John 4:8) then the truest reality of life is love. If God is alpha and omega, beginning and end, then we can say that Love is alpha and Omega, that Love is beginning and end. The deepest sense of reality can be summed up in one word: Love.

Blessings,

Sage, Summer Intern

Further Up, Further In: TVYFC's Journey Through the 3 Peaks

Josh Willson tackling the summit stretch of Ben Nevis, Scotland.

On Sunday afternoon, June 15, an eclectic team from the Tees Valley Youth for Christ set off to climb the three highest peaks in the United Kingdom in less than 24 hours (or less than 14 hours total hiking time). The peaks include Ben Nevis (1,344 m) in Scotland, Scafell Pike (978 m) in England, and Snowdon (1,085 m) in Wales. We had expectations of difficulty and great beauty ahead of us, but we really had no clue what was in store.

Ben Nevis, Scotland

The first leg of the journey is a five hour drive up through the north of England and into magnificent Scotland. The trip was peppered with conversation and laughter. Our energy was high and our bodies were healthy. As we crossed into the land of the many lochs, we were overwhelmed with the splendor surrounding us! Clif bars and fruit were being scarfed down all around; we were ready to go. Ben Nevis: bring it on.

As the van pulled into the Glen Nevis car park, our starting point for the hike, we each felt a nervous excitement fill the air. After months of planning and expectation, we were ready to embark. Eagerly, we searched the sky for our peak but it was not in sight. We began to walk, and started the clock as soon as we crossed over onto our trail - 19:00.

27 miles, 24 hours, 11 hikers.

Our first taste of the trails gave fuel to the fire in us. We were off, and we were determined. Ben Nevis provides a 5.4-mile rocky path leading with a steady incline up to the summit of the mountain, 1,344 meters high. Ben Nevis is the highest of the three peaks, and the highest point in all of the United Kingdom.

“The mountains are calling and I must go. ”

— John Muir

As we neared the summit, the sun was beginning to gently settle into the mountains over in the West. White began to cover the trail; determination kicked in as we trudged through two feet of wet snow.

Ben Nevis has an average annual snowfall of 784 inches.

The trail (or what we could find of the trail - as you got closer to the summit, the trail faded into the surroundings. Instinct became our guide.) began to level out and we knew that the end was near. Brian, Brittany and Christieanna arrived first, taking a well deserved break and recharging with some food and water while waiting for the rest of the group. One by one, each hiker crested the peak and walked triumphantly forward to touch the summit stone.

As we gathered around the summit stone, cold and shivering, we smiled wide as we gazed into the radiant sun setting before us. Views like these are so difficult to truly comprehend. I was reminded of our terminality, our finiteness as my small human mind gasped and struggled to hold all of the glory that was on display. Sensory overload is a very real thing.

Time was always of the essence, and there was not much to spare here. We huddled together for a prayer and group photo, then it was off again to the base. Sunlight was fading, and we wanted to use every last bit of it. With gravity now on our side, the first stretch progressed much more quickly.

Surprisingly, going down the peaks was often more taxing than going up. Step after step, all of the weight in your body is pressing against your knees and ankles. The team encountered some difficulties; some suffered from cramps, others from sore joints. As the last few finally reached the bottom, we were running slightly behind schedule; there was some discouragement in the air.

However, we were making progress! The first peak was now behind us - only two more to go. We piled onto the bus after some stretches and sock changes, and headed off to the Lakes. Farewell, Ben Nevis.

Scafell Pike, England

As we drove past the Lochs, this time on the way back into England, the sun will still slightly visible in the sky. It was now about 1:30 in the morning, and we prepared to settle in for a few hours of restless sleep. All were silent; there was no time to talk as we scarfed down our food, trying to recharge our hungry bodies.

Around 6:20, we pulled into the car park in the Lake District. Scafell Pike loomed before us, waiting to challenge our band of travelers with her uneven trails and steep incline. I had already thought that the second peak would be the most difficult - we were tired, sore, and still had another mountain waiting for us. This was the moment of truth; this one counted.

Fresh socks and sore muscles; pre-hike prep in the car park below Scafell.

Soft, golden light kissed the leaves and grass as we began on the trail. The stillness of the morning served as a sort of calm before the storm. I thought for a moment we had entered into the Shire and were on our way to see Bilbo in the hills. Once again, my tired mind was struggling to understand what was truly happening - the beauty around us was so vast, so magnificent. It seems as if I was trying to fill a shot glass from a crashing wave - there is just too much to take in.

We continued on at a steady pace up the Pike. This time, our group stayed closer together, and we enjoyed each others' company and encouragement along the way.

On a clear day, mountain peaks in Wales, Scotland, and even Ireland can be seen from the Scafell Pike summit.

Grazing sheep peppered the trail as we walked along at a steady pace towards the peak. All around us, rolling green meadows, rocky crags, deep blue lakes and horse pastures covered the landscape. There is something about England that is magical, transcendent, ethereal. It is easy to see why some of the most notable English authors and poets came to the Lakes for solace and inspiration.

