South Africa Study Abroad Application Questions

For your reading pleasure:

Application Questions

1.     How does a study abroad education experience fit into your academic/career goals?

I have known since the age of ten that God put a calling in my heart to go into ministry. It was around the same time that I began to have a heart for the world. I was never really sure how this passion came about; all I know is that it was the beginning of God’s work within me. My passion for the world included a desire to go to Mexico, which finally happened in November 2011 when I went to Mexicali, Mexico with 250 students, faculty, and friends of Azusa Pacific. I spent roughly five days in Mexicali, where we organized and ran a Vacation Bible School for the children at a local church called Manantiel de Vida (River of Life). Spending time with the children and people of Mexico opened my eyes to the poverty and corruption that exists not only in Mexico but also the world as a whole. My heart broke for the people there and all I wanted to do was love on them and show them God’s love. I have no doubt that we did this in the time we spent there. Being in Mexico and enjoying it as much as I did was hardly a surprise to me. It is almost as if I had known all along that I would enjoy it as much as I did. Being out in the world has been and still is where I want to be. Spending three months continuing my education in a place such as South Africa would incredibly benefit my academic and career goals. While in South Africa my eyes would be opened to a culture very different from my own. My eyes would be opened to the needs and issues faced by those halfway around the world.

2.     Why are you interested in studying in this specific location and program?

I am interested in studying in South Africa primarily because I want to experience a new way of living in which I would be fully immersed in the lives of the South African people and culture. I am absolutely fascinated by others’ stories and walks of life. I want to be in a place where I experience first-hand what it is like to live in South Africa on a day-to-day basis. I want to learn how they live, what they do, how they are treated, and what their fears, hopes, and dreams are for their children. I want to learn what difference I can make as I am pursuing God’s calling on my life to serve the poor, the unloved, and the misunderstood. I have heard great things about APU’s South Africa study abroad program and I have no doubt that if I were to go there it would be a phenomenal, life-changing experience. I am ready to go beyond my comfort zone, learn new things, and grow.

3.     How will studying in this location/program influence your involvement in service and ministry opportunities?

One aspect of the South Africa program that I truly admire is the fact that approximately one month of the program is spent doing mission work. This is exactly what I want to be doing when I go into ministry as I strongly feel that the Lord is directing me into the mission field. Being in South Africa will not only give me ideas of what to do in my own future ministry, but it will also give me the connections with people and programs that I will want to continue in the future. I am truly passionate about community service, including providing basic needs to those without them as well as sharing God’s love with the world. Growing up I was involved in many food drives. I also volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission (a homeless shelter in my hometown) on numerous occasions. During my senior year of high school I organized and ran my own clothing drive, which was a huge success. During these experiences I recognized within me a passion to serve others, which is why studying abroad in South Africa would be the perfect fit. It would encourage and boost my passion even further to serve others.

4.     What cross-cultural or personal experiences have helped to prepare you for studying in a challenging, new environment? How?

One of the most prominent cross-cultural experiences I have had was when I went to Mexico in November 2011 for a mission trip with APU. Unsurprisingly, I adapted very well to the Mexican culture. Taking three years of Spanish in high school helped me immensely and I was able to communicate with the youth and Mexican people we worked with. I enjoy working in cross-cultural and new environments. Being in Mexico also challenged me on a spiritual and emotional level. I enjoyed this as I push myself to step out of the box of normal, everyday life and try new things.

Another experience that has prepared me to study in a challenging, new environment has been my job as a cabin counselor for 5^th and 6^th graders at the YMCA Camp Collins in Gresham, Oregon this summer. Going into the position I had never been to the camp before. I also did not know any of the staff who were going to be there. The first week we had at camp was Scholarship Week, which brought in youth from troubled, low-income families. It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging weeks I have ever endured. Leading and encouraging a camper with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and another with Asperger’s along with eight other energetic campers challenged my patience, discipleship skills, and leadership skills. As the weeks have gone by, I have continued to grow in these areas and been reassured that I can handle environments that change quickly. With camp schedules and campers changing week-by-week, I have had to be ready for anything at all times.

