I was just looking at the process that a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly. Scientists are learning much more about the process, now that they have technological advances such as Micro-CT. Inside the Cocoon, the caterpillar changes into kind of a “goo” but with all the important components staying in tact and moving around a bit. The process can take anywhere from 7 days to a year, depending on the species. When the butterfly emerges, it takes hard work which actually completes the process and allows the butterfly to, well, fly.
It seems strange that I find myself thinking about the cocoon process when Life Bridge is doing some of its most public ministries for the summer. Men’s Homeless shelter continues. Building changes are happening. Operation Christmas Child is stepping things up. Porter County Fair church service was two weeks ago. Turkeypalooza church service @10:00 AM will be this coming Sunday. With all this public activity, though, my perspective is that we are in a cocoon.
I see God working in and through a lot of people behind the scenes. I see structures and teams moving around, morphing, yet retaining their essential components. I see systems and processes being reworked, redesigned, and preparations being made to implement them in different ways. I see Gantt charts, project plans, task lists, and team meetings. Lots of exciting work is happening behind the scenes at Life Bridge.
When will we see the “butterfly?” Well, there’s more to come on the subject, but I would keep your calendar open in October and November if you want to see something beautiful emerge. Until then, let’s enjoy the process.
Hope to see you all soon!
Encounter Student Ministry is designed for all 6th-12th Graders. It’s mission to to create opportunities for students to encounter God in their relationships, in their service, and in their walks with God. To this end, we strive to build relationships with mentors and peers that are encouraging and building up in a world that often tears down. We provide opportunities for students to explore the gifts that God has given them and to use those for God’s glory and the edification of the church. As we do all this, we are all challenged to continue growing in our walk with God as we allow His Word to convict and transform our lives. 
