Love Is Moving Issue 17 - SEP/OCT 2016 by Love Is Moving

ISSUE 17 SEP/OCT 2016

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ALL HOMELESS

JESSE HOVE PA G E 9

REAL TALK NATHAN WHITE P A G E 11

SHELTER

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT LAURA BRONSON PA G E 1 3

WARDROBE CAPSULE PA G E 2 0

BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST PA G E 2 7

contentS Words From The Co-Founders/Editor

O Me! O Life! Strength for Today

Ryan in The Woods

We’re Not That Important Thoughts On The Upside Down Kingdom

Dying To Live

God’s Love Over Suffering

We Are All Homeless

Meet Them Where They’re At

Real Talk 11 Gospel Humility > Humility Echoes of Love

Artist Spotlight Laura Bronson

No Passport Required On Mission With Compassion Canada

Because You Love Me

LIM Study & Journal

Trinity Fashion 20 Capsule Wardrobe. Part 1 of 2 Fresh Ink Awards

Youth Group Spotlight The Campus Church Aurora

The Power of Prayer

#loveismoving 26 LIM Instagram Highlights Back-to-School Checklist

Reaching the Outsiders

Being a Christian in High School

Ten Commandments for a First-Year University or College Christian Student

Always On The Netflix Revolution

Words from the

Our small part in these national awards was to sponsor the Fresh Ink category for student writers (page 20). As an organization, we have been developing some very exciting partnerships with some of Canada’s most influential ministry leaders and organizations. It’s so exciting how God is speaking to so many individuals about the importance of uniting the Church by putting God’s love into action and sharing testimonies of lives that He has notably changed.

The adventures don’t have to stop once the summer is over either. The fall is a great time to get some of your youth group friends together and do things for your community. This issue we have introduced a new section, Youth Group Spotlight, where a youth group will be featured showcasing what they have done in their community to keep God’s love moving. This autumn is a great time to offer to pick up an elderly neighbour’s leaves, or get a group together and make sandwiches to take to a homeless, youth or women’s shelter in your area. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to take some pictures and send them to info@loveismoving.ca for a chance to be highlighted in our November/December 2016 issue.

If you’re a part of an organization (or know of one) that you think we should partner with, or if you know of a young person who has a moving testimony, email us at info@loveismoving.ca and we’ll make sure to connect with them. If you’re a youth leader and would like to know more about how to put God’s love into action in your community with your youth group, check out http://lovemovement.org/app/.

Did you take any beautiful, unique, or artistic pictures this summer? Send your favourite pictures along with your name and where the picture was taken to info@loveismoving.ca to enter the photography contest this November and get your photos featured in the next issue.

Join the movement by sharing how God is moving in and through you – and tell us about it. Please continue to keep Love Is Moving in your prayers as we continue to reach out to young people and youth ministries across Canada.

We would like to wish all of the students returning to school a very successful and enjoyable year.

Benjamin Porter & Joel Gordon Co-Founders

ART DIRECTOR MARK STEWART

SENIOR EDITOR CRILEIDY LIRIANO

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER BENJAMIN PORTER

Crileidy Liriano Senior Editor

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER JOEL GORDON

We hope you had an enjoyable summer with your friends and family. Although it seems like the summer flew by, we believe that the fun doesn’t have to stop in August. One of the best privileges of being a Christian is knowing that having Jesus Christ in our lives means that we have access to joy, peace, strength, excitement and a sound mind 24/7.

EDITOR

CO-FOUNDERS

It’s always exciting and encouraging to meet young, talented writers who want to use their passion to further God’s kingdom. We met more of them this past June at The Word Awards in Toronto.

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O ME! O LIFE! STRENGTH FOR TODAY If you’re feeling lost, confused, unsure of yourself or uncertain of your future, despair is not the only option. Although we rarely know for sure how a situation will turn out, when you find yourself in a time of suffering it can often seem like you will feel that way forever. In these moments it’s very tempting to stay feeling anguished, hopeless and discouraged. But if we’re patient and remember that feelings are temporary, suffering will pass by like storm clouds and the sun will shine down again. In the midst of our low there is always hope in Jesus who gives you the strength to overcome anything in His name. “Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt.” —Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring What’s Josh’s favourite Bible verse? Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.

Josh Lewis

Described as gentle, considerate, and bold Josh Lewis (comic) Layton Diament /unsplash.com

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RYAN IN THE WOODS Ryan loved water. That Christmas when I worked with him he would take my hand and pull me out the institution door down through the forest to where the river ran. It was December in Toronto and the dirty woods were grim, but there was nothing else he wanted from his long blank day. Ryan was blind and needed hands to guide him there. He was laughing as I led him down the narrow path through the ruined city woods by the highway, the haunt of prostitutes down by the addict’s Humber. He held my hand and followed me down to the river, roaring brown with winter rain, and he stood there and forgot me and listened to it roar, at last. When it grew cold we turned to go back up through the forest to the institution,

brick red upon the hill to lunch, and a bath, and Barney, though I could not tell him so. So we were halfway home when Ryan turned on me, inner tides reversing, inner weather growing grim, his laughter ceasing, turning over into rage. His face a wordless curse, he began to scratch with ragged nails, to strike with foot and fist at the one who led him, through what he couldn’t see. So I pull Ryan through the woods, threading the narrow path as he spits and strikes at me; he is being led to the doors of warmth and safety that he cannot see. And I can’t be angry and I can’t be surprised for daily I am blind and daily I rage and daily I wound the Hand that leads me.

What’s Mike’s favourite Bible verse? Psalm 84:2-3 My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young— Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.

Mike Bonikowsky

Described as introvert, oversensitive. and over thinker Kaleb Dortono / unsplash.com

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We’re Not That Important THOUGHTS ON THE UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM

id God really mean it when He said, “The last shall be first”? Did He recognize the implications this would have for our daily lives? It seems to be a concept based in childish naiveté, this “Upside-Down Kingdom” that we sang about in Sunday school. When we hear the phrase “The first shall be last” today, it’s usually said by the sore loser of a game or someone at the back of a long line. These principles that Jesus emphasized during His ministry seem to have no bearing on how the world really works for us in daily life today. How are they relevant to middle-class folks who hold financial responsibility in highest regard? Selfish ambition, on the other hand, is a natural tendency that we understand. We see it immediately when we walk into any daycare. Underneath the adorable faces and lighthearted giggling, there’s a spirit of unquenchable selfishness. Just watch what happens when a second cookie is withheld, the pushing and shoving when a toy is taken, and the general quest for dominance in each little bundle of joy. The selfless way of life described by Jesus is the opposite of the self-made man that is encouraged and celebrated by our society. In the wise words of Mr. Wachob, “Individualism and autonomy are some of the most dangerous principles that hinder the Christian life.” When Jesus’ message runs perpendicular to the message of our culture, it’s easy to let it get drowned out. Although personal ambition can spur us forward to working efficiently for God’s calling on our lives, there is a delicate tipping point where what was positive momentum turns to an imbalanced regard of our own personal success.