As we drew closer to the top, the trail transitioned into a difficult and steep climb - the Mickledore Scramble. This scramble is not a recommended route, filled with loose rocks and uncertain footing. However, it proved no match for our team. Fearlessly, Mike Taylor led us up the face. After some time struggling up the rocks, trailing a few falling ones behind us, we crested the top. We were met with a vast expanse of mountains as far as the eye could see. 

Christieanna Apon taking some time to rest and hydrate soon after we finished the Mickledore Scramble.

From the scramble, we had a short stretch until we reached the summit. After losing the trail for a bit, we discovered a new path that would lead us to the end. Brian and I pulled ahead and reached the summit, stepping into the clouds. The rest of the team soon followed, and we stood for a few moments in awe of the splendor.

Reaching the Scafell Pike summit, 978 meters.

Every second counts, and we didn't have many to spare. Quickly, we gathered together for a group photo and then spent a short time praying. We praised the Almighty Creator whose majesty was displayed in all directions. Then, it was back to the start for us. Two peaks down, just one more to go. Knowing that the hardest was behind us, we set out with new fervor and determination.

On all of the trails, some of my favourite moments were the conversations had with fellow travelers as they walked past us on the path. Frequently, little phrases of encouragement were exchanged. There was a mutual understanding of what the other was enduring, and it provided a level of common ground that made relationships easier to form.

When you get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, from the busy schedules and never-ending commitments, you begin to remember how simple life can be. Out on the mountains, you really only have one goal, one thing in mind - get to the top, get to the bottom. The only sound you become aware of is the lack of it. All of the petty things that so often divide and disperse people seem to fade away, and relationships become easier. Unfortunately, we always must step back into reality. However, we don't have to forget what was realized on the mountains. Don't forget to be simple.

Nearing 10:30, we reached the base of Scaffel Pike. After a few minutes stretching out our muscles and using the toilets, our team piled one-by-one back into the van, setting off for our final peak. So long, England. Snowdon, bring it on.

Snowdon, Wales

After a long drive through the countryside of England, we began to see the roadsigns change around us from English to Welsh. The time was drawing near - excitement rose as we realized how close we really were to being finished. Along the way, we had encountered a number of setbacks that led to increased driving time, leaving us now with about two hours of climbing time for Snowdon. The 3 Peaks standard for Snowdon is four hours, and we had agreed that if we did not meet the actual 24-hour deadline, we would still credit ourselves with completing the challenge as long as our total hiking time was under 14 hours.

Black rock and forest green grass painted the landscape as we hugged the edges of mountains, winding our way towards the start. A few of us decided to go as quickly as we could on Snowdon, trying our hardest to still complete under the 24-hour deadline. As we arrived at the base of the trail, we quickly jumped out of the van and started on our final ascent. Our legs were sore and tired, our bodies telling us to stop, but we pressed on.

I had decided to stow away my camera for the sake of time, so unfortunately I did not take any pictures on Snowdon. The beauty that surrounded us here was, in my opinion, the most astounding of all the peaks. Clouds swirled above us around the looming peak, and vast green valleys stretched for miles. After climbing up what was probably the biggest incline of the hike, we crossed through a small tunnel and I was met with a view that took my breath away. Merely a few feet in front of me, a steep drop-off extended hundreds of feet down to the valley floor, and I was surrounded by towering mountains. I frequently checked my watch, looking with dread as every precious second ticked by. As I neared the summit, the time read 18:25. I figured I would have around 30 minutes to try to make it all the way back down the mountain.

Finally, I reached the top. The view was impossible to comprehend, especially in such a brief time. I only had about 2 minutes before I had to start back down. I drank as much water as I could, ate some chocolate, and started the descent. I passed Brian and he shouted out how much time I had, encouraging me to give it all I had. I am so thankful for the team that we had, all offering encouragement and a healthy dose of competition, pushing each other beyond what we thought we were capable of.

There were many moments on the way down that I considered giving up on the run, especially once I realized I could not make the deadline. However, I knew that the rest of the team was not giving up, and I wanted to give it all I had. I thanked the Lord for a body that functioned, for the opportunity to push myself to new limits. The trail seemed to go on and on, but finally, I neared the finish. As the end came into sight, I gave it all I had. At last, the 3 Peaks Challenge was completed! I laid down, resting, knowing that I had given my all and pushed myself to the max. One by one, the rest of the team finished, all crossing the finish line with a satisfied smile and wide eyes. We all celebrated with some much needed Subway, and then settled in for the ride home.

Although we were right back to the real world the next day, we wouldn't forget what we had experienced out on the mountains. There is nothing like that feeling of utter "smallness," that reminder that there is far more out there than your own life and world. We remembered that this life is not about us, and that is what made the whole thing worth it.

From time to time, we all need to be reminded just how small we are.

