I joined Cornerstone when I transferred to Pitt this fall, and I can honestly say not a week went by that I didn’t hear the word “Jubilee” at least once. Everyone I know has been talking about this thing since I got here and raving about how amazing it is, how it helped them reconnect with God, how it changed their lives, etc. I wanted to be as excited about it as they were, but to be honest, I had my doubts about going. I was afraid that I would get my expectations up for Jubilee just to be let down; that I would maybe experience the spiritual high during the conference, but then come back to campus and go through the spiritual crash and burn afterwards. I found myself thinking “What if I come back from this conference and my life is exactly the same? What if I don’t have that moment where God speaks to my heart and suddenly I transform into a whole new person? What if ‘this changes everything’ isn’t true for me?”
I’d like to say I did experience one of those big, mind-blowing God moments while I was there, but it wasn’t quite like that. It was more of a series of small moments that God used to chip away at my doubtful heart: moments that occurred during the worship and the large gatherings and the breakout sessions and even the time with friends in between. One moment in particular occurred during a session I attended Saturday morning called “Vocation and Creatives: A Call for Culture Shapers,” led by Bill Denzel. As an English Writing major who dreams of writing and publishing my own books, I’ve always struggled with the idea of glorifying God with my stories. I felt like being a Christian writer meant having to be the next Karen Kingsbury or Josh McDowell; in other words, I believed that I had to write specifically “Christian books” in order for God to be pleased with my work. I also felt that my dream of being a full-time writer was somewhat selfish because it’s not a service job (like a doctor or a teacher) where I would obviously be making a difference in people’s lives.
And then Bill said something that really hit me: our dreams come from the Holy Spirit. This small statement helped me to fully grasp the truth, and the truth is that God had a vision and a purpose in giving me my passion for telling stories. Bill used the examples of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, men with Christian worldviews who didn’t necessarily write “Christian” books, but did tell stories that point people towards truth, beauty, and goodness… stories that still have an impact on people’s lives today. Christian artists are important to God’s kingdom because we are helping to create the culture around us by imitating our Creator and making things that are true, beautiful, and good. During the session, Bill used a quote by St. Catherine of Vienna that struck me: “If you are what you are meant to be, you will set the world on fire.” God has given us His light, and He wants us to burn brightly no matter where we go and what we do in this life… and this really does change everything.
Spring Break Testimony
In my faith I have struggled with choosing how to act on our call to service. I'd feel anxious about whether the avenues I chose for helping others were the right ones, and whether my own actions have really made a difference. When the options for the five Cornerstone spring break trips were first presented, I spent several days wrestling with indecision. Ultimately, the realization that so many families lack a safe and stable home even in a country as wealthy as ours called me to travel and work with Habitat for Humanity in Florida.
On Saturday, March 7, twenty members of Cornerstone and Panther Habitat set out for sunny Clay County, FL. Right off the bat, I noticed incredible dedication from everyone in the organization. A local church in Charlotte provided us with meals and accommodations during our travel. Clay County Habitat board members and other members of the community donated their time and resources to make us feel welcome as we spent the week renovating and repairing homes. I met and worked with several amazing, kindhearted people with whom Habitat has served and partnered. Some of these wonderful folks include Pam, who brought us lunch on our first workday; Wanda, a school cook and grandmother; and Austin, a fourth grader who loves math and his gold Velcro sneakers. I also connected with some of the most hardworking yet fun-loving Pitt students I have ever met, and our constant laughter could be heard whether we were sweating at a build site or relaxing our sore muscles at the beach.
Like other times I've volunteered, I first wondered if I chose the right trip and if God called me to the right place. I truly believe He had. Helping others through physically building them homes was fun, fulfilling, and also sobering. The tremendous need still present in communities across the nation is enough to make one cynical and discouraged. However, Habitat is an incredible organization that provides tremendous support for those in need of a home, and those Habitat helps often reciprocate by becoming volunteers themselves. Throughout our time in Florida, our hosts continuously expressed how grateful they were for our help. Having now returned home, I likewise feel immense gratitude toward the new friends I made, and to God for helping me grow and reframe my perspective toward service. Jesus stated in Matthew 25:40 that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.” What was previously a source of self-accomplishment is now a means to better serve Him through serving others. It was a trip I’ll never forget, and is one I can’t wait to make again next spring.
Bellefield Presbyterian Church
Attn: Habitat Trip
4001 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa 15213
Financial Update
Please read the following new pledge letter. Click on the link for the full picture, or on the picture itself. If you would like to donate, please use the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.
Moore News
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Asher remains his sweet loving self, and is quite the comedian. He constantly has us laughing, and sometimes he isn’t even trying to be funny. His personality is truly contagious…and I think he knows that. He is the perfect mixture of extravert and introvert. Needless to say, he constantly keeps us entertained. I often wonder how Emily will be when he goes off to school in the fall.
Emily has been truly busy, and has started a part time job with our neighbor Doug Graham at an auction company called AYP Today (Auction Your Possessions Today). She seems to really enjoy it so far, and has seamlessly eased her way back into the working world. I honestly don’t know how she does all that she does.
We thank you so much for your time, support, and love! We pray that you constantly look to our Lord Jesus Christ for everything!
In Christ,
Andy Moore