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I was faced with this in my own life. I came to realize that my artistic, academic and literary pursuits (which I told myself were for the sake of God) were inflating my self-image and setting up a split between my success and the well-being of others. It took cutting words from a trusted friend to wake me from my self-engrossed reverie. Without realizing, I had begun to view others’ needs and desires as secondary to my own, only requiring a response if it was convenient for me – if I wasn’t busy writing an article about the Kingdom of God. The hypocrisy was glaring. I share this because it allowed me to realize the subtle ways we so easily stray from the central message of the gospel, to love God and love our neighbour. By losing our life we find it; by putting other’s needs before our own, we live in the reality that our transient earthly experience is not our highest concern. Helen Keller once said, “Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others.” Don’t miss out on the glory and gift that God has offered us to find our lives in Him by living our life with a loose grip, so that we are ready to embrace others. What’s Conor’s favourite Bible verse? 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

Conor Sweetman

Described as amiable, artistic, and chill Keghan Crossland/ unsplash.com

DYING TO live No one likes being last. It means standing on your tiptoes and straining your neck for a decent view, or getting dirt in your eyes from everyone climbing the ladder ahead of you. It could mean crossing the finish line hours after everyone else, with only your mother there to cheer you on. It can be inconvenient and feel humiliating. In spite of that, you do not have to read the Bible for very long before noticing a major theme: deny thyself. Every story, poem, parable and letter bound in this Book whisper, Deny thyself. I suspect this is the reason the Bible is excluded from the New York Times Best Sellers list and has never been decorated with an Oprah’s Book Club sticker. The rejection of all things “I” is daringly countercultural. “You are the most important person in your life,” society insists. “Never help others if it hurts yourself.” Indeed, it’is easy to see how a belief system that doesn’t put self first, but dead last, is strikingly unpopular. God calls us to not only shift “self” down a couple slots on the priority list, but erase it entirely.

And so we begrudgingly assume our spot at the back of the line. We grit our teeth and play the Good Samaritan, wash our brother’s feet and avoid mirrors lest we fail at forgetting about ourselves. Yet in our attempt to love others, instead we often make the mistake of simply hating ourselves. We understand our role in bringing light to others, all the while insisting upon the necessity of the dark cloud, which looms above our own heads. Somehow, we have misinterpreted God’s call to selflessness as a punishment for sin rather than a privilege allowed by His grace. Not only is it tragic, but this misconception is also harmful to the Christian walk. If our own self-denial is seen as a chore and a punishment, we will

view Jesus’ act of self-denial on the cross as a chore and punishment, rather than a display of passionate love. In Matthew 16:25 Jesus states that, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This is not an appeal to a life of empty misery, but rather a loving call to perfection. Denying ourselves does not mean losing our sense of identity or self-esteem; instead it is the means through which we achieve our true identity and esteem. Beautiful is the paradox that life can only be found once it has first been lost, and wondrous is the promise that in stooping to lift others, we also rise. What’s Katrina’s favourite Bible verse?

“ WE GRIT OUR TEETH AND PLAY THE GOOD SAMARITAN”

Romans 11:36 For from Him and to Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Katrina Martin

Described as peace seeker, resilient, and human Volkan Olmez/ unsplash.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 7

GOD’S LOVE OVER SUFFERING No matter where you go in the world, suffering surrounds you. It has the ability to take form emotionally, physically or mentally, and at various magnitudes. How do you respond to suffering in your own life? Reflect on that question for a moment. The greatest action we’re called to is love – to love God and to love other people. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:38-48, “When you love without limits, you are like God.” It’s a breathtaking statement, isn't it? Responding to that simple call can be surprisingly difficult. In this world where people often don’t seem loveable, and caring actions seem to demand too much time and energy, you may think of many great excuses for limiting your love or placing conditions on it. Jesus tells us that the world is our neighbourhood and everyone in it is our neighbour – everyone. God’s love is limitless. In His heart there is room for every colour and every culture. There is no favouritism over rich or poor, no bias over young or old, or no partiality of male over female. In His heart there are no front row seats reserved only for the affluent and well dressed. Every seat is a front row seat where those with torn clothes sit side by side with those in tailored suits, where those with dirty faces commune with those bathed in the world’s precious oils, and those whose pockets are empty are treated as brothers and sisters by those whose purses overflow. Just like how it is in His heart is how it must be in God’s family – in you and me. God’s voice declares, “This is my child.” There is something about this radically generous love towards each individual that is so different from the way the world loves. It is both an expression and picture of the gospel. Life isn’t meant to be lived in suffering. Decide today that you’ll choose to love others who are suffering and that you will accept Jesus’ limitless love in your life when you experience suffering for yourself. With God’s love you can be a conduit of peace and an agent of hope. While doing so, as you love others, you are receiving God’s love and hope as well. What’s Candace’s favourite Bible verse? Psalm 37:10-11 ESV In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Candace Maxymowich

Described as peace seeker, resilient, and human Abigail Keenan / unsplash.com

Identity, Image, and WE ARE ALL Instagram HOMELESS W

hen we think of homelessness, we think of folks living on the streets, people with little options for reasonable shelter. This type of homelessness is visible and apparent. It’s not hiding behind closed doors, it’s right in front of us.

But the 2009 movie Up in the Air alters our traditional definition of what it means to be homeless. The main character, Ryan Bingham (played by George Clooney), is wealthy, stays in fancy hotels and eats well. But Ryan has no real home. His apartment is rarely ever used. Ryan spends his life flying all over America from one company to another doing the arduous task of firing people who need to be let go. He keeps himself disconnected from family, friends and any other potential loved one. This is the homelessness of this rich man. He is being driven by a desire for wealth, the consumption of worldly success. He forgets what’s needed to make a human whole. Although this is not the type of homelessness that often comes to mind, those of us living in the middle- and upper class hide behind our houses, vacations and appearance of the good life as we suffer with rampant divorce, broken families and subtle forms of emotional and physical abuse. The man or woman living on the street

does not have that luxury. Their brokenness is on display for the world to see.

things has passed away” (Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 25:8, 65:17).

