A few months ago, I had the opportunity to join seven other young people and our four leaders on Truth Corps 2000. Over the course of the seven summer weeks, we traveled to six ecclesias and attended one Bible School.
The purpose was to spread the light of God’s word; what an incredible joy it is when that light is absorbed, and we see it shining in another person.
Preparation
Before we began Truth Corps, we had to answer a few questions. One was: What do you hope to gain from this experience? My answer to that question that was most obvious to me: to gain the confidence I need to spread the gospel. By the time I had finished Truth Corps I had gained that and more!
Sharing our hope
We have an “indescribable gift” as found in II Corinthians 915, so why should we keep it to ourselves? God has called us out of the darkness, and with that calling comes the joy and desire to share it with others. Imagine not having the wonderful hope that we share? That is the way it is in the majority of the world. We have a special hope, so why not shout it from the mountain tops?
Spiritual growth
Over the months on Truth Corps, I was able to recognize the importance of allowing God to direct my life and the choices I make each day. God has a plan for all of us and when we allow God to work in our lives, things will work for the better (Rom. 8:28). We can all gain the confidence in knowing that God is always there watching us and guiding us, for He is our help and our shield (Psa. 33:18).
This concept was particularly emphasized when the team was visiting the Merced, California, Ecclesia, and distributing pamphlets for the Bible reading seminars. The team drove to visit a wonderful couple who lived a far distance from the ecclesia, Bro. Uzziel and Sis. Ruth Hawksworth. During our visit we were entertained with their uplifting stories of how they had dedicated their lives to the work of the Truth. It was marvelous to hear about bringing the Truth to those who now are part of our amazing hope.
From Brother and Sister Hawksworth’s example I was able to see how, through their witness, so many had heeded the call, and now have a hope! It was very uplifting to have an opportunity to meet this great couple, and to hear their more than motivating words! And this is just one of the many conversations and experiences that contributed to the overall success of this program.
Other benefits
Not only did I gain the confidence and the desire to spread God’s word to the world, but I also left with eleven truly wonderful friendships. These friendships will be those I will cherish because they were built on spiritual foundations!
I also had the opportunity to have fellowship with many others who share the same hope in the areas that we visited and those friendships will be remembered and valued always.
Coming home
After the summer, I have a new outlook on life. It has been my desire to be a light stand in my home ecclesia. Not only should we be a light stand in our own ecclesias, but in our daily lives as well, whether at school or work. If we are not in the presence of our worldly acquaintances, will they notice that the light is not there? Or will they notice that the light was shining so bright that the light is still there shining for them to benefit from it?
It is difficult to remember the importance of God’s word in us always as we get caught up with daily living; that is why it is so important to replenish the oil of God’s word daily.
I truly recommend participating in Truth Corps to any young person!
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One