Real Talk with Ben

In today's episode, I decided to talk about the lessons I have learned so far in 2020. As many of us have seen, 2020 has been one of the craziest years yet. I know personally that so many things have happened that it is truly hard to actually talk about. So I decided to talk about four specific areas that have been challenged during this first part of 2020. These four areas are change, trust, having faith, and life as missionary. The coolest part is that all of these areas intertwine together and honestly affect my life all together. God has brought challenges over these past six months, but also so many blessings. So I thought I would take this time to talk about all of these different things. I am reminded after all of this that God is faithful, we can trust Him.

In today's episode, I will answer the question in the title. Yes, BEN BOWDEN ATTENDED A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER MATCH! I know, it's hard to believe, but I did and honestly it was an amazing experience! This was actually my second professional match, but the other was in the USA and let's just say I can now agree with people. I can agree when they say, "European soccer is way better than ANY soccer in the USA." I might not know a lot about soccer, but I do know when I see better soccer. But besides that, I really enjoyed the atmosphere! I could somewhat compare it to an Ohio State vs. Michigan football game, but still this was way more intense. The match was Fradi vs. Újpest and let's just say this rivalry is crazy. From the chants to the purple monkeys to the pyrotechnics to finally the hatred between the teams. This was certainly something I have never seen before. I will say that this match gave me new respect for soccer. I hope you enjoyed my thoughts from a guy who barely knows soccer!

In today's episode, I talk about this question, "How can we improve 2020?" The reason I chose this question is because I think it has been something I have been thinking a lot about. Through all of the craziness of this year, it's hard to realize it's half over. So, now as Christians, how do we help improve 2020 and make the last 6 months better than the first 6 months. I came up with three main ways that I think can make a difference. They are love first and listen, let's make change, and focus on Christ a lot more than we are. I know these might not be the best ways, but I feel they are a good start. I think we all can agree that God needs to be the center of our lives in order to make change. God is faithful, we can trust Him.

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that has been on my heart recently and that is how can we be mission minded where we are? God, does not call all of us to go serve overseas, so we need to listen to what God is leading us to do. But I will say that calls us to be mission minded where he has us now. It's hard sometimes to just serve and be mission minded where we are, but I hope that this episode gives you some encouragement to be mission minded where we are. Let's be a mission minded people, willing to go and serve whereever God wants us to serve. Even if that means serving where we are. Our God is in control and He will lead, we just need to follow!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about the future of The Bowden Experience brand. Now, I know I have talked about how I started this brand and what I enjoy about it, but I have never really talked about what is next! It has been on my mind recently and I can say that I am not going anywhere. I am still going to make YouTube videos and podcast episodes, but there is a goal that I never thought would be here. That goal is to create ministry out of what I love to do! I never would have thought when I made my first video 3 years ago, that I would enjoy it and love it so much! The goal is to create a ministry that travels the world capturing the love of Christ that is shown through ministries and missionaries. I don't know when this will happen, but I know I will do my best to make this happen! May God receive the Glory!

In today's episode, I decided to make a quick episode about my birthday weekend! The reason it is short is because of the busyness I have had the past few days. The main thing was getting more episodes for "Behind the Lens" and recording the "Honest Conversation" with Kwenton. So in short I recorded this like past midnight...so let's just say I was a little tired. So please ignore the sound of my voice! Haha! Anyways, I wanted to talk about what I learned over this past weekend and what I love about Budapest. Let's just say that I have some great friends! God is good!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that is coming up really fast and that is SUMMER CAMP! As most of you know, camp here at WOL is probably the highlight of every summer. This year it is a little different for me. Instead of just being here two weeks, I get to be here the whole time and lead sports. The best of both worlds, so since it is coming up, I thought I would share my thoughts on camp and the importance of camp for me. I do believe everyone should experience summer camp in some way. But it doesn't have to be traditional camp. It can honestly be just helping out at church. Just find ways to serve Christ and serve the youth of this world! God is always faithful!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that I normally don't talk about. But I realized that I need to stand up for all lives and stand up for those who are being oppressed. Racism is a huge problem, not just in the US, but all around the world. My heart is hurting for George Floyd's family and for those who are hurting. Those cops need to be put away for a very long time and I hope they will, but that doesn't mean we need to be violent. In fact we need to do the opposite and show love and understanding. I am not saying that we shouldn't protest, but what good is it if we are being violent and tearing down the communities we live in. God calls us to love one another and to love our neighbors. It should not matter what color our skin is or the religion we practice. None of this should matter, but we live in a fallen world. Especially as Christians, we should stand up for those who are being oppressed and who are treated wrongly. Instead of hating and accusing people, we should listen and try and understand people. As Christians, we believe in the Gospel, which God says that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. Not just white's or the rich or the the poor. EVERYONE! So, instead of hating or saying that all people are bad. Let's focus on loving and not hating. God is the only one who can help our world. Remember, Our God is faithful, you can trust Him!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about ways that helped me survive COVID-19. Not just washing hands or using hand sanitizer, but spiritual ways and ways that brought me closer to God. These are ways that have helped me, but that doesn't mean these can't help you. In reality, I think these ways can help all of us in every part of our lives. I have said this a thousand times, God is faithful, and you can trust Him. You might be saying, "Ben, I can't see that in my life." Let me encourage you to dig deep in these ways and maybe apply these to your life. These are not just for a pandemic, but for the rest of our lives. May these be an encouragement to you and your life. Remember that God has you and ALWAYS WILL! He will never forget you or not chase after you, but the opposite! YOU ARE LOVED and GOD CARES FOR YOU!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about some lessons that I have learned throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. I will say that these are just my opinions and lessons that I have learned. I totally understand if you disagree or have something to add. But if you can remember anything from this episode, it's that God blesses those who put their trust in Him even through the darkest times. I realized that I had to remind myself of this constantly because it helped me understand on how faithful God is and that His plan is greater than mine. That is what I hope you also take away from this episode. That God is faithful and His plan is perfect.