Do you ever look at your calendar and wonder how it could already be December? The last time we sent an update was 4 months ago! How has it been so long already? The silence in communication is not for lack of seeing God at work on the college campus, but rather being so captivated by how we are serving this ministry daily. This semester has felt as if we're learning how to do campus ministry for the first time, yet also seems very familiar. This has been particularly true for planning our largest event of the year, Fall Conference.
This year our speakers taught through the book of Jonah and revealed that there is much more here than just a story about a big fish. Jonah is a story of God's grace poured out over and over again and his mercy shown to the least deserving - something we all resonate with.
At the end of October, over 450 college students and staff gathered together once again to worship, learn, and fellowship! It was truly an encouraging event as we saw God work mightily in so many hearts. This event is one of the biggest parts of Kate's role as Event Planning Manager, so she was particularly excited to see how our efforts were a part of God's greater plan to reconcile his people to himself. Read below for some photos, quotes, and two stories (one from Kate, one from TJ) about God's work.
*student names changed for privacy
"The conference was a life-changing moment for me. It enabled me to self-reflect, to identify my strengths and weaknesses, and to also ask God to change me. The conference was so inspiring and I can't wait to attend another."
"I have not been able to get some of the things that I learned off of my mind. It really catered to me as a college student and everything I learned was so applicable to my life. I am so thankful that I was able to go and grow my faith and knowledge of the Bible, it has truly changed the way that I view certain aspects of my life."
TJ's Student Story: "Eli"
Prior to Fall Conference, a number of other staff had told me about a student at Penn State who had recently gotten connected with DiscipleMakers fellowship. "Eli" is a very inquisitive young man and would have lengthy discussions with many staff and students about God's word, what it said, and the truths about God. His interests and analytical mind were similar to mine, so I was open to chat with him more at Fall Conference, if I could find him.
When students started arriving, I kept an eye out for someone matching the vague description I was given of "Eli", but didn't look too hard. As I sat down next to an empty chair for the first main session, I figured I'd just wait to talk with him later. A few minutes later, a student walked in late to the session and sat down in that empty seat. Upon introducing myself, I realized this was "Eli"! Clearly, it was the Lord's intention for us to meet!
"Eli" and I had the opportunity to have multiple conversations throughout the weekend. I learned that he loves to study the Bible, but is wrestling with how much of it he can trust. He really wants to believe that the whole of the Bible is inerrant and trustworthy, but hasn’t gotten to that point yet. It's pretty clear that "Eli" has a very intellectual understanding of the Bible and the gospel, but it has not fully penetrated his heart yet. I have been able to keep up some conversation with him, but ultimately praying that the Spirit would soften his heart to deeply know Christ.
Kate's Student Story: "Jess"
Matthew 18:10-14 tells a familiar parable about the shepherd who leaves 99 of his sheep to search after 1 that has gone astray. Jesus explains how this is an image of God's love for us, that he would do anything to go after just 1 of his precious children to save them. What a wonderful image! At Fall Conference, we had the opportunity to show God's love in this way to 1 student.
"Jess" had just started getting involved with DiscipleMakers fellowship at Bloomsburg University. She wasn't a Christian but really enjoyed the community and friends she was making. It had always been hard for "Jess" to make friends who initiated with her and continued to reach out. "Jess" is deaf, and while she has some methods of communicating, it can be very isolating and difficult to be a part of conversations, a key part to any friendship. This group of peers who pursued her seemed out of the ordinary. But for the fellowship, loving "Jess" was very normal as they simply saw another one of God's creations who needed to know His love.
We were excited when "Jess" signed up to attend Fall Conference! However, at such a large event, it can make communication even harder. So, my co-work reached out to me to see how we could accommodate her. After many phone calls and research, we found a way to provide ASL interpreters for "Jess" for the entire weekend of the event! Praise God!
Following the conference, my co-worker told me this: "We’re not sure yet if she is a believer, but God is clearly working in her life. She texted me this last week:
'I did it and i am so proud of myself. I prayed for 3 days straight about everything and i can’t believe i did it! when i pray i use sign language and voice at the same time and also i noticed that i started to feel more happy, smile and laugh every day wow! I love god and Jesus! i will start to read the Bible over winter break! i told God and Jesus i will NEVER give up on anything and i really can do it with happiness no matter what. i am not afraid of satan and The dark.'
I think Fall Conference was a real turning point for her. It I think was the first time she realized Christian's could care for her. Somethings she's really wrestling with now it's just trusting that people do care. But I know that your efforts you made to getting an interpreter for her was one of the first steps and her realizing that Christians love differently than the world."
"It was my first time ever going to a conference like this and it gave me chills to worship God with other college students." - student testimony
Fall Conference weekend was definitely fueled by coffee! Here, my intern, Catherine, and I were quite excited for a morning cup from a local place, Little Amps. We also had to show off how we unintentionally matched!
Ways You Can Be Praying
Praise God for Fall Conference and how many students were able to hear the gospel!
Pray for "Eli", that the Lord would open his heart and mind to the Word, deeply trusting the Lord beyond what he can know.
Pray for "Jess" that the Lord would continue to work in her heart such that she would accept Christ's unconditional, true love for her. Pray also for perseverance and strength the Bloomsburg student leadership team as they continue to minister to "Jess" by providing interpretation services and love.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. If there are any ways that we can be praying for you, please let me know!
