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| Front Page 1... Community: the life and work of AACF - What does it mean NOW? 2... Let us Not Give Up Meeting Together 3... Introduction to the Internet Superhighway |
"Let Us Not Give Up Meeting Together, . . . " Ida Lai, AACF alum, UCSB Hebrews 10:24-25 Building an intimate community on the campus is definitely one of AACF's forte. The plentiful opportunities of serving in AACF and living in close proximity of each other allows the students to be involved in each others' lives more readily. At first, I thought it is something we only have at school. But later, I sensed that God probably wanted us to experience the joy of deep fellowship so that we will want to establish it wherever we went. What was your community like in school? Did you, like many others in school, live in the nearby college community? For me, it was a town called Isla Vista, otherwise known as IV. It was great to live within walking distance of each other. During the day, we always saw each other on campus, on the bike path, and at night, we walked or biked a few blocks to cook dinner with some friends. Many of us AACFers were actively involved in ministry - leading small groups, leading worship, setting up rides for retreats/ regional events, planning for retreats, potluck dinners. All this required us to be in close contact with each other and to be immersed in each others' lives. This lifestyle as an AACF student was the strong advantage we had on the college campus to build the family-like atmosphere that God wants us to have. Unfortunately, we don't have this same luxury once we graduate, move away (or back home) and start working. "I have no time, I'm too tired, my friend live too far!" These have been my complaints ever since I started working. All of a sudden I feel as if I aged about 10 years!! I have half the energy level I had in school, and I can't even think of pulling an all nighter now! It's not as easy to spend time with friends anymore. They live far away and everyone has different schedules. It is any wonder that I started thinking about how good it was when we were in school. When we remember these times it should prompt us to develop or reestablish that community feeling where we now live. First, it is very important that we acknowledge that having a close knit community or fellowship is essential throughout our lives. Of course we cannot make it the same as what we had in school. It has got to be different But in some ways, it is better! In school, you're used to being in contact with so many people. But now, due to time constraint, the distance, and the different schedules you and your friends may have, you can only meet with a few individuals regularly. Sure, it's disappointing that you cannot keep in touch with the same amount of friends while you were in school, but the rewards of meeting and sharing regularly with a few friends are tremendous!! There is depth of sharing that could only be sustained and nourished in a smaller setting. And since they are fewer people, we can take the time to minister and pray for each other more specifically. Being in the marketplace makes it even more important that we each have a close intimate community. It's so easy to be drowned out by the monotony of life if we're not constantly interacting with each other at a deep level. Is work a place where we just show up, work and leave? Meeting and sharing with my ësoul mates' has encouraged me to look at work as a mission field where I can serve Christ. They have challenged me to slow down my fast paced schedule and regain perspective on what's important in my life. I am now fully convinced that if we don't seek the challenges, accountability, and support of our peers, we become easy prey for the enemy to gain a foothold of complacency or apathy in our lives. In addition to all this, our Father commands us to have fellowship so that we can encourage each other and point the way towards Christ. Being involved in a small group at church is certainly encouraged. But if this group is too large or if you don't have one, you might want to consider getting together with one to three other committed individuals regularly. There is so much support! There is nothing like getting together with others who have a zeal for God. I felt a comradery when two friends called me after a job interview I had about a year ago. They always asked what time they were and promised to pray for me. Afterwards, they would call and ask how it went. There's been times when we just skipped bible study and just praised God for what He has shown each of us during the past week. It's such a wonderful feeling to pray together with your friends! It may be a little awkward at first if praying together is not a regular habit among your friends, but you gotta believe this - God will bless you and honor you!! And don't forget to set aside some time to do fun stuff too, shopping, playing guitar, watching movies - and of course, eating. It's amazing how God can use your friends to encourage you, comfort you, care for you, love you and prepare you for the great adventure that He has planned for you!! (Ida Lai is an AACF alum from UCSB and is actively involved with Common Ground.)
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