It's been a long time since you've heard from me! If you're wondering why I'm e-mailing you again, it's because I wanted to give you a wrap-up summary of what happened this summer in Halifax. But don't worry, it will be quick!
Quick Photo Tour:
I put together a little 60-photo album on Facebook that explains in more detail what project was like, including little descriptions of things we did, the friends I made, and things like that. So please do check that out if you have the time. You can find it here:
-> Halifax Project in 60 shots
(click here if you have Facebook)
Three Things in Summary:
In summary, though, I learned a lot and GREW a whole lot as a person over my summer in Halifax. Thank YOU so much for supporting me in finances and/or in prayer. Let me give you a quick run-down of what I saw happen in Halifax:
- Growth as a person: Spending 3 months in Halifax felt like I had grown a whole year! I grew a lot in learning what it meant to live out my "faith" in God. Often times I might say I believe in God and that He's first in my life, but this summer I got to actually start off my day spending consistent time with Him (in prayer and learning from His Word), and learning to manage my time and work in a way that pleases Him. Through this, God built into me more of a personal reassurance that it's ok to have doubts and uncertainties in my faith in Him, but as long as I am backing up my beliefs by action, I will see Him grow me in those areas. Finally, coming out of the summer, I feel like a much older person (but that's a good thing).
- They will know we are Christians by our love for one another: Our group of 30 students from across Canada was really something special. Most importantly, we were intentional about loving each other, working out issues, and following God's will in our lives. As a result, He shaped us into a group that was an example to the people living in our building. We were examples because we were always having FUN and always finding it a joy to be around one another. As a result, it's become a personal mission of mine to make sure that we're always connected to God's people around us. We still keep in touch over the modern marvel that is the Internet, through things like MSN, Facebook, Google Talk, and our Halifax Project keep-in-touch blog.
- New believers in God's family: According to the most accurate data I know of, we saw ELEVEN (11) people enter into a personal, saving relationship with God! I think all but one of these people were international students, and we got to know many of them through Rice Residence, the building we were staying at. Some of them became Christians early on in project, and it was wonderful to see them being followed-up by team members and growing in their faith, and also getting to know us over the summer. And remember that final Coffeehouse event that we put on (where I got to play Jesus in one of our "DRIME" acts)? Well, we saw 3 of those 11 people come to Christ during that final event! You can even see some pictures from that in the photo album.
What's Paulman doing now?
Right now, I'm back at school at Simon Fraser University, finishing my final (and third) year of my Masters (School of Engineering Science). I'll be graduating hopefully by April, and so I have to make some decisions about what I'll be doing next, so you can keep me in your prayers in that regard. If you're ever interested in what else is happening with me, I ocassionally update my personal blog at http://www.xanga.com/Jacmert
Be blessed, and I pray that God will call you and inspire you to live life for Him, no matter where you are today.
Love,
- Paulman
P.S. I will be giving the message/talk at our Campus for Christ weekly meeting this next Friday, 4PM (Nov 9th) - for the first time ever! Feel free to come listen. It will be on the topic of "Being an Effective and Fruitful Christian". Check sfu.campusforchrist.org for more details, later.
P.P.S. Don't forget to check out the photo album tour.
