Hi everyone,

So today was our first full day on GoAustin and we were blessed with a variety of different opportunities to serve and witness God's work in the city. Team X-Men got the chance to work at Gandalf's Coffee Shop this morning, which is a free cafe run by Mission Possible where people from all walks of life have the chance to enjoy coffee and a pastry, escape the heat, and connect with one another in a safe environment. I got to talk with a few of the regular patrons and I heard some amazing stories that just exemplified the awesome power and unfailing love of Jesus Christ. One man has been in Austin since Katrina hit and he shared his story with us, ending it with a prayer where we all held hands and he blessed us and our time spent together. Another man shared his trials and losses with me, but confidently expressed that he knew the Lord was in control and that things would work out. It was eye-opening to see such strong faith from someone who has endured so much hardship. While he and I were talking, there was definitely a God moment where a verse that the Lord has used in my life recently was laid on my heart so I decided to share it with him. When I opened the Bible and he read it, he immediately began to tear up and closed his eyes, praying aloud right then and there. He then shared that the Lord had used that verse to call him out of a dark time in his life previously, and he also said he was going to go back and read the entire chapter from that book.

It was just an awesome experience for each and every one of us to get the chance to connect with people who have experienced so much. I know that the Gandalf's patrons truly blessed us and I think that the students were able to do the same for them. The Lord is good and so faithful and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for this week. Please keep us in your prayers and praise the Lord for all that He has done already!

~Jamie