It's A Good Life We Lead

Get ready. I really pour my heart out in this one.

It's Only Beginning

Our corefas!

Oh wow, August was such a busy month, where do I even start? Well, school has started and we're in the full swing of things! It's been crazy but so good. We had two corefa (small group facilitator) prep sessions in early August. One was to prepare them for the rush of welcome week, what to expect when meeting a ton of strangers, and to calm their nerves as they got ready to talk to and build relationships with new people! The second was to teach them how to begin leading their cores (small groups). This year I'm leading a peer team (group of small group leaders) of eight awesome guys. Pray that I mentor them well!

Welcome Week!

Games on the Mall

United Worship with other ministries

Along those lines, our welcome week was such a success. Despite forecasts of rain, we trusted that God knew what He was doing and we would take whatever He gave us. Well, the forecasts were almost entirely correct and all but one of our events had to change due to weather. You would expect turnout would suffer because of that, but not at all! If anything, many of our events were even more successful than usual because the rain funneled students inside and to our events as well as lowered the temperature so that when we were able to play outside it was nice and cool. God's plans are higher than ours! 

Zombie Tag indoors because of the rain

More Games on the Mall

One of my favorite moments of welcome was the time we played games on the mall. The mall is a long strip of land right down the middle of campus that passes by most of the classroom buildings and the Student Union. Because of possible muddy conditions we changed our original plan of playing sports on the fields, but then the day of we reverted back to the plan since the fields felt dry enough to play on. However, since we had already planned to play on the mall as a contingency we decided to go ahead with it before we would head to the fields at the advertised time. All of this is to say that this event was unadvertised and only had a few hours to spread by Facebook event and word of mouth. Well, as you can see from the picture it had such a great turnout. Easily hundreds of students, ours included, were a part of the games we played. From throwing around a Frisbee to games we played in a circle, to just talks on the wooden steps, it was a sight that gave me chills. When one of our directors came by the event I told her, "Welcome to the kingdom of heaven." It really was an amazing sight to see God's people enjoying each other and obeying His commands to go and make disciples.

First Friday Night

First FNF

Our first Friday Night Fellowship also had a great turnout! So many of our students really put their all in inviting new students to come enjoy this community of God. A really great and surprising part of it was that while the band practiced in the hour before we started many students, particularly international students, heard the music and came by to check out what was going on. And so many of them stayed! Hopefully we will be faithful with the opportunities God has given us here and are willing to put in the effort to really come alongside these individuals and show them who Jesus is.   

Baptism

Marla's Baptism in the Pool

One of the ladies in our ministry also got baptized on the first week of school! It was a great encouragement to start off the year and really showed what this community is about. We love to hang out and we believe it is an important part of the Christian life, but at the end of the day we're here because of Jesus. He binds us all together, no matter how similar or different we are.

Thank You!

The bed frame in all its glory

Last but not least, I finally bought a bed frame! After years of sleeping on a mattress on the ground, I decided it was time to at least look like an adult! Thanks to all my supporters who helped me get to this stage in life! 

On a more serious note, thank you so much for all that you do for me: that you've given me this opportunity and privilege to be on the front lines at this campus. It is truly amazing what I get to do and what I get to witness here. I was talking to a coworker a few days ago and we were talking about the guys we were discipling. As we talked about where they were, what we were doing with them, I talked about the Comet Cafe. This is the eating area in the Student Union where most of the restaurants are and where most students eat. I talked about how I have lunch there with one of the students I'm reaching out to, and how I'm never worried that we'll eat alone because I know there will be at least a dozen of our students eating lunch there as well or at least passing by. And to this he said "It's a good life we lead." And truly it is. We may not make a salary that makes others jealous, we may not work hours that others envy, but it's a life we wouldn't trade for anything else. To God be all the glory!

Let Earth and Heavenly Saints Proclaim

Ordination Ceremony

"Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' He answered, 'Yes Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'" John 21:16

This year we had our very first ordination ceremony. The staff and incoming apprentices (previously called interns) made promises to the community on how we would live our lives, how we would act towards them, and what we would do for them. Many individuals from the churches involved with FOCUS came as well to witness it.

Staff Retreat

"One who has unreliable friend soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Early this month we also had our staff retreat for all of our staff across campuses. It was a great time of learning, relating, and fun. Unfortunately, I was having too much fun and didn't even take a single picture! So until one of my coworkers chooses to unveil one they took, you'll just have to imagine what it was like. But we were on a lake so it looked something like this picture we took in Washington. We really value being like a family, in our community and among our staff. So it's important to us to get quality time together even when we our campuses are far apart. 

Looking Forward

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20

Over the summer we've been working a lot, but a lot of that is planning for the new year, brainstorming on more effective methods, preparing our new students leaders, and deciding who those should even be. This summer has really stretched me since I'm not a huge fan of planning. I like to do and be productive, and I only like to plan what's necessary and immediate. So having to rest and allow this season to take its course has been a challenge, but a lot has been planned and I'm really looking forward to the new things we have going on this next year. We have plans to utilize even more of our students, giving them opportunities to serve and catch a vision for a ministry-filled life, we have plans for a politics class to help our students learn how to think through politics as a follower of Jesus, and so much more! I can't wait to tell y'all of how it works out this year!