The personal experience that has most prominently changed my life was the death of my father in February 2009. I was fifteen years old at the time of his passing. He died in an alcohol-related crash and it is an understatement to say that his death changed my life forever. Being thrust into a new way of living (whether I was ready to or not) has shaped me for the better and made me extremely adaptable to change. Although my family was not specifically prepared for the circumstances that were to befall us, we chose to get up and keep moving forward, one day at a time. It was God who helped us to adapt to the change that befell us. I am forever grateful that we had God to be our rock when we needed Him the most. Especially since my father’s death, I have been a huge support to my mom and younger brother, a responsibility that I have taken seriously yet gladly accepted. My brother, for example, needed a male figure to help guide and direct him through all of the choices he has had to make. Although I attend a college that is thousands of miles away from home, I am still very intentional about being emotionally, spiritually, and physically present for my family.

5.     What personal hesitations or difficulties do you anticipate within this study abroad experience?

The thing I fear the most about studying abroad in South Africa is not being with my close friends who have been my accountability partners and a huge support to me during my time at APU. The toughest part about being home in Washington State this summer has been not being physically present with my closest friends, including those who support me spiritually and personally. Having said that, I know that I would develop new friendships and find a new support system while in South Africa. God has taught me to not be fearful of the unknowns in my life because He has already laid out the path before me and He always has my best interests at heart. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 29:11). He has got me covered, as He does each and every one of us.

Another slight hesitation I have about studying abroad in South Africa is the language barrier. I trust that during my time there I would pick up on the language over time and also get the chance to teach English to those who are not yet familiar with it in South Africa. Despite these challenges I am excited for the change and new environment that would challenge me and encourage me to be outside of my comfort zone.

6.     What are your top 5 Strengths from the StrengthsFinder? Pick one and describe how you envision it being used or developed if chosen to be a part of this Study Abroad Program.

My top five strengths from the StrengthsFinder test are input, belief, positivity, restorative, and harmony.

Positivity has been a strength within me that I have noticed very prominently throughout my life, especially since I took the StrengthsFinder test at APU last fall. My ability to stay positive would undoubtedly be challenged and continue to be developed during my time in South Africa. I can imagine that there would be many circumstances that would be foreign to myself as well as those around me such as uncomfortable beds, a lack of showers, or strange food. Other circumstances would be a little more familiar such as academic or relational problems. Although there are times when I do complain and focus on the negative, being in South Africa would challenge me to see the positive in all situations, just as Paul suggests in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT). This is a general goal in life that I keep for myself and I would grow immensely in while in South Africa.

I Thy True Son.

Again and I reminded of the fact that God is my Great Father and that I am His son. If I really sit and think about it, that thought blows me away. First of all, I don't feel even remotely worthy enough to be able to claim that. I don't deserve a Great Father. I don't deserve His goodness, His faithfulness, His love. I really don't. I am constantly turning against Him, choosing my own will and desires over His, yet He chooses to love me anyway. Crazy.

I get this image of a son whose confidence is found in the fact that His father loves him. Is that not so profound? If we knew who our Father was, if we truly knew it and believed it, our lives would look drastically different. It saddens me to see the judgment, pain, and persecution that goes on in this world. God does not look at people for what they have done, what they are doing, or what they will do. He sees them for who they are and loves them as they are. It does mean He approves of the things they do. It simply means that He loves them. This world needs to see that. If you don't know that you're loved, you need to. You need to know that your life has purpose.

Can we quit telling people how to live and start showing them how to live? I can reassure you that actions truly do speak louder than words. And it all begins with your identity. When you know Whose you are, your whole life begins to change, from the inside out.

"I Thy true daughter."
"I Thy true son."