Spending time with people on the street and learning from them helps us become more vulnerable. It also helps us better understand how similar we are. There are few interests, hobbies and passions I have not seen embodied in a homeless person. Homeless people are poets, athletes and artists. They are taxi drivers, professors and music teachers. They are devout Christians, Muslims and atheists.

So, in order to avoid emotional eviction and experience spiritual homelessness, as Psalm 127:1 warns us, we must allow God to build our house. He needs to be involved in raising our families, in our careers and our relationships, otherwise we can expect only disappointments.

I bring this to our attention because too often we frame the terrible nature of street living with an “other” mentality. But in reality there is no worldview or profession that homelessness cannot touch. This is important to remember as we work toward more empathetic forms of engagement and work against the patronizing sympathy we so often see on the streets. In the end the only one who can heal and transform our universal brokenness and homelessness is Jesus Christ. Revelation 21 describes our true home as one where God comes down and dwells “among the people.” In our true home God will merge the new heaven and new earth together and “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain, for the old order of

What’s Jesse’s favourite Bible verse? Colossians 1:15-20 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.

Jesse Hove Wil Stewart / unsplash.com

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magine you have a friend who has changed recently. You likely wonder what’s wrong –What are they feeling? How can you help? It’s easy to make mistakes such as offering irrelevant advice or asking others about your friend rather than asking your friend directly. It’s happened to me before. When I was hurting, I didn’t need to have head knowledge that people cared. I needed people to offer me an Epsom Salt bath and a bed to take a nap in. I needed people to listen to me and let me use their stove. I needed people to hear me, hug me, tuck the hair behind my ear and say “That’s not true.” Most of all, I needed Jesus. Thankfully, God’s love was made known to me through the actions of love my friends showed me when they met me in my pain. Here are five starting places on how to love and help your friends when they’re hurting: 1. Fix your eyes on Jesus The book of Ezekiel recounts over 30 terrible happenings that end in “…then you will know that I am Lord.” Your friend’s story is bigger than what you see, but remind him or her when you fix your eyes on God and know He is Lord, nothing is impossible to overcome through Christ Jesus.

if it is an authentic move of compassion. How much of your motivation is fishing for details, normal human curiosity? We appear compassionate when we feel we have to understand. It’s our way of “loving more effectively.” However, ask yourself why do you want to understand them? If you’re not able to be there for someone without knowing all the details, you may want to check your intentions. Just being there for your friend is way more important. 4. Listen and be okay with silence (or venting) Sometimes people need to rant, and sometimes not. Be prepared to listen. Ask the Lord to be your strength and He will energize you to listen intently. Ask the Spirit to lead you, and act on that. He may even strengthen you to speak courageously. Or your friend may not need to talk. Maybe they need space, or need to be with someone and sit. Job’s three friends sat on the ground with him “for seven days and nights” in silence because “they saw his suffering was too great for words” (Job 2:13). 5. Think first If you do choose to speak, think first. Speak only “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29). Remember that sometimes a good intention can be expressed in a harmful or hurtful way. Seek God for help and strength before speaking.

2. You don’t have to do anything

What’s Josee’s favourite Bible verse?

Sometimes the best thing to do for someone is to be still and let them know you are there without saying much at all.

Ephesians 6:12 (AMP)

3. Let go Let go of needing to know. When you’re thinking, “I need to call her and ask how she is, so that I can pray for her,” ask yourself

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

Josee Foster Cole Hutson / unsplash.com

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Real Talk

with NATHAN WHITE

GOSPEL HUMILITY > HUMILITY In his book Mere Christianity, British novelist and poet C. S. Lewis writes: If we were to meet a truly humble person, we would never come away from meeting them thinking they were humble. They would not be always telling us they were a nobody (because a person who keeps saying they are a nobody is actually a self-obsessed person). The thing we would remember … is how much they seemed totally interested in us. Because the essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or … less of myself, it is thinking of myself less. Do you ever get stuck in one of those conversations or situations with people who, no matter what you say, always find a way to make it about them? In fact, chances are you’ve come across one of those conversations or situations this week! It could be that you do that from time to time as well. The reality is that we all at one point or another want things to be about us, because we want to feel important, desired, valued or noticed. The day Sarah and I got married was the moment I realized my own incredible selfishness. One of her bridesmaids came with her boyfriend to the wedding, and between the ceremony and reception the two decided that was the right time to break up. Can you imagine the tears?

After the dancing we were getting ready to head out to our honeymoon. All packed and ready to go and I couldn’t find my new wife anywhere! She was downstairs with her crying friend. At that moment, Sarah was being a selfless, humble and wonderful person, postponing what was supposed to be her biggest day to tend to the needs of her friend. I walked down and took a different approach. As I came near the obviously tearful situation, I opened my mouth and said something like, “I get that you’re upset, but I’m taking my wife now.” How rude and selfish of me. You don’t have to wait until your wedding day to experience selfishness. It’s pretty easy to be selfish now-a-days without even realizing it, since everything is personalized and built to suit all of your needs at all times exactly how you want it! When your phone vibrates giving you personal notifications, the person you’re conversing with can quickly become secondary, as it’s important to check what’s being liked or commented about you. Although it’s getting harder to put down the phone to have genuine selfless encounters with people, that doesn’t mean that God’s call on our lives has changed. He still calls us to live out Philippians 2:3-4: “Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in

humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well” (NET). Position yourself in alignment with the heart and call of God. Challenge yourself daily to reach out to someone who may need a friend, or show someone that you genuinely care about him or her. It may only take asking how they are doing? Or spend a few hours hanging out and talking. I encourage you to walk in selflessness and humility. It’s not easy, and it will take some effort and trial and error, but it will get a lot easier. What’s Nathan’s favourite Bible verse? Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Nathan and Sarah White Seth Doyle/ unsplash.com

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ECHOS OF Love What is this that helps mankind? Kind Don’t you want your own feelings, your own desires over your brothers? Others What if past pain, hurt or even sin is discovered? Covered You are the hands holding cups to those thirsty in hospital beds, swilling. Willing You are the lips that kiss tears tentatively, like a humblebee. Humble You are families – knit perfectly together – despite troubles from ourselves. Selfless You are love in every aspect. Yes! You are the example Jesus set. You are Selflessness! What’s Melanie’s favourite Bible verse? John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Melanie Kilsby

Described as sweet, creative, and diligent Stephan Kunze / unsplash.com

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

LAURA BRONSON

ith a ministry called Keep It Real, I travel all across Canada and the world speaking, skateboarding and painting graffiti. My passion for graffiti has grown more in the past few years. I love to paint on walls, t-shirts, and hats. I visit schools, camps, skate parks, youth groups and drop-in centres sharing the message of Keeping It Real: celebrating the person God created you to be. I partner with Youth For Christ as a missionary to Canada and… I’m really hyper!

