PSALM 119:105

This weeks memory verse is Psalm 119:105. It says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Even though it is a shorter verse it holds significant truth. We have been committing verses to memory all year and I have to admit sometimes I’m guilty of “cramming” and remembering the verse for just the test and then soon forget it. However, this verse is a clear reminder of how important God’s word is. In everyday situations we can apply God’s word to bring light to situations. This has been applied frequently in our time here at Emerge. We have become equipped to react to all situations with the answer of God’s word.

IRON SHARPENS IRON

Today I am reminded how important friendships are. I believe that God’s plan was for me to be here at Emerge. I also believe He planned on giving me specific relationships during this time to help grow me. The friendships I’m making here at Emerge are different than any other friendships I’ve made before. I live on a campus with 20 other people. I spend time with them all day. We are all at different points in our lives. Different in age, past experiences, spiritual maturity, but we are united in that we are all chasing the same thing. We are all pursuing a deeper relationship with our Savior as we diligently seek what He has for our lives. Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” I’m blessed to be in a place where this is lived out in my life daily. I am constantly learning from my friends that God has placed in my life, even if only for this season. God is using them to teach me lessons everyday. I’m thankful for my always sharpening friends.

THE IMPACT OF OUTREACH

Being apart of Emerge brings many opportunities to serve. Every month we have a specific ministry at Destiny Worship Center that we work in. For me, this has been a time that I can experience different aspects of the church. I have loved every ministry that I have been apart of. 

Outside of Destiny Worship Center we have many opportunities to serve in the community. It is a huge blessing to be a blessing to other people. One of the ministries we work along side of is a local organization called Food For Thought. This program provides backpacks full of basic groceries for under privileged students to take home with them each Friday. As a volunteer we pick up groceries from the local wal-mart, label and sort each item, and organize the area where they store the food. I have always had a heart for students, and it’s amazing to see how many this organization can impact each week. I always have fun working with my fellow interns as we work to ultimately bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

DESTINY WORSHIP CENTER

I had the privilege to grow up in a very stable home with parents who took me to church before I can remember. My family never moved houses or churches. This was a big blessing as a child and teen, because I had a very stable church family who knew me, supported me, and loved me. When I moved to Destin to join Emerge I left behind not only an amazing family, but a church family as well. Joining Destiny Worship Center was apart of the Emerge Experience that was far out of my comfort zone. I had many fears about changing churches even though I was sure it’s what God wanted for my life. The very first week I spent at Destiny silenced all my apprehensions. I could not have felt more welcomed and loved. New faces were eager to learn my name and wanted to assure me that they were praying for me as I stepped in faith to begin my exciting emerge journey. I saw the love and support of my home church family as a “birth right” in that I had earned by being a part of the church for so long. At DWC I felt that love, support, and interest in my journey after just one week. I’m thankful for a church family who is so welcome to new faces and is willing to support in whatever way they can. It’s a blessing to be apart of the DWC family.

A Little Reflection

It has been about a month since our year has ended at Emerge. The students have all gone and the campus is quiet. It has given me sometime to reflect on the past 9 months, and realize how awesome they really were. Being the RA presented its challenges but in the end these 9 months were rewarding. The change I got to see take place in the students was and continues to be amazing. But the students weren't the only ones who had life changing moments these 9 months. Just being able to be apart of Emerge was a blessing in itself. I had always thought I was suppose to attend a program like Emerge but it never worked out. Little did I know God had something better in stored for me. I also had my passion for youth and young adults reignited during the year. This first year was amazing, and I wouldn't have changed the way it worked out for anything. But now it is time to begin planning for the next group of students, which I am very excited about!

Robert Guagliardo