WOW! The SOBA class had their first topical week, and my goodness did we have a great time! Having just finished studying Colossians, we were all pretty keen to find out the religious views of the people around Boise. Was the religious culture today still one of confusion and vast differentiation? Was the culture of Collosae and the culture of Boise alike in any way? We sought to find out how the people of Boise felt about their spirituality, religion and the church. Our aim was to make a documentary of what we found through interviewing people on camera, and to connect with the people in our local community. For me personally the experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to really put myself in a position of uncertainty; I really did not know what I was going to hear or feel. Prier to heading downtown I took some time to pray. I wandered up the beautiful Camel’s Back hills and looked over the city and asked God to show me what He was going to do that afternoon. I felt God say that the SOBA students were not only going to plant seeds in people’s lives, but also grow seeds that had already been planted. Keeping that in mind I headed downtown with the other students and upon arrival I went to find some coffee. I found myself directed towards Starbucks and was greeted by a couple of very chatty girls behind the counter. Whilst deciding on my order I felt that I should start my project with the girls behind the counter. I took the opportunity to get to know them a little before asking them both the questions that we had outlined for our interviews. Asking the question “What do you think about God?” to the girl behind the counter in Starbucks, by myself, in Boise Idaho was a pretty big leap of faith! There was a moment or two of shock and horror on their face, but then they both just said, “Wow, what a good question”. Taking the step of faith to follow His direction really gave me an opportunity to witness to a couple of strangers in Starbucks about Jesus. After finding out that they both had grown up in church, they asked what I was doing in Idaho and what I believed. As we talked it also became apparent that one of the girls had been hoping to visit the Vineyard; someone had told her about it and she just hadn’t gotten around to visiting. And suddenly it all clicked – growing seeds that have already been planted – and I invited her to church that Sunday. As I was about to leave, she just smiled and said “I just love it when things like this happen!” And I agree. God is willing to lead us in every day of our lives, in situations that are scary and safe. God is just longing for people to step forward and let Him move through them. I am the first to admit that I do not always listen, or allow myself to be open to Him moving at any time in my day. But, when we do……this world gets changed just a little more. Taking a minute in Starbucks to chat or buying someone their coffee to simply bless them can plant a seed of Jesus in their lives, or grow one that has already been planted, and it can potentially change their lives. I can only encourage you to be open and have fun with God!
(Written by Sally)
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