This week can best be described as a roller coaster of emotions. The week started as normal as any week, with classes and casual building shenanigans. This week our speaker was Casey Groves and he brought a much-needed lightheartedness to the Joshua building. Casey spoke on the three main functions that God made us as humans for: eating, procreating, and ruling the world. Casey also brought unique changes to our normally scheduled activities, like new arrangements for speaker grill and speaker sessions. These changes helped spice up the regular hustle and bustle and also avoided making these settings tedious.
Then came the dip in the roller coaster, Tuesday after the speaker grill we received the tragic news that we had lost yet another Joshua brother. This cast a dark cloud over the building for the next couple of days. Unironically this is also the week of Halloween which also served as a buffer for our sadness and provided a time for all of us to dress up and let loose (in a Christian way).
If this week has taught me anything, it is how impactful gossip and division have had on our Joshua family. This week has also shown that we as a family need to be more intentional with each other and need to put away trivial problems that so easily divide us.
On the upside, this loss showed the guy community how important it is that we stick close and make sure to include everyone and not let anyone slip into the cracks of loneliness. One of the best parts of Joshua is bonding outside of the building. Recently Seven friends and I went to Huntington Beach and stayed at a friend’s house. This was an exponential time for us to bond and grow with each other while having a break from life in the building.
To all the parents, I’m sure you’re wondering if we are all safe, well fed and making friends. Let me assure you that Jess is one of the best cooks on the West Coast, and her cooking is almost unparalleled. As far as danger goes, there is no safer place than the Joshua building, aside from the random burning bagel that sets off the fire alarm.
Lastly, from what I can tell, everyone gets along for the most part because, let’s be honest, no community is perfect.
In conclusion, one thing the Lord is showing me is that Joshua is going the way the LORD wants it to go.
-Josh Holloran (Current Student)
What’s up, dudes!
I’m Stevie Arevalo and I want to tell you what’s been going on at Joshua.
Starting with Monday, it was pretty normal, I got to hang out with the Joshua fam and have meals together which is always great. We had theology class with my favorite teacher Evan Griffin and as always it was amazing, I love how passionate he is about theology it just inspires me to want to learn more.
Tuesday was October 31st and yall know what that means… It’s Halloween! Everyone dressed up and I knew I had the best costume which was an inflatable patrick costume. My favorite part of that day was playing a game called Harry’s game which is this game where you have to find three pieces of a flashlight while trying not to get caught by the monster and this is all in complete darkness. Harry’s game was so fun to play I would definitely play it again, I was definitely not scared at all…. ok maybe just a little :(.
Unfortunately, this week has not been all sunshine and rainbows. We had someone leave the program, and it was rough on everyone. That person means so much to us, and we love them dearly. God still has a good work in that person and will bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. Personally, I had a lot of sorrow, but Christ comforted me and He reminded me of all the good times that that person and I had.
On the brighter side, we got blessed with a speaker named Casey Groves and he has been amazing. He has refreshed my mind that God’s will is perfect and how to listen to what the Lord is trying to teach me, also not to worry about anything because God has everything in his hands.
Last but not least, we had Philippians testing this week. Fortunately for me, I tested out a week ago woooo, but congrats to all the Joshua fam that finished it this week I’m super proud of you. I almost forgot HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH! We love you so much and you mean so much to all of us. I’ve seen you grow in Christ a lot and I’m so proud of you. Alright dudes it’s been fun sharing with you but I gotta go memorize Philippians 2 or go take a nap I haven’t decided yet, may God’s grace and love be with you all ✌ . (P.S. To anyone who reads this, pray that we won’t have any more six A.M. chores because it’s killing me!)
-Stevie Arevalo (Current Student)