We have a Great Father. Don't forget that.

Matthew 6:33

Shoot. I am in complete amazement at how glorious our God is. He is a miracle worker. He is a healer. He loves us, and cherishes us, and that is all that matters. Only His opinion matters. When we trust in Him, and His love, and let that be our courage, our boldness--He can do amazing things.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

That verse comes from Matthew 6:33, as the title of this blog suggests. Do you know what that means? Do you really know what that means? If you seek God first, if you put Him first in your life, everything else will come together. Life will take care of itself. Your addictions, your problems, your work--it will all come together. It will all work out. It may not be in the sense that may have wanted, but it will work out nonetheless.

When I say that everything will work out and that "life will take care of itself", I do not mean that if you seek God but sit and do nothing that everything will magically come together. Many times (in fact, in most cases) it takes our effort as well. We need to put forth effort to seek God. We need to be the ones who do our (home)work. But in a spiritual sense, everything comes together when we seek the Lord. Trust Him. Have faith in Him.

I promise you--He will never, ever fail you.

That Dark, Broken Place

As I sit here and ponder God's calling for my life, what He's calling me to do, what He's speaking to me right now--I can't help but feel completely uncomfortable. To say I am convicted would be quite the understatement.

When I look inside myself, I can't help but be disgusted. I am extremely selfish, fearful, hypocritical, unloving, undeserving, greedy, lustful, dark, and broken. I don't deserve anything good. I don't deserve God's love. I don't deserve anything worthwhile.

If you've ever thought that I have it all together, think again. I'm just as human as the next guy. Probably more prideful and sinful than the next guy. Nonetheless, God has brought me to a place where He has opened my heart and let me see the insides. Let me tell you--it's pretty filthy in there.

If you've known me for any amount of time, you've probably heard me say how I want to make a change. How I want to help people. Part of me has felt extremely inadequate when it comes to ministry because I haven't grown up living that out. I haven't done a whole lot for my community, I haven't found a need that needs to be addressed, and I haven't given up my own comfort and made many of the sacrifices necessary to follow God's calling on my life.

Being a college student wanting to go into ministry, on many accounts I have had an issue with God's calling me to go to college. After all, there are plenty of people out there who are starving and dying, and they need help now. I know that God calls us into seasons of preparation, but it is still hard to wait. I feel like I have waited long enough and I am beyond ready to go out and serve. But maybe that's why God's called me to attend a university. Not only to prepare me for what He has in store but to teach me patience. After all, He does have quite a sense of humor. Maybe that's it.

When it comes down to it, all we can really do is pursue God with all we've got and hope for the best. I am beyond grateful that we can't do anything within our own power. I am so glad that we need Him, whether we see it or not. Praise God.

For now, here are some verses for you to dwell on:

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." - Matthew 13:44-46

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" - Mark 8:34-37

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10

"After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!' As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him." - Mark 1:14-20

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done...

I'm sorry, but I have to share this. I have to let it all out.

God has been doing some incredible things in my life. I am completely and utterly overjoyed by His Spirit and His goodness.

Let me start with Lent. I have never done Lent before, until this year. As much as I hate cliches, I ended up giving up Facebook... like everyone else. I realized I really needed to deactivate my account when I sat there with my finger over the mouse for five minutes, not wanting to do it. Talk about "You know you're addicted when..."

So I did it. I gave up coffee and soda as well. Not entirely sure why as I wouldn't classify myself as a coffee or soda addict; however, I felt led to do it.

I've heard it said one-too-many times that when you give something up (therefore creating a lacking in your life) you need to take up something else to take its place. So, I have been doing my best to spend more time in the Word and prayer. In all honesty, it's gone all right. It gets difficult to have that quiet time every day with everything that's going on. If you're not a college student you should try it some time. It's crazy.