Bram VanderMark // Summer Intern

Rest in Him

"Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." - Matthew 11:28-29

     This topic of this verse |REST| if you didn't catch on, has been something the Lord's been constantly bringing to my attention.  I'm pretty sure it's because I'm not good at it, nor do I regularly choose to be restful.  However, He's slowly teaching me that rest is not a bad thing, in fact it is an amazing thing and often times when I see the Lord best.  This past week we spent the morning with a friend at their cottage.  It was during those hours that the Lord continued to show me how beautiful rest and relaxation truly is. 

You see, it's when we are quiet and still that the Lord can really speak to us.  I feel like (at least for me) that sometimes we get so caught up in routine that we barely ever stop to just sit/read/write/sing/etc. whatever it is that counts for rest. I could go weeks without actually "resting" and then get so overwhelmed by the end of it all. 

     The Lord has been teaching me that rest is such a needed thing throughout our life. Our creator desires for us to be using our gifts throughout the day, whatever that looks like.  However, He also desires for us to just be still in Him.  Literally, sometimes I'll find peace just laying on my bed listening to worship music and actually thinking about the words.  There are times when I'll sing songs and have no clue what I'm saying cause it's just stuck in my head.  Yet when I listen and just meditate on the praise and what glorious things people have written about our Savior, then my soul and heart draw closer to the Lord.  Incredibly thankful for how the Lord is continuing to show me peace. I'm learning how to surrender everything in my crazy, exhausting life and find rest in Him.  He is sovereign, gentle, steadfast, and will hold us.  Praise!

Kiki- Summer Intern

Eternal Moments in a Terminal World

Blackhall Rocks, Durham Coast

“Always we were harried by time... Not only are we harried by time, we seem unable, despite a thousand generations, even to get used to it. We are always amazed at it—how fast it goes, how slowly it goes, how much of it is gone. Where, we cry, has the time gone? We aren’t adapted to it, not at home in it. If that is so, it may appear as a proof, or at least a powerful suggestion, that eternity exists and is our home.”

— A Severe Mercy, Sheldon VanAuken

Time.

Always moving, progressing, cutting short, disappointing, surprising and rushing. We were born into it, but time is not meant to be our home. It is a force of nature that we as humans never quite grow used to. 

Have you ever experienced a moment in which you nearly forgot that time was moving forward? When the watch on your wrist or your phone did not demand your attention; when, for an instant, your schedule fell from its throne and you experienced real freedom in living?

As much as I relent in saying it, those moments have been few and far between in my own life. Far too often do I simply sprint through the days, too rushed and stretched thin to bother stopping, looking, breathing. Sheldon VanAuken, a close friend of C.S. Lewis and one of my favourite authors and sources of inspiration, reflected on this in his book A Severe Mercy. As I read through his memoir, my eyes were opened to time in a way that they never had been before. Our dissatisfaction with timeful existence points our seeking hearts onward to a greater, fuller life. One outside of this harrying Time.

However, on this day, we exist in time. Time is not only a thief; it is also an encourager, a reminder that these days are urgent, that our lives are not meant to be wasted away. Peter says,

“ Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires which wage war against your soul, maintaining your good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in the things in which they slander you as evildoers, by seeing your good deeds they may glorify God on the day of visitation.”

— I Peter 2:11-12

The fleshly desires that Peter speaks of here are the momentary pleasures, the fleeting fulfillments. They are distractions and hindrances, plaguing those who forget the urgency of Time. Peter compares the Church to foreigners or temporary residents. Another word that is used in other translations is "sojourners." Sojourning has become a theme that I often must remind myself of - I am only here for an instant, as a vapor in the wind. This is not our final resting place. This is a transition, a time of preparation, a time of decision and action.

We still look on to our homeland. Our hearts burn for the land that we were made for. However, we are here. We are sojourning, and there is room for many more to come along. All are made for this far-off land, but can only find it if those who know the way invite the others along.

Let's go invite.

Bram VanderMark // Summer Intern

Monday Meditations

Do you believe that God is for YOU? Because often times I fall prey to believing that He is against me and ready to smite me with a lightning bolt. But what has been resounding in my head recently is…”do you truly believe that that I am for you?”. The truth is that Yahweh is FOR you. No sin, no wandering of the mind, no selfishness, no spiritual amnesia, no doubt can make Him not for you. In everything you are more than a conqueror through Christ. Nothing rests on you. It rests on Jesus Christ. The security of a believer rests on the Father’s faithfulness to answer the prayers of Jesus Christ (Jn 17). And Jesus says “It is finished”, therefore, nothing can make God not be for you. Don’t speak lies over yourself that He is against you. Remind yourself today that He loves you. Remind yourself that He is always for you because His character is not affected by your decisions or emotions. He is who He is! “God is love” (1 Jn 4:8). And He himself has said…I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5).

Romans 8:31-39

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Blessings,

Sage, Summer Intern