IG:

@laura_bronson

@keepitreal_crew SITE: www.ikeepitreal.ca

This graffiti picture of “Love” was painted in Chicago at a church called, "Jesus People USA". Cam from San Francisco did the bird and my friend, Milt from Chicago did the character on the right. We’re in a crew called Gospel Graffiti with other artists from around the world. www.ggcrew.org

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NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

elcome to On Mission with Compassion Canada where you’ll hear stories about youth like you and me who are discovering their role in God’s story of redemption for the brokenness in our world, and taking action through the ministry of Compassion Canada. I hope these stories inspire you to do the same and encourage you along your journey.

JON’S STORY FINDING THE SOLUTION Jon is a 16-year-old from Pickering, Ont.,who manages to sponsor a needy child overseas despite not having a parttime job. He simply sets aside allowance, birthday and Christmas money to make it work. “I just make sure I keep sufficient money aside in order to have enough to sponsor my Compassion child, because it’s something that’s important to me,” says Jon. “I don’t worry about missing the money, because the level of importance of sponsoring a Compassion child to me is greater than going to the movies, going out for lunch or other things like that.” Jon is one of the top speed-cubers in the country and can consistently solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than nine seconds. It definitely garners a lot of attention, but Jon pushes the spotlight away from himself as much as possible and uses his platform to tell people about Compassion’s 14 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

On mission with Compassion Canada ministry. He sports his Compassion t-shirt or hoodie at all of his Rubik’s Cube competitions and in all of his YouTube videos on his channel, Genius4JesusCubing. “A lot of people use cubing to promote something they’re passionate about,” often by wearing gear emblazoned with various logos, he explains. “I originally started wearing the Compassion shirt because I thought it would be a good way to represent Jesus, but I’ve found it’s also a good way to represent Compassion and their work, which in itself represents Him. It generates a lot of great conversations with people about Christianity and about Compassion, and what it means to help free children from poverty.” During family vacations to Compassion field countries, Jon has seen first-hand how the ministry of Compassion works. “It was really cool to see how much focus they have on Jesus [at the Compassion Centre]. A lot of [the Compassion kids] know more about the Bible than me!” On his most recent trip to the Philippines in July 2014, Jon was able to meet the child he sponsors, J.D. What struck him the most was how appreciative J.D.’s family was of his sponsorship. “But at the same time,” Jon says, “I was appreciating how much J.D. has done for me in humbling me and helping me see that there’s more than just having more money in my bank account.”

His encouragement to fellow teens who want to do something in the fight against poverty? “Just look at your own life and how you’ve been blessed, then look at the world around you and see how much suffering there is, and then listen to the call of God to help people.” “Then, go sponsor a Compassion kid!” he adds with a smile. After all, he does believe he’s found an effective solution to poverty in Compassion’s Christ-centred approach. And really, who are we to argue with one of Canada’s top speed-cubers when it comes to finding effective solutions? See Jon solve the Rubik’s Cube at: www.YouTube.com/Genius4JesusCubing

What’s Alyssa’s favourite Bible verse? Isaiah 61:1-4, which includes these lines: …the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.

Alyssa Esparaz

Described as compassionate, talkative & happy Wikimedia Commons

BeCAUSE YOU LOVE ME

ne of our deepest desires is to be loved for who we truly are, inside and out. Although we all want love, sometimes we deny ourselves the opportunity and pleasure to let others love us. Why? That’s a question that requires deep introspection. However, at the base of it is one of our greatest enemies – fear. Because, let’s face it, love is risky.

At first glance many of us would not consider ourselves difficult to love, as long as others colour within the lines of our definition of love. But I would argue everyone at some point has been difficult to love. Perhaps it’s because we’re afraid to fully expose who we are, have un-healed hurts from someone who loved us, or simply don’t know how to accept love. As I grow older I am beginning to see the fault lines that run deep within my heart. To let love triumph over the fear of being hurt again is an ongoing battle. I wish I could give you a how-to guide on loving people who are difficult to love. But all you’ll find here are the confessions of a fellow difficult-to-love young woman hoping to provide some insight and encouragement.

I have often asked myself, Why do I find it so challenging to let people in? I have narrowed the answer down to consistency. Life has thrown me many curve balls that have wounded me, and in those moments all I wanted more than anything was someone to hold me long enough to make the bleeding stop. Someone experiencing that kind of pain will test your patience, resilience and the merit of your words. It takes a supernatural type of love to make broken pieces whole again.

you have turned your back towards Him, forgotten about Him or gone against His desires for your life (knowingly or unknowingly). He instead chooses to wholeheartedly forgive you and embrace you regardless of who you are or what you have done. It’s these characteristics that are important to remember when our family members or friends make it nearly impossible to be Christ-like, to love them. In the most difficult moments, choose to love and accept them just as Christ has loved and accepted you and me.

Recently, one of my favourite things to do is watch vlogs. One episode showed a toddler saying to his dad, “I love you, okay!” His dad automatically responded, “I love you too!” What’s Jamila’s favourite Bible verse? In typical toddler fashion, the toddler then asked “Why?” His father turned the question John 3:16 around and asked, “Why do you love me?” “For God so loved the World that he gave His The toddler responded, “Because you love only begotten son that whosoever would me.” Immediately 1 John 4:19 came to mind believe in Him shall not perish but have – just as the toddler responded, “We love Him everlasting life.” because He first loved us.” Love can be a difficult concept to understand and to demonstrate when you have been hurt by it. When someone seems difficult to love, remember the moments when it could be difficult for God to choose to love you when

Jamila Holder kazuend/ unsplash.com

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TAKE ACTION SAMPLE STUDY & JOURNAL

FOR GROUPS OR PERSONAL REFLECTION Love is Moving Study Guide & Journal is designed to revive a biblical understanding and expression of love. This resource tool empowers small groups to grow in their love for God and their love for others. Journey with others across the nation and explore God’s love by building relationships, engaging in mission and committing to reflecting the love of Jesus in everyday life.

