The theme for 2012-13 at BFA is Transformed, from Romans 12:2.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Sam Stemple’s chapel message today started with an illustration lots of the BFA kids could relate to. He described his time living in Vietnam. Going to the market, strangers would come up to him and take picture with his blond daughter. He always felt like he and his family stuck out; he did everything he could to just blend in, but it didn’t work.
BFA kids like to blend in; they’re pretty good at it. As TCKs, they are cultural chameleons and can look and act like people from various places. The new students are trying to figure out how to fit in to life at BFA, life as an MK, and life in a dorm.
Sam had a simple message, right to the point. Jesus did not call us to fit in or blend in. The world is not our standard; we are not supposed to fit in, or be conformed, to the world. It doesn’t mean we’re all non-conformists, just that we conform to a different standard.
As the year progresses, we will continue to unfold the meaning of our transformation – past, present and future. All of us are in process, and it’s good to know that we are in the hands of a good Maker who is molding us into His image.
