In our last newsletter, we introduced you to Ian, an intern working with TJ this summer in the Systems department. TJ has really enjoyed getting to know Ian and work alongside him. Here's what TJ had to say about the summer:
One of the first things you notice about Ian is his kind and welcoming smile and character. No matter what I might be working on or talking about, Ian was always willing to serve. Though I never did, I am pretty sure I could have asked him to make me coffee whenever I wanted it!
Even if he didn't know how to do what you were asking him, he was always eager to learn something new. Ian had less experience with coding and systems work but even when we asked him to create something well beyond any project he has done before, he was not scared or hesitant. Instead, he battled through the frustrations and asked lots of questions. Honestly, this was a bit of a challenge for me to do so much teaching and direct guidance in something that I've had over 5 years experience in. I learned a lot, too, as I had to regularly break down the steps and adjust my directions so that Ian could succeed in this project.
Underlying all of this, I was regularly struck by Ian's humility. He acknowledged were he had weakness in his technical competencies. He regularly asked good questions and sought advice when he felt lost or stuck. He exemplified some great godly characteristics that will set him apart no matter where he works as a faithful follower of Christ!
So, what exactly did Ian work? Great question!
The time we have the interns is actually very short! So I wanted to find a project for Ian that would be truly beneficial to our ministry, as we greatly value his service, but also a reasonable goal for his time here. We ended up having him create a financial fund manager software that would allow our staff to move funds internally in a more efficient way than our current system.
This project required 3 parts: 1. Database - Stores the records of all fund transfer requests and who requested them. 2. Server - Contains all logic to make the system work. 3. Web App - Browser application for fund managers to login and request transfers.
This project did have a pretty large scope! I was hopeful Ian would be able to make good headway on these areas. However, the limited time and experience he had, made this quite a challenge. In the end, Ian was able to complete about 75% of the needed work! I'll continue to refine the program in the coming months such that we can implement it for our staff to officially use.
I'm very grateful for the time we had with Ian this summer. I know he really enjoyed it and learned a lot about what it looks like to serve DiscipleMakers, as well as practical computer coding skills. I appreciated the opportunities to grow in management and oversight of a younger co-laborer to guide and direct them on a project.
You can read Ian's end of internship newsletter at the link below to hear a bit more of his perspective, including some of what he experienced on campus, too!
Right now, thousands of students are packing their bags and heading off to college. Some are eager to return to school for another year of classes excited to reconnect with friends. Others are nervously stepping onto campus for the first time, unsure what this year will bring. Whoever it may be and wherever they are at, we are eager to meet them!
Over the next 2 weeks, our staff will have the busiest weeks of the year doing outreach events - helping with move in, participating in Activities Fairs to meet new students, playing frisbee and other activities to welcome students in, casting vision for student leaders to lead bible studies and other discussions this semester, and building new relationships with students we pray will come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior! Whew!
We know that even with all our ambitious and busy efforts, nothing we do on campus can be accomplished without the Lord's guiding.
Would you join us in praying for the Fall semester? Here are some scriptures and prayers to pray over the next few weeks:
"so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" (John 20:31)
Please pray for belief and new birth in Christ. Pray that across our entire ministry, we would see 20 students believe first time that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
"Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?'
Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'” (John 2:45-46)
Please pray for student leaders to boldly invite their friends to "come and see" about Jesus. Pray that their friends would come even if they are skeptical.
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches." (John 13:4)
Please pray for us, DiscipleMakers staff, and student leaders to abide in Jesus. Pray that we would abide in His love and that He would empower us to bear much fruit.
"When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead." (John 12:9)
Pray that large crowds would come to our outreach events, including ice cream socials, frisbee games, display tables, and other events. Pray that many would come and get connected to Jesus, even if they show up for other reasons.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Pray for unity among student leaders, as they love one another as Christ has loved them. Pray that in all the students and staff do, the love of Christ would be first and foremost, compelling new students to curiously seek out further understanding of who our loving God is.
Know a College Student?
Do you know someone in your family or church sending a young adult off to college this fall? DiscipleMakers is at 20 colleges in Pennsylvania. If your young adult is heading off to one of these schools, we'd love to connect him or her with staff at that campus! Click the link below to find contact info for each campus.
Just this week, DiscipleMakers became a recognized club at
Penn State - Berks! Praise God!
If you know any student attending there, you can reach out to Jordan Eyster at [email protected].
Prayers & Praises
Praise God for Ian and his service with DiscipleMakers this summer! Pray for the Lord's leading in the coming school year as he continues to discern how he will continue to serve the Lord post-college.
Pray for the upcoming semester using the scriptures and prayer above!
Continue to pray for us as we serve in the Headquarters to support the efforts of those on campus this fall. Pray the Lord would allow us to get our work done quickly and excellently.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are constantly in awe of God's work on the college campus and delight to share it with you. If there are any ways that we can pray for you, please let us know!
In Christ,
TJ & Kate Renninger
Outside the Office
This summer we've enjoyed being outdoors a lot! We went on some short vacations with Kate's family (left) and TJ's family (above).
TJ's really enjoyed feeding the birds that visit our window feeder. Recently he has been able to fee them by hand! Click the video to the left to watch the Tufted Titmouse visit.
We also went waterskiing again with Jason, TJ's Systems coworker. It was a lot of fun! Some of our other coworkers thought they could make our photos look even more epic! Haha! (below)