PART 4

PUTTING LOVE INTO ACTION

As you prepare to learn more about what love is, remember to pray and ask God to lead you closer to him and deeper in his truths.

QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT

Always be ready for opportunities to share your journey of faith with others. God, in His great love for us, asks us to join His cause in sharing His love towards anyone who needs it, is having a bad day or is suffering from any sort of pain. He wants you to care for those in need. Try to find moments with those you interact with everyday to put your love into action. Remember He is with you and He loves you. HERE’S A SAMPLE OF THE SMALL GROUP RESOURCE WE’RE DEVELOPING. THERE ARE 6 PARTS IN THE ENTIRE RESOURCE. COLLECT ALL 6 ISSUES OF LIM IN 2016 TO PREVIEW SOME OF THE TAKE ACTION APP CONTENT.

Use #loveismoving to share what you have learned.

We hope that by doing the Love Movement Take Action Video series you will grow deeper in your understanding of God’s love through the learning, action components, ongoing reflection, and by sharing and journaling. The next time you hear the word love remember that God is Love. God loves us and commands us to love Him and to love others as we love ourselves. What are some words that you now associate with love?

HELPFUL TIPS TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE Sharing your personal journey with God to others is an excellent and encouraging way to demonstrate God’s love towards you. Here are a few tips to help you share your journey with others:

1 Pray for God to give you the words 2 Write or record a video and upload

yourself sharing your testimony to social media

3 Always give God the glory as you build

What are three verses that have stood out to you so far and that you could use in your video testimony?

16 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

relationships and the light shines through you

Quick Review God loved us first. (1 John 4:19) Here are some key concepts we've learned so far: Love is an attribute of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character. (1 John 4:8) Love exists in relationship with God, others and the self. (Matthew 22) We are commanded to love God and others. (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:36-40) Having love is the foundation for serving God. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) We know what love is by knowing that Jesus laid down His life for us. (1 John 3:16) Love is shown through sacrifice, giving, putting others first, relationship building, and taking action.

1 COR. 13:1-3

If I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love others, I would gain nothing.

TAKE ACTION Think of a way that you can care for someone without gaining anything in return. once you have an idea of what you could do, be intentional in carrying this out.

JO UR NA L E NTR Y

DAY 29

JOURNAL WEEK 5

Use #loveismoving to share ideas for putting God's love in action.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 17

DAY 31 DAY 30

1 COR. 13:4

DAY 32

Have you ever been impatient with someone? Maybe a sibling, a parent or guardian? Next time you feel like you want to argue with them or ignore them, take a moment and hear them out. Practice being patient and taking the time to care for what they are trying to share with you.

J O U R N AL E NTR Y

Love is patient and kind.

TAKE ACTION

ROM 15:1-2

TAKE ACTION To live Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love is to live being mindful of others. As you build deeper relationships with your family, friends, and people you recently have met, be intentional in finding specific and meaningful ways that will encourage them.

J O U R N A L E NT R Y

Help others do what is right.

ACTS 20:35

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

TAKE ACTION Spend time getting to know your friends at a deeper level. As you get to know them more, try to give them a small gift to show your appreciation towards them and that may encourage them.

Use #loveismoving to share ideas for putting God's love in action. 18 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

J O U R N A L E NT R Y

Think of someone who may need some support. This could be someone in your school who is being bullied, or someone you know who is having a difficult time at home. Pray for God to reveal this person to you, and pray for them whenever you think about them or see them next.

JO U R N AL E NTR Y

Speak up for others.

PHIL. 4:14

TAKE ACTION

You can do anything through Christ.

As you strive to truly care for others, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imperative to remember your strength need to come from God, not yourself. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impossible to do it on your own. Ask God to give you the strength you need to love others.

J O U R N A L E NT R Y

DAY 35 DAY 34 DAY 33

TAKE ACTION

PROV. 31:8

MATT. 5:40-42

TAKE ACTION

Give to those who ask.

JOU R NA L E NTR Y

We are called not to ignore those who need help. Living out love means being willing to truly help and care for others. Who can you show a caring gesture to or a kind thought with today?

Use #loveismoving to share ideas for putting God's love in action.

$0/free

$1-5

$5-10

$10-15

Jessie’s current capsule wardrobe divided into price ranges.

Trinity Fashion

CAPSULE WARDROBE Part 1 of 2 BY JESSIE PAUL

14 MONTHS AGO I came across the concept of capsule wardrobes and fell in love! It was a eureka moment that gave definition to a desire I had for less. I had already started simplifying our home drawer by drawer, corner by corner (which was all I had time for!) and after a year we were really starting to enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, more minimalist home. Neither of us had a lot in the way of clothes but, as all closets go, there were certainly opportunities to pare down. Coming across the idea of a simply and cleverly put-together wardrobe gave further clarity to my longings and I’m thankful for the inspiration! With four capsule wardrobes under my belt and many people asking if I am still capsule-wardrobing (new verb!) I thought I’d share how it’s going and my thoughts/ motivation behind it. Here’s a photo of my first-ever-capsule wardrobe and answers

20 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

to some frequently asked questions below. I’ve also written a part two to this article that I’ll share next issue outlining some of my personal motivations behind having less and the global, environmental and spiritual benefits I’ve noticed as a result. What is a capsule wardrobe? A capsule wardrobe is having a set number of clothes for a season. My capsule wardrobes range from 25-30 pieces including pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets, dresses, shoes, etc. What it doesn’t include is exercise clothes, swim-wear and pajamas. How often do you do a capsule? I make two capsules a year. One for spring/ summer and another for fall/winter. Some of my clothes carry into both capsules (e.g., jeans).

second hand

new

Jessie’s current capsule wardrobe divided into second hand finds and new purchases.

