At about this time every year, the gears are winding down, the fuel tank is getting close to empty, and the motivation to finish well is hard to find. But ministry, even college ministry, can't always be fun and rewarding. It's at this point many leaders are looking at the people they've been studying the Bible with all year, and for some of them they're wondering, "Where is the fruit?" But ministry is not on our timetable. Fruit is not borne whenever we demand it (despite what the grocery store would suggest). God is working even when we aren't, even when we can't see it. So it's around this time that I spend a lot of time pushing my students to ask God for the energy to finish well, to continue on to the end of the school year, remaining faithful to showing up, and trust that the fruit will come even after the school year comes to a close. We have experienced enormous interest in our small groups, large groups, and had numerous baptisms this year. But in our personal ministries, we may at times feel dry. As a community, we encourage one another to continue to run the race to the end.
SICM
But despite our sometimes myopic vision, there is fruit! We are full steam ahead with helping our students raise money to go to the Student Institute of Campus Ministry. A week-and-a-half in Washington to bond, learn about leadership, and grow in fervor for Jesus. We have almost 200 student leaders signed up to go, the biggest cohort yet. It's both exciting and daunting to be planning a trip for this many, and to try to guarantee that even as our ministry grows larger, at our heart is the belief that ministry is personal and Jesus transforms each individual through relationship not through efficiency. Please be praying for our students to have humble hearts ready for the teaching, safe travels, and a summer that only stokes the flame and doesn't put it out.
Thank You!
William with Caden, one of my students
It's been a while since the last update on William! He's turned two! He is walking, talking, resisting bedtime, cracking jokes, and just lighting up every moment with him. Many of you have been a part of our lives since before he was even an idea in our heads. And it's because of your constant support that we are able to do the ministry we do and have the family that we have. Thank you so much for believing in what God is doing here, and believing in me that I would be faithful to his call to serve these college students!