As I've been seeking God in this lenten season, He has been incredibly faithful. My prayers as of late have been one of two things: "Lord, help me to discern Your voice, however You may be speaking to me. Whether through circumstances, other people, Your Word, or whatever--let me discern your voice..." or "God, open up my eyes to Your Kingdom. Show me where You're at work in my life and in the lives of those around me. Give me the strength to go where You're working and join in alongside of You in Your work."

He has been incredibly faithful to answer both of these prayers. Not only has he led me to a youth ministry that has been challenging and shaping my theology and ecclesiology (i.e. the church and its practices), but my faith has grown immensely. I'm beginning to see the Kingdom all around me again, which is something I've missed. I definitely let go of that last semester. Fortunately, God is bigger than our circumstances and can redeem anything.

My mom's been in the hospital for the last few days due to tonsillitis and some bad side effects from various medications she has been taking. She is supposed to fly down to SoCal this Friday with my little brother to visit my school for the first time. A few people have said to me, "Sorry your mom's not coming," or "It's official, Mom's not gonna be able to come," and that hasn't settled very well within me.

After all, who is our God? I believe that our God is a God of miracles. I believe that our God is a God of the impossible. And I believe, by faith... that my mom will be here on Friday. I've notified many people about the situation and there are a billion and a half people praying for her. The power of prayer... it's incomprehensible. If only we understood its true power, or more so the power of our God. Seriously, think about it. As Francis Chan once said, "Do you know who you're praying to?" Let that sit for a few days.

I'm beyond excited for what's to come: to see my mom healed, to see lives changed, to see God make His will known--words could never express my excitement.

As a challenge to you, in your prayer times, begin to ask God to open up your eyes to the Kingdom. Ask Him to make His will known in your life. Ask for the ability to discern His voice. As you seek Him, He is utterly and completely faithful. And even when you're not, He still is.

Go ahead, give it a shot. I guarantee you--you won't be disappointed.

He provided! Yes, He did...!

Something amazing happened to me today and it totally caught me off guard--but it definitely made my day.

I was in the bookstore at my school and wanted to buy something, but then I remembered that I didn't have a lot of money in my bank account. After getting a haircut yesterday, I should've had $10 in my account. Just to be sure that I didn't have enough money, I texted Chase to figure out my balance. The response I got was that I had $40 in my account. "That can't be right," I thought. So I logged onto my bank account online to check all of my transactions, and sure enough, even after the haircut went through, I had a current balance of $40. Long story short, God gave me an extra $30 out of nowhere. Divine provision? I think so! :)

I've really been stressing about money lately; paying for school, getting a job--it only figures that the tuition at my school is really high and I haven't heard back on a job I applied for for almost two weeks. Aside from praying for God's provision on a daily basis, I specifically prayed for it in Men's Chorale yesterday. So to see God come through like this (even if $30 isn't a lot... it's still more than I had!) has been a huge blessing. Through it all, I can hear Him say,

"Gary. I'm in control. Don't doubt that I can provide, because I can and will. Trust me."

Keep this in mind as you go throughout your daily life. God can provide. And He will.

All you have to do is ask.

Word!

I've always known how impacting God's Word is.

The dumb thing is... I still struggle with reading it on a daily basis.

I go through certain struggles, things get rough--and I wonder why.

I agree that even if you are in the Word, you'll still go through rough times.

The difference is... being in the Word...

...it changes you.

I've been in the Word every day for the last several weeks, and I've seen it radically change my life. Every day is significantly different. Not only does being in the Word change my desires--I begin to desire the things of God over the things of this world--but it gives me a clear lens through which to see the world. It clears my head, gives me a better picture of who I am in God, who He is, and what He's calling me to do.

Here's a challenge for you: if you've been struggling with being in the Word, begin in the Psalms. Even if it's one a day, I guarantee you that you'll begin to notice significant changes in your life.

God's Word: powerful. Life-changing. Impacting.

Give it a shot.

And see what He does in your life, others' lives, and the world around you.