What are some of the challenges and do you ever run out of clothes?! Haha, this is my favourite question and, yes, I did run out of shirts to wear last summer. Everyone’s life is unique with their own rhythms/commitments, etc. For me one thing that makes capsule-wardrobing easier is the fact that I’m a nurse and have the best uniform on the planet: scrubs (#supercomfortable, #nothoughtrequired)! Thus, I don’t wear my regular clothes about one-third of the time. Do you get bored of your clothes? When I was a kid my resourceful Mom used to rotate our toys. She would quietly hide away some of our toys for a month and then suddenly they would reappear! As kids we were so excited to see our toys we hadn’t seen in a while - they felt brand new! This is what rotating between two

wardrobes feels like. When winter came I felt like I had gone on a big shopping spree while I unpacked clothes and boots I hadn’t seen for months - except I hadn’t spent a cent! I find it’s a creative way to fill the craving that I have for something new. That being said the only capsule I felt bored with was my capsule while we were travelling because I was wearing the same clothes over and over again.

as I added up how much I spent on each item I realized my entire capsule is $100! Where do you get your clothes? I get my clothes from hand-me-downs, clothes-swaps with friends, second-hand stores and when I buy new I basically only buy things on mega-sale. Republished from: jessiepaul.tumblr.com

How much do you spend on your wardrobe? One of my motivations for having a capsule wardrobe is spending less on myself so I can give more to others in need. As I’ve simplified my wardrobe, I’ve started to be more picky about how much I spend on each item. Recently, I was looking at my current wardrobe and realized my most expensive item was only $15. In fact

Jessie Paul Jessie Paul SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 21

HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS: Love Is Moving’s Benjamin Porter with Anna-Marina Giurin (runner up—short story), Heather Shore (runner up—first three chapters), Lindsay Evans (grand prize winner—poem) and Love Is Moving’s Joel Gordon.

FRESH INK AWARDS HIGH SCHOOL GRAND WINNER (POEM) FOREVER LOVE BY LINDSAY EVANS Her eyes, although dark, hold so much light.

I can’t bring her down

I don’t have anymore worry or fear;

She doesn’t know just how much she means to me

I can’t kill the only beauty I’ve found

because he glows

She goes through the sky like a firework

More than he even knows

And when I try to fly I always fall

He’s like lightning;

She has no worries at all

So beautiful but dangerous, I can’t capture him

I’d protect her, if I could If only she could see The way she glows when she dances like a wildfire and it fills me with fear That radiant smile on her face that represents all the beautiful innocence left here She doesn’t think she’s good enough but the truth is; she’s too good, I know I can’t put her through this Right now, she’s flying; up in the atmosphere, one thousand metres above 22 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

It’s hard when something you can never reach holds all of your love When I look into his eyes, I see my reflection but it’s not a normal image of myself I see myself as a princess at her coronation I don’t know what he sees in me He radiates all possible strength and beauty He takes away every bad thought when he’s near

He’s up in the atmosphere And never comes to the same place when he’s down here I know how he sees me, I can tell He believes that I’m one thousand metres above Because, a long time ago he fell It’s hard when something you can never reach holds all of your love

YOUTH GROUP SPOTLIGHT

THE CAMPUS CHURCH AURORA Aurora, Ontario

In April, The Campus Church Aurora’s youth group designated a Friday night to highlight how to keep love moving in their community as part of their church-wide, weekend-long mission event. Youth leader Sandra Heemsterk led the zealous group of young people in understanding that God’s love is not only revealed between family members and friends, it also involves showing kindness to others in the community, including those in need. The youth got to learn various ways how they could get involved by personally helping their community through individual actions or by joining different mission organizations. The night got kicked started with praise and worship with the youth band led by Pastor Zack and Amber Bowman. Following praise and worship, the youth group separated into groups and played some games.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD DEWEY

Is your youth group demonstrating God’s love in your community? Send us an e-mail at info@loveismoving.ca and tell us what you and your youth group are doing to show others God’s love in your community for a chance to be highlighted in the next issue of Love Is Moving.

Chad Dewey Chad Dewey SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 23

THE POWER OF

·PR AY· ·ER BY SHAWN LAVIE

hen you pray, it’s not about spending endless hours confessing your sins or asking for everything you want. Prayer can happen at any time of the day and take many different forms, a time when you communicate and fellowship with God.

When you start a new relationship, you spend time with one another conversing, listening and getting to know each other’s characteristics. And that’s exactly what prayer is. It’s our form of communication with God where we get to know, talk and listen to each other. Here are three different types of prayers and a few things to remember next time you spend time with God.

1. PRAYERS OF WORSHIP It was during the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus taught us to pray the Our Father prayer. This prayer contains four affirmations of worship and three requests. 1. God is our Father and He is in heaven 2. God’s name is hallowed (blessed, sacred) 3. God’s Kingdom is coming 4. God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven 5. We request daily bread 6. We request our debts to be forgiven as we also forgive our debtors

24 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

7. And lastly, we request to be delivered from evil (or in later manuscripts “the evil one”) The Lord’s Prayer is powerful. In fact, prayer overall is so powerful that in Revelation 5 and 8 we read that our prayers are collected in golden bowls, mixed with incense and presented to God at the altar of His throne. Our prayers are so important to God’s plan that they are used in one of the last acts of God during the culmination of the end times. Our prayers are a pleasant fragrance to God. So, ponder that the next time you think your prayers are going unanswered or are unimportant. You may worry you don’t have anything to say in prayer – well, God has an answer for that as well. We are taught in Romans 8:26 that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, searches our hearts and hears our groaning. So don’t fret, and be mindful that your prayer life is still active as a believer because the Holy Spirit takes care of that for us when needed.

2. PRAYERS OF REQUEST In Mark 11:24 (“whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”) and Matthew 7:7 (“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”) a picture is clearly painted for us. Believing in the power of our

prayers and the power of our almighty God to answer them is crucial for the understanding of how our prayers are answered. In Matthew 8:5–13 we read about the centurion who asks Jesus to heal his suffering servant. The lessons here are: a) the centurion acknowledges God’s authority. He understands God’s role. b) He expresses a tremendous amount of faith in Jesus – an amount that shocked and impressed even Jesus! This is a powerful story for us to gain wisdom and insight on prayer. The centurion believed with all his heart that Jesus only had to say the words and his servant would be healed. It was his faith that granted his servant healing. So when we ask for something in prayer, whether it be healing, knowledge or success, we must believe that our almighty omnipotent God has the power to do so.

a unique amount of beauty contained within this type of selflessness in prayer. Submitting ourselves and laying our trouble at the feet of the Cross and asking God for help is a humbling experience.

