"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise."
James 5:13
Here's the honest truth...lately the uncertainties of life have been overwhelming. I am a planner, both in personality, and in my role with DiscipleMakers. So, when the amount of unknowns and uncertainties begin to pile up, it hinders my ability to make well thought out plans. With government regulations, college's fall semester mandates, and more, it can feel like we're constantly planning, re-planning, and repeatedly considering every possible outcome. How can I stay motivated to keep pressing on when I don't know where I'm going next or how it's going to work out?
I know I am not alone in these feelings. Our staff are doing incredible work thinking through how they can continue to minister to students this fall whether they are back on campus or not, but it's been difficult. Our students are confused and concerned about the impact another virtual semester may have on their studies, especially for those with internships, jobs, student teaching, and other in-person requirements.
And while this is hard and can feel hopeless or pointless at times, we do have a greater hope in our unchangeable and faithful God who, by his grace, has given us the greatest certainty of our lives through Jesus Christ. Though things right now may feel volatile, confusing, or dull, we can rest in the sure salvation we've received and the promise of a new heaven & earth one day through eternity. Do not pass over that truth quickly! God, our Father, has set the course of our lives (Psalm 139:13-16) and a future place for us with him in eternity. Jesus, the Son, has made a way for us to be reconciled to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). The Holy Spirit guides and prepares us to be images of Christ to others until we see eternity (John 16:13-15). How do we go from overwhelming uncertainty to contentment and joy in the Lord? We pray and have faith in God's plans for every hour of our lives.
So, join me in praying for DiscipleMakers as we press on in the uncertainties ahead, fully trusting in God's sovereignty and promises.
Event Planning
Pray for wisdom, creativity, and unity for the Fall Conference planning team as we figure out how to host this event virtually in a way that is still encouraging to students.
Pray for the13 teachers for Fall Conference that the gospel would be clear and students would quickly apply the teaching to their lives.
Pray for the technology involved in hosting a virtual event. Pray for the recorded sessions and live sessions to all run smoothly, so that there are no distractions or hindrances for scripture to be heard.
Pray for our worship team as they prepare to pre-record worship sets for our Fall Conference event. Pray that the songs and other readings would minister to students in this time.
Pray for perseverance for the Fall Conference planning team as we trudge through the unknowns of a new type of event. The in-person conferences are incredibly motivating for myself and other members of the team, that these virtual events can make our roles feel pointless. Pray that we could continue to press on and serve this ministry well, knowing God is at work and using even the cancelled plans for His glory.
Pray for me as I take on the larger role of "Event Planning Manager". This means I will have much more oversight and responsibility for all our conferences, requiring me to learn how to juggle and track many more details and moving parts. Pray that in all this, I would rely on the Lord and His strength to guide and sustain men.
On Campus
Pray that we would be courageous as we share Christ, and cautious as we work within the guidelines before us.
Pray for encouragement and perseverance as our staff try to prepare for a Fall semester that will look very different than anything they are used to. Pray that they would not become fatigued or unmotivated with the difficultly of planning for so many uncertainties.
Pray for creativity for staff and students to evangelize over social media and find new ways of connecting with incoming students/ministering to returning students within the parameters of CDC and campus guidelines.
Pray for protection over our staff and the students as they return to campus that they would not be infected with the Coronavirus, and would not spread it to others.
Pray for student leaders to be bold and courageous to share the gospel with their classmates and professors. Pray that these difficult times would provide many clear opportunities to present the hope of the gospel as a contrast to the hopelessness felt.
Pray for continued engagement with students, especially for those who are not returning to campus. Pray that students would still join in on outreach efforts, small groups, and community events (even virtually).
Pray for students who may be experiencing difficulties at home, financial instability, or anxiety from the ever changing nature of this pandemic. Pray for peace and comfort from the Lord. Pray they would turn TO and not FROM Christ now. Pray that they would stay connected with DiscipleMakers community and staff, and that we would have the opportunity to support and aid them in whatever ways possible.
As I was writing this newsletter, the song "Be Still My Soul" came on Spotify, and it fit so well. I encourage you to reflect on these lyrics:
Be still, my soul, The Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God, to order and provide
In every change, He faithful will remain
Thank you, dear friends, for your partnership in the gospel!
Your support - whether prayer, financial, or other - is greatly appreciated and makes it possible for us to continue reaching the next generation for Christ!
