"Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16).

One smile can make a difference. One conversation can make a great impact. It is not a coincidence that we meet the people we do or even spill a cup of coffee on a new shirt while driving. It is all part of God’s great plan. We are all put in the right places at the right times.

Last July, our church had the opportunity to host the very first LAICC Senior Camp for the incoming high school seniors and college freshmen. This event, entitled “The Time Has Come,” challenged the participants to spiritually overcome their fears and take the lead in their campuses. During the camp, everyone had an opportunity to share their faith on the grounds of UCR and invite people to bible talks.

While at camp, our campus intern Tiffany Young met a college freshman named Serena Delone. What started as bumping into each other in the dorm’s cafeteria led to a bible talk invitation. Serena was asked to study the bible and Tiffany, along with Ashley Zamora, Kristeena Garcia and Brenna Bauer, had the privilege of studying the bible with Serena.

 On August 26, 2008, after about a month of getting to know God and studying His Word, Serena Delone was baptized and became our new sister in Christ! Her dad, step mom, younger sisters, and both of her grandmothers attended her baptism. Upon getting baptized, she learned how to manage her schedule wiser and completely surrender to God. Even her family noticed the positive differences that she had made and joyfully supported her decision.

It was no coincidence that Serena happened to be at UCR during the time of Senior Camp. All that needs to happen in every situation is for us to have a heart full of boldness, obedience and faith to what God has in store for us. Nobody should underestimate the power of sharing one’s faith with a stranger. How would we know if they are open or not if we do not extend the invitation to get to know Jesus? The time has come to be bold and overcome our fears!  The time has come to live out the purpose God intended for us.