3. PRAYER FOR OTHERS We learn in Matthew 5:43–45) that praying for those who persecute us can be very fruitful. We learn again from the story of the centurion that our faith in prayer can intercede for others and work in their lives. Focusing prayer on people who persecute you shows an advanced level of sanctification, so never lose sight of just how important and powerful your prayers can be for another individual. What’s Shawn’s favourite Bible verse? Matthew 5 (The Sermon on the Mount)

It’s also important to know where to look (and how to look) for the answer to our prayers. We may be seeking companionship, and thus ask in prayer for a puppy. However, the companionship our hearts seek may come in the form of a new friend entering our lives. Our prayers may not always come in the timeframe or the physical form we expect. When we pray for ourselves, selflessness is expressed by us completely surrendering ourselves to our glorious God. There is

Shawn LaVie Christopher Campbell/ unsplash.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 25

#loveismoving

Active Instagram contributor using #loveismoving

Most engaged event using #loveismoving

@bigfish_photography

Youth Kosta #youthkosta

26 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Are you ready to go back to school? Do you have everything you need? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a list of some important things we thought you might want to check off your list to help you keep track.

k omewor l h a f n o r u k o c J eep tra ner to k n la p r o enda Ag s ignment ass ckpack Ba ers der divid in B ct er subje p r e d in s b handout 1 r fo t c je er sub folder p 1 d if allowe lculator, a C urs rent colo fe if d in hlighters Hig ils . 2 penc No ck Red, Bla , e lu B : ns Pe r ini staple M otes sticky n r o it t s rs Po ath love m per r u o r et fo ets of pa s e h s s s a d p e n m ject or li Co ach sub e r fo k noteboo 1 taking for note r r anothe fo e t r u le it t u r ry: Subs 1 Dictiona h s li g n ench-E Fr home eeded ool or at h uage if n c s g n t a la e work e to sav iv r d h s B fla US

Green Chameleon/unsplash.com shutterstock.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 27

One of the biggest ways we, as Christians, can reveal who God is to others is by demonstrating in turn that incomprehensible love to them.

REACHING THE OUTSIDERS

he bell rings, you walk into the cafeteria with your lunch and look around. In one corner you see your group of friends, and then you see her. She’s sitting all alone like she does every day. Maybe she’s just quiet. Maybe people say she’s awkward. But she’s alone. What are you going to do about it?

No matter how old you are, or what environment you’re in, including people who are on the outside is hard. You might feel uncomfortable talking to a stranger, or worry about how others will judge you for reaching out. But if you want to follow in Christ’s footsteps, you are directly called to go and do

just that. In Luke 6:32-35, Jesus is quoted saying: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them…. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great.”

Everyone has their group of friends, the people they “click” with and feel most comfortable around. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But what credit is that to your faith? The amazing thing about God’s love is that it doesn’t make any sense in the way we understand love. His love is sacrificial and unconditional. It doesn’t see labels or social norms.

Jesus made a regular habit of spending time with people who were “outsiders” in His society (see Mark 2:16-17 and Matthew 9). He was rebuked for this by religious leaders who didn’t understand why Jesus would lower Himself to such standards. But He said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick…. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13). If you truly want to become more like Christ and show God’s love to those around you, you need to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to that person who is alone, who seems unwanted and unloved. Because in God’s eyes they are so loved, they are so wanted, and they are never alone. Try not to see reaching out as a burden and something you “have” to do. Loving the “unlovable” shouldn’t be that way – it should be the overflow of recognizing the love God has for you. So get out there, and start loving that girl or boy sitting alone in the cafeteria. Get out there, and just LOVE. What’s Emily’s favourite Bible verse? 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Emily Cook

Described as genuine, kind-to-a-fault, and “probably in the top 7 funniest people my friends know.” Michael Ramey/ unsplash.com

28 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

BEING A CHRISTIAN IN HIGH SCHOOL

tarting school is probably the last thing you want to think about. Maybe you’ve started the year as a minor-niner and have some nerves, or maybe you’re entering senior year and can’t wait to get through it. Either way, being a Christian in high school (and after, I’m sure) can be really tough.

a whole lot easier when you do it with other people. Having a couple of Christian friends makes all the difference in the world. Of course, having friends who aren’t believers yet is very important as well, but you won’t be able to properly love and serve them if you don’t have a community to help you out.

It’s so important to make time for God. I These people don’t have to have the same hate the way that phrase sounds, presenting interests as you, and they don’t even need Him as just another thing to to be people you hang out with squeeze into your schedule, every single day. But make …make time but high school is busy, and if time for them, because they for them, you go into it expecting your will be the ones who make the relationship with God to just because they difference. Maybe try reading maintain itself, you’ll probably the Bible together, or if you’re will be the end up burned out. I’m not musically inclined (turns ones who going to say you have to get out, we weren’t) have a few up earlier in the morning to worship nights here and there. make the do a certain devotional book, To be honest, my friends difference because as somebody who was and I never once finished a late for first period class at whole Bible study. We dabbled in David least three times a week, I know mornings Platt, picked at a manuscript study and just don’t work for some people. Each perattempted to have regular dinners, which son is different, and God speaks differently never really caught on with our conflicting to His people all the time. Unfortunately schedules. Try to do something, because there isn’t much of a formula. even though we were the most impulsive There is one thing I can guarantee, though and undisciplined group, we all gained a – being a Christian in high school becomes lot when we were able to meet. At times I

felt like we were failing, because we hadn’t talked in detail about each big issue in the Bible, and we were never consistent in any approach we were taking. Turns out, the most encouraging moments were when my friends and I did homework together, laughed together and ranted about faith problems without feeling the need to sugarcoat them. Doing life prayerfully and being vulnerable with each other made a space for God to really work. High school can be really overwhelming, and the best way to stay afloat is to walk through it with people who are following Jesus as well, to have people in the same boat as you. What’s Holly’s favorite Bible verse? Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still.

Holly Stiller

Described as determined, moody, and messy Justin Eisner

What’s Jeff’s favourite Bible verse? Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jeff Baker Jeff Baker

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 29

TEN COMMANDMENTS

for a first year university or college Christian student BY EMILY CROW AND JACOB PAIK

ongratulations! You made it through high school and now you’re about to begin one of the most important seasons of your life. Believe it or not, this will probably be even better than Pokemon GO. This is the time in your life where you will determine who you are and strengthen your identity.

