I've Come For a New Life

I was blown away when I heard those words, while sitting with an international student in the student center. We were talking about why he came over to the United States. He shared that he wanted a new beginning and was looking for a new life. I was overwhelmed by that statement, knowing that is exactly what Jesus offers anyone who would trust in Him. We continued to talk and God opened doors for me to share the Gospel with him. Although he did not pray to trust Christ that day, he expressed interest in meeting again.

The following week, we had some friends visiting with us on campus. Passionate about sharing Jesus with students, they went off to have some conversations of their own. I was with a co-worker, walking around and looking for students to talk with. After a while, we came back to the student center and found my friends sitting with that same student I talked with the week before. Shortly after, my friends got up and went on to visit another school, so I sat back down with the student. One of the things I have learned in my years in ministry is to give God plenty of space to work. So, we had casual conversation for a while. Then, he started asking spiritual questions, again providing an opportunity to share the Gospel. God is so evidently drawing this student to Himself!

At the end of our time, he (we'll call him Jonas) shared that he would like to talk with someone from his country who knows Jesus and work on studying the Bible. We currently have someone, who is involved in our ministry and are trying to set up a time for them to meet. Please pray for a time to take place where those two students can get together and for the Lord to continue to work in Jonas' life.

I'm thankful for each of you who have such a huge impact in the lives of students here!

5 Weeks of Faith

As we keep learning to trust God alone, He continuously challenges Jen and I to take steps of faith in life. Its hardly ever easy. Its always good. February is one of those faith-stretching months. I am thankful for a regional leadership team who cares so much about the well-being of the staff in the Northeast Region. In an effort to continue to build our much needed ministry partner base, they have asked the entire Northeast Region campus staff to step off campus for the month of February (with the exception of one day a week to maintain relationships with students). This will allow us to connect with current ministry partners, meet new ones and invite them to be a part of helping to fulfill the Great Commission. It is a really exciting time in the Capital Region!

Please pray for us as we launch out this month. Our ministry partner team is such a critical part of the ministry. I am often thankful that as I walk onto campus, there are tons of people who stand behind Jen and I. Our ministry would not be possible without a team of people willing to say, "yes, I will go with you to reach the nations on campus- through prayer and financial giving." So, once again, thank you for taking a step of faith and giving to the Lord, believing that He will accomplish what He has said He would.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you this month.