Merry Christmas!

Thank you. We can praise God and celebrate together!

Campus Crusade for Christ -- Christmas Thank You from Masterworks on Vimeo.

Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing

Last night, Jen and I watched a choral concert on television by the choirs of St. Olaf College. Actually, I watched it, while Jen slept. It was pretty incredible and worshipful as I sat on that couch to hear the name of Jesus proclaimed many times throughout the concert. This morning, I got to thinking. There are so many reasons to rejoice, give thanks and sing.

While there are many reasons to rejoice, without this one, the rest are meaningless in my mind. I love Chris Tomlin's song Emmanuel.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
PRAISE HIS NAME EMMANUEL

Then, I think about the semester that we just had and know that there are so many reasons to give thanks.

• His plans are bigger than mine.
• His strength and help as we walk by faith and trust Him for great things.
  
• Moving away from Siena and focusing fully at UAlbany.
• Getting in contact with many coaches and speaking in front of 6 teams, inviting them to be a part of Athletes in Action at UA.
• Many conversations that Jen had with female athletes, with opportunities to share the Gospel
• Our staff team growing together and establishing deeper relationships
• Athletes in Action small group growing from 4 to 12 athletes in one week at the end of the semester

Regardless of whether we see success or failure on campus, we can sing. Jesus' birth, death and resurrection gives us hope no matter what we face today. I love the words that Chris Tomlin wrote...

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

Merry Christmas from our home to yours! Please know that we are so thankful for you and your commitment to stand with us, while we watch Jesus change lives on campuses here and throughout the world!

Grace Extended

God is teaching me more about His grace every single day. Recently, our students have had the opportunity to take part in a service opportunity- proclaiming the Gospel through deed. In the Capital Region, we are working to balance sharing the Gospel through word and deed. Currently, we are partnering with a ministry called Angel Tree. Many children have parents who are in prison during the holiday season. Angel Tree becomes the link between parent and child. Volunteers buy gifts for the kids, put a tag on the present with a message from the parent and deliver the gift to the child's home.

Our students teamed up with each other and each adopted a child. About thirty students are buying gifts for 12 children. We are praying that this is a great community builder as students go out together to shop for these kids. On Friday, we'll have our annual Real Life Christmas Party for the students. They'll bring the gifts to that party ready to be delivered to the kids.

Here is what I think is so cool about this. The parent in prison didn't necessarily do anything to deserve the opportunity to give their child a gift. Nevertheless, our students are stepping up to the plate, so excited about the opportunity to give freely- no strings attached. I believe it is because they get that they did the same thing, rebelling against God and His ways. Yet, in His love, God continued to run after them until they turned to Him. That is our God! Jesus stepped up to the plate- no strings attached- and gave His life for us, so that we can be free forever! Our students get this and that is why they are so passionate about extending that same grace to these parents, so they too (as well as the kids), can know the love, hope and grace of Jesus!