During my time in Dublin with Exodus over the summer I was challenged about various things. One of these was by a member of the team when chatting after preparation for devotions, I was challenged to read more books regarding christianity (which is pretty big as I am not a "reader").  Books that would be relevant to my life and help me learn more and strengthen my faith. In doing this I felt it could also strip things away (more complicated matters) and build stonger foundations in my faith so that I can have a bigger impact on people around me and be burried deep in the rock that is Christ. 
 
Another thing that challenged me was the way in which the families we worked with acted in Dublin.  There was such a sense of community with them all and they would always do everything and anything to help each other out.  During one of the days a girl got stung on the foot by a wasp and as soon as it happened people in the group jumped up and started to do the little things that would be needed to help e.g. getting vinegar for the sting.  It was in these small actions that showed us how caring and and willing they were to help out. If we have a bigger sense of community as churches and christians we can have such an impact on the people around us and instead of putting people down and pointing out flaws, we would build each other up and strengthen each other spiritually. If everyone were to have their part, no matter how big or small that was, we could go out as a community in Christ and change the lives of the ones that come through the doors of Exodus.
 
Just some thoughts,
 
Andy Doake