Blog Post #9

Acts of the Apostles

1. In what ways did the people you learned about during this unit suffer? What was their reaction to their suffering?
   The people in this unit mostly suffered through persecution, with instances in which they were captured, kidnapped, or jailed for their beliefs. However, they took their persecution in stride and continued to preach their beliefs and not give up. They faced many hardships and difficulties in their lives, and their faith was one of the most important things in which they could always trust. Their determination and dedication made them very virtuous and faithful people.
2. Which story from the Acts of the Apostles did you find most inspiring and why?
   I found Act 4 the most interesting because it showed how ordinary people's faith was tested. The people faced many obstacles by trying to control their boat in the ocean and eventually wanted to give up. However, Paul came to them and told them that he trusted them and thought that they should continue and not give up, no matter how difficult their current situation may seem. This shows how even normal pious people can experience doubt and need a reminder that God and the Apostles believe in them.
3. How have you experienced challenges in your own life and how have you dealt with them?

   When I first arrived in Freiburg, where I was staying for my exchange in Germany, I broke my back while at the lake with my host sisters. I had to stay in the hospital for approximately 4.5 days and was on bed rest for two days. This was probably the most traumatic experience I've ever had and it took a lot of effort to heal and be better again. I overcame this challenge by working hard at physical therapy and depending on my parents and host family to support and help me recover. At this point, my parents wanted to take me back home because they were very worried about me and did not know if I could handle being practically all on my own with my injury. However, I refused to go back because I was determined to finish my time in Germany and better my German language skills. This was probably one of the best decisions of my life, because I met my best friend in Germany and was able to travel to Berlin alone and Paris with my host family. I do not regret a second of my time in Germany and am happy that I made the decision to persevere and stay.
4. Who are people that you can turn to in times of need and why?

  People that I turn to in times of need are my friends and family. My parents are very supportive of me and I have a very good relationship with them. I also lean on my friends in times of need because they are very kind and understanding. Both my friends and family are very kind and have helped me through lots of issues.

  Me and my best friend in Germany

Blog Post #8

Unit 1: Discipleship

1. What did you learn about the original disciples from the group projects?
   I learned that almost all of the disciples were martyred by the Jews. They were very close with Jesus and taught other people about the teachings of Jesus and went against Judaism. I also learned that the disciples were just normal people who were called to Jesus, which I found really interesting. This means that even normal people can develop a deep and profound relationship with Jesus.
2. Which disciple did you find most interesting and why?
   I found Thomas the most interesting of all the disciples. He was the most interesting to me because he questioned his faith and Jesus, and yet he was still able to overcome it and have full faith in Jesus. He showed that the disciples were by no means perfect but Jesus still fully trusted and accepted them. It was also mentioned that he was similar to Jesus, or acted like his twin, and yet had his own flaws but always stayed loyal.
3. Based on what you learned, what are the characteristics of people who follow Christ?
   The main characteristics of people who follow Christ are loyalty, faith, and love. These characteristics are shown in almost all of the apostles, with the exception of Judas. These characteristics are extremely important for the apostles, and really any Christians or people of faith. Loyalty is needed, so that you can gain the trust of people around and form deep relationships. Faith is needed to form a healthy relationship with Christ and God, so that you won't waver in your belief. Lastly, love is needed to understand other people's circumstances and to love Jesus for his sacrifices.
4. Do you feel that you display any of these characteristics? Why or why not?

Yes, I feel like I do display love and loyalty. I am not a very religious person, but I do recognize the importance of faith in many people's lives. However, I am a very loyal person and will stick by the people who are important to me and defend them even in hard times. I am also a very loving person, in that I try to exhibit kindness to most people and understand the hardships they are going through.

http://www.antiochian.org/node/23987