This week I had an opportunity to chat with Ethan a brother in Christ, a recent graduate from Penn State and CEO of Vibe Coffee Company in State College, Pennsylvania.
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Growing up
Christian home church every Sunday was always a part of my life was not personal with Jesus.
Private school was personal with classmates and teachers.
Hot tub deep talks lead to meaningful deep conversations with friends and an understanding relationship with Jesus.
He transitioned from middle school to high school and wanted a life he was not living.
Push away, ignore sin and the weight of his separation from Jesus. (John 8:44-50)
Feel refreshed but temporary healing.
A vivid picture of Jesus and the nails going through his hands and feet. (Luke 23:26-43), He did that to me personally! John 3:16, able to relax and weight off shoulders!
I could not deny it and move on; I saw clear vision as Jesus, a real person. (John 1:14 and Colossians 1:16)
Believed in the heart, it did not show outwardly that life needed to change significantly. (Ephesians 2:10)
Basketball team's attitude to glorifying God and having fun
In high school, although I did not recognize the presence of Christ, He was there.
Clueless side living life
They are recognized for significant decision-making in the transition from high school to college.
Independence of college, you choose what to fill your time.
He was uninterested in the party scene and wanted to make genuine relationships in his time at Penn State.
Ethan experienced meaningful conversations with deep questions and direct attention to faith and the Bible.
He stepped away from listening to Chris and saw himself being called to give life away.
Leadership Community
I wanted to spread what I knew about Jesus to others and for them to experience His unfailing love.
The high school believe it, college application.
Penn State Young Life accountability aspect of the community structure and boundaries placed to mold one another into His image.
All places to serve and opportunities to grow in faith are different from life in high school, where Jesus was absent of conversations, and in college, Jesus was within the conversation.
Voluntarily chose to go. 1 Peter 5:8
Post college- Trust in the LORD and his plan ahead of me with the contentment of following him in all things.
Dream job owning a coffee shop; opportunity came with a relationship with an old friend. It took a willingness to sacrifice and work for a coffee shop.
Did not think it would happen until the papers made it legitimate.
Dating/Marriage
Wasn't feeling accepted, affirmation
Chose not to deal with the problem and move on
Agree to though process wanted to express his thoughts looked for agreement from others
The first time seeing love is not a feeling for someone, do not just say it.
Love is a commitment no matter what conditions, I am committed to you and our relationship does not distract the path of faithfulness.
Getting back into the relationship says I am committed to running the race together, I felt strongly although there was mess and awkwardness,
It was not something I would hope for, but God worked through every minute of the relationship to draw us both closer in relationship with Jesus and one another.
How God worked through our foolishness and molded hearts to love and lay down life to express the Gospel for all to see. (John 2:3-10)
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