hello again Reader,

as always, I pray these updates encourage, inspire, and challenge you as we help college students find and follow Jesus.

from the field:

University of Nebraska Omaha (CSF_Omaha)

I can't say I care about Magic the Gathering (it's a card game kinda like Pokemon), but you should of seen Kassie's eyes light up when my co-worker Samantha said she's played before. Her demeanor changed and she leaned in relationally more than ever. That happened at ASK. Our - presently - weekly environment where we create space for relationship, honest conversation about life and faith, and occasionally, buy lunch.

These values of hospitality, spiritual conversation, and prayer are becoming more clear for Samantha and I as we're dreaming about next semester. We've got something in the pipeline we're considering for the spring that's leaning more into those values but would require some changes to our normal rhythm. That's worth praying through if you could :)

Iowa Western Community College (CSF_CB)

As my wife said, planting a campus ministry is really hard on your ego. Students often lack the resilience to commit to something that isn't clearly "church" and is still growing its core. I often hear from other campus ministers that it takes through year three before things really have the critical mass and cultural momentum to carry through the ups and downs of a semester. I've been curious how that will work at a community college.

For context, students have withdrawn significantly post fall break. A combination of colder temperatures, homework being more overwhelming, and darker evenings (throw in busy sports schedules!) and we've seen far fewer students. The students we do have are consistent and growing in ways I'm really proud of.

Despite the challenge, we hosted our fall party at a farm east of Council Bluffs thanks to the generosity of a member at First Christian CB. It was an excellent evening that was super helpful in creating the feel of community at CSF. We've got just two more Weeklys and two more events before the end of the semester, so I'm leaning in and trying to finish strong!

for you and your prayers.

thank you:

• for your prayers. - I was on a call with someone this week who reminded me the importance and power of prayer. Amidst all the questions of how to run programming more effectively and how to disciple students better I'm challenged to remember that prayer is my job. And that's a burden I share with you. It's a gift to prayer with you for the reaching and discipling of students on campus, so thank you.
• for your gifts. - On that same call I had the opportunity to share with that person the gift it is to work for CSF, where 50% of my salary and the campus budgets are fundraised by CSF for us as Campus Ministers. The other half is from generous partners that we bring on. Meaning, your faithful generosity allows me to devote my working life to serving students. Thank you so much.

Also, I'm looking for a few more monthly partners, if you've read this far and have been encouraged I'd ask you to pray about coming on as a financial partner. Maybe it's not monthly, a one time gift also goes a long way in allowing me to serve college students full time with CSF.

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pray for

• Finishing the semester well!
• Planning the spring for both UNO, IWCC, and their respective Spring Break trips.
• Tyler, Maddie, Kassie, and Jacob W.

The Learning Corner:

Do you have a podcast, book, or otherwise you think I'd find valuable? Send it my way by replying to this email!

Oh so interesting A pastor at our church quoted this author and I immediately added the book to my list. It's been thought provoking and insightful as I've processed how to reach IWCC and UNO with the Good News of the Kingdom of Jesus. Buy a Copy

An Impactful Sermon My dear friend recently started attending this church in Denver and shared this sermon with me. It's been a comfort and a challenge to me over the past month. Grateful for the community of Jesus beyond my geography. Listen Here