Summer 2014 Edgie, David Pugh
David Pugh, Edge Reflections, Blog 2
“So, what seems like a slow and unambitious approach with Edge Project is actually more like the gradation of a spear-head, which can pierce thick hides and armor. Because it is slow, non-forceful and focused on relationships, culture, and the interests of the people, Christ can be represented more as he actually was: as a man who lived among us.” Excerpt from post 1
As a mentioned in my last post, through Arianna and Edge’s slow approach, I saw the fruit of all of this. I met several people in Spain, some of which were young people my age; who saw something different and good in the people that Edge Project brings every year, and, after 8 or 9 years of relationship with Arianna and her family and the people they have invited, they are becoming positively inclined toward God and the message of Christ. But, for them, more is needed than a group of Americans visiting for a month in the summer, these people need a community in which they can grow and receive more constant discipleship. That is why God has been inspiring Arianna to continue to grow Edge Project. She is currently looking for a team that can live in Altea year round, as she and her family move back to the States. The spear-head will widen, and the impact will be deeper.
Exciting, right? Although I got to see a lot of this, my impact there was significant in a smaller sense. As far as the work of Edge, I contributed by continuing the presence that has already been established; I met and made friends with many of those who have been met and made friends with years before. I even made new friends of my own with some of the shop keepers and some tourists visiting the area.
However, the big stories that I can attest to, those regarding seeing God work, are mostly of how he worked in me.The community of people that I lived with was amazing. There was an atmosphere of encouragement which was facilitated by authentic relationships. I truly got to know some of them, and some of them got to know me really well. And though we had the usual personality conflicts, the whole experience led to a lot of affirmation and friendship. It was a small taste of what I imagine the first church, as described in Acts 2, might have been like.
Some of the friends I made really helped me to acknowledge my own passions and strengths. Being in school, I’ve gotten worn down and over the past few years, lost a sense of hope or have even given up on dreams. While I was in Spain, a spark of hope was rekindled – I could believe in a future where I will find fulfillment, and that my life and skills can be a blessing to others. Since coming home, I’ve found that spark has grown into a nice, warm, fireplace fire.
I also think that it is important to point out that I can now finally say that I have been to Europe! International travel, I find, really helps with giving one perspective on their own life. Before I left, I kept thinking and dreaming of living in Europe, of studying in Europe, because I was tired of what I was getting from America. Though I am more than willing to go back, even to study or live there for a few years, my imagination has been filled with L.A., and the work I could do there.
Who knows what God has in store for me once I graduate this next May. Who knows what will happen during this next school year. I currently have no clear plans for life after graduation, and that is both exciting and a little frightening at the same time. Thank you all so much for helping me in my life up until now, and thank you for supporting my trip to Spain. However, I know that I will continue to need your love, support and prayer for the years to come, and I am grateful that I feel confident in it.
Thank you,
David Pugh
