Great Dane Community

The year at UAlbany has been far from easy. We had two small groups going on and neither seemed to be really "taking off." We constantly asked God the question, "what is going on?" What we weren't seeing very well was that real, healthy community was lacking with our students. It is such a big school and students live separately from each other. Something God helped us to recognize is that what our UAlbany students need is real, healthy community. Last week, we made the decision to combine both of our groups into one and do a study on Christ-centered community. We had 11 students come last week and it was such a great time together. After the group with officially over, students continued to hang out. One was sharing about her life and started crying because she felt like she was so afraid of failing in her relationship with God and being called a hypocrite by her friends. We got to again remember God's grace and unfailing love together and all left encouraged.

Please pray for this group as they focus on Christ's love together and let it transform their view of relationships- both with God and each other. Pray that it would transform their lives and compel them to reach out to the rest of the campus as well- TOGETHER!

Fall Getaway!

Wildwood 2010 Mini-Reunion

Family picture on Seneca Lake

Football! The annual East vs. West game!

Community building activity

Abby and Olivia- Ready for breakfast!

"I'm ready to roadtrip!"

An Annual Tradition

Its always fun to head back to Long Point Camp on Seneca Lake every year for Fall Getaway. As Jen, Abby and I were walking from the dorm to the dining hall, we figured out that it was our sixth year at Fall Getaway. Jen went for two years as a student, and I as an intern with Syracuse. Then, we went for one year while raising support to move to Albany. We've been taking Albany students with us for two years (this year made three). It really has become an annual tradition for us....and it was a great, restful encouraging time this year as always.

We had 24 students from the Capital Region join us this year. They all made the 3 hour road trip, so that they could spend time with each other in a set apart place from their campus. It was a great weekend! Many students (and staff) said that they haven't heard that clearly from the Lord in a LONG time! The speaker clearly conveyed our need for Jesus- and His deep love for us. Mark challenged us to live in community- to not isolate ourselves. He also said that the good life is spending our life on Christ. We respond to His love for us by living His way- the good way. It was a great weekend and I am thankful for that opportunity every year to get away and remember Jesus and His call for our life. Thank you for praying!