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)
The normal woes plague UNO. Atrocious parking, overwhelming amounts of students, and the ever moving target of how to contextualize ministry here. However, as we enter what Samantha I consider year 1 since the relaunch (last year was year "zero") we've seen the investment made in students lives over the last 12 months begin to pay off.
Two students joined us at week one of "ASK," - our Thursday lunch conversations about faith - and the conversation was excellent. It then turned into four this past week. We're hopeful for continued engagement as this is our main effort on campus this fall. Unfortunately I was unable to join this past week due to breaking a 104 degree fever. ๐ค
Lastly, Courtney, Llewelyn, and I snuck down to Kansas City to see some family and we just had to stop by Neighbors Coffee. You might remember that back to March this was the coffee shop we did a serve project with. The shop opened a few weeks ago and they are already make a huge impact. So grateful for these Kingdom Workers (and the very good coffee they brew).
Iowa Western Community College (CSF_CB)
Iowa Western's fall kicked off with a strong 15 students at our ice cream social. I was super encouraged (and I'll admit surprised) by the energetic start to our semester. We faltered a little in the following weeks but picked back up in the last couple weeks.
Last Wednesday we kicked off CSF Weekly, our consistent gathering for a game, Bible Study, and time in prayer. 10 students played team charades, studied Exodus 34:6-8, and participated in discussion and prayer. With the addition of a new volunteer, a recant graduate from our campus in Wayne, the atmosphere was awesome. I'm very excited for this semester of CSF!
Misc.
Do you ever feel like you need more time with Jesus?
This is the driving question for CSF's fall retreat, "OFFLINE." Happening at the end of the month we're inviting students to unplug and come to Covenant Cedars Bible Camp to hear the Gospel, learn to follow Jesus, and be unleashed to invite their friends to do the same.
Somehow, I got added to the planning team for this and it's been a lot. However, it's been super fulfilling to work on and I cannot wait to share the stories of what God does through this setting of time aside!
If you want to help keep this affordable for students we are looking for one-time gifts to help cover the remaining costs of the retreat. You can fully scholarship a student for $125 or provide a partial for $50.
If you're interested in giving you can do so at this link:
for you and your prayers.
thank you:
- for your prayers. - I've had the opportunity to build a relationship with Broden. He's a 2nd year at IWCC and has been following Jesus for just a few months. In what's becoming more and more common, he found Jesus by Himself and then got connected to Christian community. I credit that to you. Your prayers make an impact, so please keep contending with me for God's Kingdom to come at IWCC and UNO as it is in Heaven.
- for your gifts. - I spend my days crafting and implementing environments and pathways for college students to find and follow Jesus. I buy coffees and spend hours and hours offering this to students for free. That's because of your generosity. Thank you.
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 student full time with CSF.
pray for
- OFFLINE - that God would provide students and funds. More importantly, that God would show up in power, meeting these students where they are and changing their lives forever.
- ME - It's been a very full month(ish) and my body and soul are feeling it. As things settle down I anticipate being able to catch my breath. I would, however, treasure your prayers for rest as I put my head down and keep at it!
โ