Homeless

Homeless...is that what we really are as those just wandering through? Well, this morning more than a few students got to experience what it's like to be homeless. 600+ people slept outside at the salvation army in columbia to represent the homeless in the area. Apparently as of the 2005 census there were 1753 homeless in columbia, SC. Sleeping outside would have been no big deal a couple of weeks ago, but last night it was 31 degrees. Yes, that is one degree below freezing. And...many needed to bundle up better than they were, but they definitely experienced a hard night. Then on top of that, they worked as a part of shareFest Columbia which is a giant work project to serve our city. Is there any doubt why young people change the world? With so much passion and energy, they just ooze...something. If you know what that "something" is please let me know!! I want some of it.

Pirates, Pool, Prayer and Paul

You might wonder what these 4 topics have to do with one another, but if you visit our small group Bible study on Thursday nights at the Buck's house you won't have to wonder so hard.

We've been studying out of Acts for the past few weeks and have seen Paul interact with the Athenians as they ponder their "unknown god" and Paul explains to them the true and living God. Last week we also took a romp through Acts to understand and practice prayer a little better. We saw men and women receive healing and Peter share the Gospel with men and women that never heard before. All of this was accomplished through God working according to prayers of men and women.

Something fun that you'll get to experience at our group is a full-sized Pirates of the Caribbean pinball game and a pool table. As always, we desire to be intentional in our outreach and always welcome others. So, for directions to our group meeting from 7:30-9 each thursday night in Irmo, SC email steve at ashopper81404@yahoo.com.

Falls Lake drought

This is one of my favorite places in Raleigh, but they are in a major drought and the lake is down 7.5' from normal. Last year where I am sitting in the pictures was under water. Today, you can see the effects of the drought. It's a bit sad. Hopefully, the Lord will provide rain soon. Otherwise one of my favorite places will be all dried up. It's much like our hearts without the "rain" of the Holy Spirit or the Lord in our life. Without his word, our hearts dry up and what used to be beautiful now is ugly and cracked. Keep watering your heart with the Bible there is no better fresh spring to draw from. Just ask Jesus about living water and see what he has to say.

20somethings Eat Steak, Too!

College Students & 20somethings: we want you! Join us Sunday, Septmeber 9th at 7:30pm for a gathering complete with Steaks and Frisbee. We'll meet at 333 Gleneagle Circle, Irmo 29063 after Oasis. For directions from Eastlake Community Church, check out the google map below or email steve.hopperjr@gmail.com.




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Graduation

This weekend is Graduation for me for the 3rd time formally.

1. Sanderson High School Class of '96

2. North Carolina State University Class of 2000 B.S. Statistics

3. Columbia International University Class of 2007 M.A. in Leadership for Evangelism and Mobilization

As I've been talking with people the last two days, I've had bittersweet emotions about not being a student anymore. On the one hand, I don't have all the work of a graduate student and trying to balance family life and internships and all the other stuff going on. On the other hand, the reality of trying to find the position that the Lord has for me after graduation becomes a major focus now.

In preaching class yesterday, one of my classmates got up and said, "I have to confess, I've been anxious this school year." I was hooked from the first sentence because I understand that feeling. The Bible verse that has been my best friend for years is First Peter 5:7. It says, "Cast all your cares (or anxiety) on Him (God) because He cares for you."

I resonate with the anxious feelings, but I long for the peace that Philippians 4:7 talks about, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, and will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I need it right now. School ends, life goes on and graduation ushers in a new chapter in our lives. God gives peace. Amen!

Cookout this Friday Night

We're having a cookout this friday, May 4th 6 pm, at Steve and Adrienne's place. for directions email me.

We have wrapped up our first round of Bible study as the EastLake 20s, so we wanted to invite everyone who has expressed an interest in 20somethings to come out to a cookout at 6:00 pm this Friday night at our place. Whether or not you've been to the group before, feel free to come out this weekend. If you think you might attend, shoot an email back. If you don't reply, still come.

We will provide sweet tea, chips, potato salad and burgers/dogs… folks can bring other things if you’d like. There were a couple of you that wanted to grill steak and we'd be more than happy to put it on the "barbee" if you provide the meat.

This is just going to be a time to get to know one another with no other agenda. Weather permitting we'll sit on the porch, throw frisbee or kick around a ball. Get to know a few others in our age group from the church.

Thinking on heaven

I keep thinking about a couple of things: how can we be missional? Am I really going to do it or just talk about it? and what can I do when tragedy strikes? The VT thing has continued to be on my mind, and then we had tragedy on a smaller scale hit our neighborhood this weekend when a baby passed away from a seizure. What do you do when that happens? I look at all the hurting people around and think "wow!" this place (life) is no fun sometimes. Then I have to think of heaven and rejoice although my heart hurts with those missing family members and friends. Hope...sometimes it seems elusive, but the Lord offers it so freely and without reserve.