Monday in Columbus

As our team set out this morning, I had felt God convicting me that we weren't doing enough.  We had taken a detour and lost sight of the reason we were here...to serve and minister to those in Columbus.  I posed the question to our team, "What's the plan for today?"  After hearing various responses of which none involved ministry, I told them I would stay back.  I felt that we played for 2 days but had nothing planned to fulfill the reason that we were supposed to be here for.  I came back to the room to pray and continue reading the Undo book that we were given at Challenge.  Soon, Kayla came up and said they had called our friend, Janika, and they were going to Ohio State University's House of Prayer.  Thank you, Jesus!  I think we're back on track.

We go to meet Janika at the House of Prayer and after a short introduction, we spend time in worship and prayer with Janika and her roommate, Hannah.  The House of Prayer serves over 50 different Christian ministries on campus.  It's opened 24/7 and as long as you know the door code, you can go in and use it.  They also have refreshments and a peanut butter/jelly ministry.  You can make a sandwich and go out to share it with someone who's hungry.  It was so neat!!!  I asked Janika how they are funded, and she said that God provides!  It costs about $2,000 a month to run, and somehow, the money comes in.  There are 4 people on the leadership team that help to keep it running, but anyone is welcomed to take "ownership" and help.

Janika and Hannah take us on a tour of Ohio State University, and we get to walk through the "Oval" which is where they often pray for students. Today, the campus is pretty empty, since summer school enrollment is very low.

The temperature today was 95 degrees.  Yes, it was hot!  But we walked down the streets to see a different side of Columbus.  Ross, Alexia, and Taylor were able to pray for someone as they walked to meet up with us for lunch.  Throughout the trip, we've been asked for money, and if we have it, we've given it.  Today, Ross said he felt compelled to ask the man if they could pray for him too.  Yes, God is talking to us.

The other night at Challenge, David went to get a cup of coffee.  There was a conversation between him and the coffee guy after which David said that he should have said something to him about God.  A missed opportunity.  On Friday morning, we listened to D.A. talk about those missed opportunities that so many of us have.  David was convicted to buy a bible and go back today.  What do you know?  Barnes and Nobles was on our walking trip.  We drove back to the Convention Center and David went in.  The guy wasn't there, but David left the bible for him.  Now, we pray that God softens a heart and opens it to his word!