Thanks!

"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalm 105:1

Thank you to all of my supporters both past and present who are praying for me and giving to this mission. I couldn't do what I do without your help. Please pray as the first week of school starts soon and our students are going to be meeting new students on campus! It's probably the busiest two weeks of the entire school year so pray for energy all around. Thanks so much, guys!

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Support Raising

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Part of going on staff entails raising support again for the next three years. And phew, I've really hit the ground running. I have absolutely loved getting to catch up with many of you and hear about your years and the way God has shown up. It has been so encouraging to hear you take pride in me and my participation in God's work this past year, but also watching me grow over the course of the past decade or so. Your efforts in ministry have also been a great encouragement to me to see how a disciple lives in different stages of life. I hope to continue to meet with everyone that I can and be able to spur one another on throughout this summer. 

Going Home

"Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds" Psalm 71:17

I got to visit both of my homes in the past month! I took a week in Washington to visit my supporters there, and it was so awesome! I got to visit my home church and see a lot of the people who had a part in my upbringing in the Lord. I hope to continue to encourage you all reading this just as much as you have encouraged me in my childhood and in my present pursuit of the calling God has given me here. The picture on the left is where I got baptized! 

I also was able to visit home in California where my family lives. Father's day was that weekend so I'm thankful that I was there! My siblings and cousins were all in town and it was a great blast to be able to hang out and catch up with them as well.

Summer FOCUS

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" James 5:16

Every summer we continue to meet together by combining all of our campuses together for the students who are still here. It's a great place to continue students' growth during the months of summer, and they absolutely love being able to see each other even while school's out. 

Last night during our weekly gathering, I introduced myself to a student and struck up a conversation. During the conversation he confided that he was not doing well in school and was worried about telling his parents. I asked questions, counseled him, and encouraged him to trust in those who love him. I ask that you would pray for this student and others like him who are going through similar situations.

Thank You!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28

Thank you to all my supporters this past year! Your consistent prayers, encouragements, and financial help have been integral to the role God has given me here in Dallas. Thank you to all who I've been able to meet with so far for your support and trust in me. I'm looking forward to meeting with the supporters who I have not gotten around to yet. And I hope to be able to meet with all of you again soon!

Praise Him Above

End of the Year

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95:6-7

With my co-leader, Dave

This has been such an amazing year. I can’t hope to describe exactly how much impact it has has had on me in addition to so many others. I could start by giving a big shout-out to my co-leader, Dave. He has grown so much this year and become such a good friend to me. He has really shown up for this community and served it well. I wouldn’t trade his friendship for the world. He and my core guys have taught me, exemplified to me what being close, intimate friends really means. 

With my flight group

Another big shout out to Stuart, for showing up to our studies ready and eager to learn, for always having a big smile and enthusiasm, and for always being able to bring life to the places he’s at.

SICM

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be build up." Ephesians 4:11-12

New UTD Staff

The Student Institute of Campus Ministry was as powerful as I remembered it to be. Over 120 students went on the trip (that was a big undertaking!) and they all loved it. It was a week of intense learning and relating, getting to know each other and being extremely well-behaved guests. On the trip I got to stay with an amazing host family, the Powells, and I got to witness up close what it could look like to be fervent disciples as a married couple with children. It looks 

With my friend and supporter, Kevin

drastically different from being single and unattached, but it is no less powerful, and in some ways even more so. I also got to meet up with an old friend and supporter while in town, and it was such a refreshing experience. Kevin and I have known each other since we were 10 and now, over a decade later and thousands of miles apart, our lives are still intertwined because of the unity of the Spirit.

Thank You!

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11-12

Core and Company

So, as many of you know I'll be going on staff with FOCUS for the next three years. Thank you all for being a part of my internship experience this past year. Some of you I have known for a few years, some of you have known me since I was little more than a baby (looking at you, Changs!). But thank you to all of you so much for believing in me and in the work God has prepared for me here in Dallas. I hope to meet up with each and every one of you face-to-face this summer if nothing more than to catch up and thank you in person. Love you all!

All Creatures Here Below

Pizza Theology

"He answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind...'" Luke 10:27

We had another Sunday of learning this semester for all of our campuses to come together and dive deep into a single topic, a topic that can't even be scratched by a normal Sunday or Friday night sermon: Gender, Marriage, and Sexuality. It amazes me how our students are constantly so excited to spend 5 hours of their weekend learning about how to think, and they come out in droves! Hundreds of students packed into the room to hear our campus pastors talk about what they've learned, what they've read, and what they've studied. And in the end, there are more questions than answers! But more often than not, it's about arriving at the right questions rather than the "right" answer. And our students are learning to think for themselves, how to think like a Christian, rather than just a mindless drone in society gobbling up whatever anyone tells them. They'll think like a true follower of Christ.