We thought of some “commandments” to help you stay on track in your first year. Now, of course, you already know the drill: Any good student should be showering regularly, avoiding drugs, not be cheating on tests, etc. Therefore, we decided to focus specifically on what it means to be a freshman believer on campus. Here’s what we came up with. I.

VII.

Thou shalt arrive on campus with a flexible learning posture, expecting to learn new things about God, His Kingdom and His people.

Thou shalt also remember your campus is a mission field. Chances are most of the people in your university don’t know Jesus and many will be curious about Him. Be generous in sharing the gospel with them.

II.

Thou shalt take Sabbath. University is a lot of work, and students aren’t exempt from resting. Also, remember Sabbath does not mean watching Netflix 24/7!

IV.

Thou shalt exercise and get enough sleep. That freshman 15 that you hear about is a real thing. When things get busy, remember that the body God gave you is a gift. Take care of it.

THE NETFLIX REVOLUTION

VIII.

Thou shalt not fall in love with the first person you meet. It might sound dramatic, but it happens. Discern well and don’t rush into any romantic relationships.

III.

Thou shalt seize opportunities. Get to know what God is doing around the world. University is a great time to go on missions and to check out events and conferences.

ALWAYS ON

IX.

Thou shalt get discipled by a mentor/ older student. Surprise! You don’t have it all together. You’re going to need help. Find someone that can walk you through the struggles you’re going to face in university.

Thou shalt find a church/campus fellowship. Crucial. This is nonnegotiable. Find your family.

VI.

Thou shalt remember your calling is to be a student. Go to class, do the work and remember everything you do is for the glory of God. Even studying.

Ready for the last one? It’s super cheesy. Thou shalt remember God is love, that He is with you and that He will empower you to love others. It’s easy to forget about God in university. There are a ton of distractions everywhere. But He never forgets about you. (Cheesy, right?) He has a purpose for you on campus, so seek Him out and listen well and follow what He is saying. It will be worth it. Trust us.

“Have you seen it yet? It’s on Netflix.” Are you not sure what “it” is I’m talking about? It doesn’t matter. Daredevil. House of Cards. Suits, or basically any other show or movie you can name is probably on Netflix. The ‘it’ changes based on the person, but the site remains constant.

What’s Emily’s favourite Bible verse?

What’s Jacob’s favourite Bible verse?

John 10:10

Psalms 73:26

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Emily Crow shutterstock.com

30 LOVE IS MOVING | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Jacob Paik shutterstock.com

The truth is that, ever since Netflix took over the universe roughly 3-4 years ago, the way we interact with media has changed a lot for us. Now, don’t worry! I’m a full-blown Netflix devotee (even though it single-handedly murdered my beloved Blockbuster video stores). Not only do they have a lot of the shows my family wants to watch, but in all seriousness, they’ve also got some of the most interesting original content I’ve

seen in a while. (Stranger Things is my latest obsession.) It’s convenient and they (usually) have what you want and when you want it… and I like that. A lot. Having said that though, Netflix also perfected another key part of our viewing lifestyle by bringing binge-watching into the mainstream. Even though I truly love the fact that I can throw down 6 episodes of Kimmy Schmidt or Brooklyn Nine Nine at any given moment, I also feel like we’re not really thinking about the impact this convenience is causing. With our access to media at an all-time high, we need to be conscious not only of what we’re taking in (a favourite topic amongst Christian leaders) but how we’re taking it in. All of a sudden, the barriers between our favourite shows and ourselves have disappeared. (Come to think of it, we’ve even almost eliminated commercials!) It is very literally a ‘round-the-clock’, all-you-can-eat buffet of TV shows, movies, YouTube clips, vines, and more! While this is great for our own convenience, it really has shaped our world around… well… us.

own sense of privilege. A book I read once said that, “No one should think of himself or herself more highly than they ought.” (Spoiler alert: It was the Bible.) It wasn’t in there to cut us down but rather to make sure that we understood that our needs and wants aren’t what’s most important. While Netflix doesn’t tell us that, it is an example of a culture that wants us to believe that we’re the centre of the universe. Left unchecked, our lives of bingeing can create an atmosphere that points us to the belief that our interests come first.

And that’s not who God has called us to be. Now let’s see what else is on. What is Steve’s favourite Bible verse? John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Steve Norton shutterstock.com

Think about it. The more accessible things become, the less boundaries there are. Viewing a new show used to take weeks (or months) to finish a season but now we will do it over a weekend (or even an afternoon), simply because we ‘feel like it’. Then, when we’re done, what’s our next impulse? To look for something else (after all, we’ve ‘seen that now). To go back to the buffet analogy, you wouldn’t think twice if you saw someone go for their 2nd or 3rd plate… but what about their 11th or 12th? You’d probably think that was pretty unhealthy and undisciplined. It wouldn’t be wrong to get your money’s worth… but too much isn’t good for you either. Plus, with the opportunity to watch at any time, it also puts our personal needs as most important. While this might not seem like a big deal, it begins to set up an expectation that we should be able to have what we want when we want. After all, we deserve it. (Not convinced? Think about how frustrated you get when your Netflix is slow. It’s the very definition of #firstworldproblems.) And therein lies the problem. While it’s not bad to have that sort of access, we must watch our hearts and their

we must watch our hearts and their own sense of privilege

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | LOVE IS MOVING 31

What does God want us to do about poverty? At Compassion, we believe children and youth can be powerful agents of change. This is the heart behind so much of what we do in our ministry—removing the barriers to a life free from poverty so they can help others do the same. Teens will discover their role in God’s story, journeying alongside Alyssa, a teen from Toronto. They’ll explore the spiritual nature of poverty, God’s heart for the poor, and the unique role of the Church. And students will be drawn closer to Christ as they discover the difference they can make.

compassion.ca/truestory

Love Is Moving is creating a new app to resource youth leaders and connect youth to Jesus. Support the movement that inspired Canada’s first Christian youth TV series on Global TV, Love Is Moving magazine, and now an app to impact the next generation with the love of Christ.

DONATE TODAY www.TheEFC.ca/Donate

Select “Love Movement youth initiative” in the appeal name dropdown menu.

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