Time Flies When You're Making Memories

Core of 87

    Thanksgiving has just passed and I find myself once again near the end of the semester just in awe of God and what He does. First off, thank you to all of my ministry partners. I don't get to be here on campus, speaking the Word to young men without your faithfulness and generosity. 

    When I think about how your investment is affecting the Kingdom, I think about Mauricio who went from on the fence to leading others to Christ this year. I think about Andrew, who was hotheaded and quick tempered, coming to our Bible study more humble each week, ready to learn. I think about Garrett, who previously let his girlfriend do all the talking for him, being one of the most proficient friends I see amongst freshmen. I get to meet with real people, and see real change in their lives, that lead to real change in other's lives. It has nothing to do with me being good. It has everything to do with God being good, me being faithful, and you being faithful. So thank you so much!

Public Reading of Amos after a Thursday night service

    I have been hosting a Public Reading of Scripture once a week all semester. It has been a delight. This is how the earliest churches and gatherings would have heard scripture together. They did not each have their own copy of the Bible. They read it together, out loud, and carried it in their hearts all week till they gathered again. 

    As someone who never really read the Word for myself as a kid, and even now, struggles to get the energy or drive to, reading scripture aloud with fellow believers is such a treat. Not preaching, not teaching, but gathering as a body of Christ, and speaking His Word to each other, and reflecting afterwards. I honestly think God designed me to appreciate His Word most through this format. If you have never really done this before, I highly recommend.

Israel and I after finishing FOJ. What a sweet man of God.

    I got to finish two Focus on Jesus studies this month. This study is such a neat tool that wiser people than me put together to help disciples make disciples. I have done a variant of this study 20+ times, each time with a different guy. What I love about this study is that it is approachable for so many: people who are new to faith, people who are veterans, and anywhere in between. It is a helpful framework to read scripture, and purposefully be moving towards real change in our lives as we read and talk.

     Aaron and Israel both finished the study with me this month, and both are excited at the idea of them getting to share their faith with another. Where both seemed to have a hesitancy or fear of sharing the gospel with their peers when they started, they both now see the need, their calling to be witnesses, and the Spirit prompting them to let Him move through them.  Pray that Israel and Aaron answer this calling and that they might go on to make many disciples in the name of Jesus.

Aaron is one of the most tender hearted young men I have had the pleasure of studying with. A heart that has no evil intentions. Pray for him to be bold in sharing his faith with others.

Sonic happy hour with Kamaal and Garrett

Cake time!

    We got to see family of course during the holiday. Always sweet seeing my brothers and getting to catch up. Pray for them that God continues to seek them out. 

    It was also Emily's birthday after Thanksgiving. So wish her a late one if you did not get the chance.

Mauricio with Waldo, or as he calls him, "Carlos"

    I pray for all of you on my ministry team, but I wish to do so more. God has been opening my eyes to the power, blessing, and honor of pray more and more. If you have any specific requests, please send them in, and I would love to converse with God with you on the matter.