End of the Year

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a  time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance..."Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

As the school year drew to a close, it was filled with bittersweet memories. Every year at the last Friday Night Fellowship we open up the mic for our students to share, and share they did. Story after story of students talking of how God had changed their lives that year. Through relationship and community, God's love was apparent to them and the truth of God was allowed into their hearts. One of the guys in my core shared how he was challenged to speak before the whole community of how God had worked in his life, how he rededicated his life, and how he's been clean from drugs for months. Another student spoke about finding real friendships and deep relationships here where no one was judged for the things they've never told anyone. These are the testimonies that you have been investing in! And I hope you know how much of an impact you have. 

SICM

"For lack of guidance, a nation falls. but victory is won through many advisers" Proverbs 11:14

Finally the time has come! At this very moment, I'm sitting in an airport with six of the 110 or so students that we're sending to the Student Institute of Campus Ministry at Bellingham, Washington (my home state!). This leadership conference will prepare them for the future as they lead others in discipleship. It is so exciting to be seeing the next generation of leaders ready to learn and serve the community in the coming years! Please pray for energy, open hearts, and eager minds in the next week as they learn so much about best strategies to impact college students' lives.

Thank You!

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35

One of the sermons in our last month touched on the topic of generosity. As a visual example, over 200 paper stars were taped to the walls, each one representing a supporter of a staff worker at UTD. Each one representing one of you. That was a moment of impact as it sank in. These students, many of whom you've never met, are loved and cared by you, whom they also may never meet. That is the kingdom of God. That is the family of God. So, thank you so much for loving me, loving these students, and for all your support this past year. It means so much to me!

From Whom All Blessings Flow

SSI students bonding with our Richland students

Another month, another crazy time of ministry. This past month, and really this past semester, has been jam-packed with events and big ministry opportunities. I feel like every weekend has something new and exciting happening. Here's the low-down!

Spring Student Impact (SSI)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

Introduction to Chick-Fil-A!

SSI students at our evangelism boards

Every year we have one week dedicated to campus evangelism. A group of students from Western Washington University (Go Vikings!) comes down to get the hands-on experience of talking to people about Jesus. It was so much fun getting to know these students, seeing their nervousness and inexperience going into the first day and watching them get more and more comfortable with asking people questions and sharing the good news. They had such great attitudes every day, sometimes doing as much as six hours of evangelism a day. We got to share with them Texas culture and we all had a blast! It's opportunities liked this that reveal God's kingdom advancing across the nation.

Spring Showcase

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1

Packed house!

For the past four months, the 14 interns and two directors have been planning our Spring Showcase. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year that we put on to help raise money to send our students to SICM (see past blog for details). It's a concert of various students from our community and alumni who display musical talents, dance, and even a little comedy on the side. Last year, about 500 people attended. This year, about 900 people showed up and we raised more than double what we made last year. It was a phenomenal success!

Part of the Spring Showcase crew

Thank You!

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:15-16

Core at Friday Night Fellowship

And as always, thanks to all my supporters for all that you do for me. Because of you, so many students' lives are impacted through the power of our great God. He uses all of us in different ways to further his kingdom here on Earth. Thanks to you, I get a front row seat to the ways He is shaping these young men's hearts. Not only are they better men of God now, they will be better friends, better husbands, and better fathers in the future because of Him. Thank you all so much!

It is Time

Man, February has been busy! It's like I haven't come up for air in a while. But it's the beginning of the harvest now. After months of sowing the seed and nurturing it, God has been raising up some mighty individuals in our ministry.

SICM!

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes form God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

This year we have over 100 students going to SICM, the Student Institute of Campus Ministry! This is our leadership conference that we send students to in Bellingham at Western Washington University. I and most of the other leader in the ministry have gone through this training and it was part of the reason why I committed to this ministry my freshman year. A community here in Texas that had ties to my home state of Washington seemed like a God coincidence to me. Our students have to raise a couple hundred dollars to go on this trip and many of our students have hosted fundraisers like pancake nights and spaghetti nights for the community to attend. And our students have really turned up! Each students has raised enough money to pay for nearly all of the trip per fundraiser. It's been amazing how the students band together and build community while lifting each other up!

Corefa Class

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

This month we had a great corefa class for all of our core facilitators (small group leaders). Once or twice a semester, all of our corefas across our campuses come together to learn together on how to be better leaders. Along with teaching them how to lead cores (small groups) int o the next semester, we also had a focus on how to help others deal with sexual issues. In this day and culture, a large percentage of the population struggles with sex in some form or fashion. And this is just one of the issues that our corefas get to walk alongside other students and help them grow and mature into stronger men and women of God. These student leaders are not much older than the ones they minister, and sometimes they are younger, but they have made the commitment to help others grow, to be poured into by our staff and to pour into others. So pray for them as they near the end of the school year, that they and the students they minister to may be impacted for the rest of their lives.

Thank You!

"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus." 1 Corinthians 1:4

One saying we have in the community is that "thanks never goes without saying". It means that we need to take every opportunity to vocalize our gratitude, even if we think it's being implied. So I never want to miss an opportunity to recognize that it's because of such great supporters that I get to do what I do. That I get to help equip students for life now and in the future. That I get to help make and mature disciples for the glory of God. So thank you all so much for all that you have done, for all that you do, and for all that you will continue to do in my life! Your impact has shaped me in more ways than we may ever know this side of eternity. Thank you so much!