"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Psalm 34:8-10
Cravings for Community on Campus
Last school year ended abruptly. Graduations were cancelled. Students were rushed out of their dorms into a summer riddled with "social distancing" and isolation. That time away has left students starved for community and friendship, but full of questions about life's purpose and interest in something greater than themselves. So, while it seems like all the restrictions we have on each college campus about gathering in groups or needing to stay 6 feet apart could hinder the gospel, it's clear that God has been laying a foundation for the gospel to shine brighter than ever before. Read below for some quotes and updates from our campus staff across Pennsylvania...
One of our campus groups reported that they've had more connections with incoming first-year students than ever before! Our lead staff there was even asked to give the keynote address at a unity event because the administration has appreciated his involvement so much.
A message from a student leader at Shippensburg University:
"Huge praise guys!! So a freshman (name removed) is the first person I've met with so far from our list. He said he identified as a Christian and his dad was a pastor, but once his parents got a divorce he completely changed and he started to get into other things to fill the hole of the brokenness of family and he said he knew what the gospel was, but he didn't understand it but he was holding himself back. I shared and talked with him and he seemed hesitant at first and was like yeah it sounds good but I don't know. And i said okay and if he would like to continue meeting on mondays and he said sure. So i get home and i get a text from him later in the day and he says he's been thinking on what you said and prayed for the first time in a while and asked if we could talk. So i talked to him and he told me it was time for him to take his life back and be the man God called him to be and grow his relationship with God and he said he was excited to meet with me on mondays!!"
Generally, our staff have noticed that students appear far more hungry for community because of the last five months of isolation. Many are sticking around Zoom call chat rooms after group events end, which has led to more positive responses to "gospel appointments" (get-togethers where the gospel is presented or introduced.)
In this season, it has been encouraging to revisit Jesus’ words to his disciples in Matthew 9: “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” The fall semester may look completely different this year, but God is still raising up college students to impact the world and the next generation for Christ.
Would you join us as laborers this fall
by connecting us with the class of 2024?
We've created a page on our website with details and ideas for how you can connect with students you may know. There you can also see all of the campuses where we currently have active ministries.
Typically at this time of year, the Event Planning department is deep in planning for our biggest event of the year - Fall Conference. Every year we bring approximately 500 students and staff to a hotel in Harrisburg and spend a jam packed weekend together learning solid gospel truths and building community. However, this year, we will all be together VIRTUALLY. It's been a whirlwind figuring out what this will look like and how to continue to engage students in a world that is completely virtual already. That's why our theme is so fitting this year: Christ Alone
"Our world is dominated by distractions, divisions and disorder. In this distracted world, we need to hear the Word of truth that cuts through the noise. In this divided world, we need a real hope for reconciliation. In this disordered world, we need to see that the Supreme King is in control. We need Jesus Christ, our prophet, priest, and king. Join us online for Fall Conference 2020 as we discover and delight in the person of Jesus Christ."
My big project for this event has been creating our registration process and details web page. Check it out below, and feel free to share with college students you may know.
In August, I had the opportunity to go on vacation with some coworkers & friends. We've been doing this every year for the past 3 years and I always look forward to it. This year even included some fishing where I caught my first fish with my roommate, Taylor! I also spent a few days camping with TJ's (my boyfriend, below) family at a nearby campground. It was really sweet getting to know them more and spending time together.
Prayers & Praises
Praise God for his sovereignty in preparing so many hearts to eagerly hear the gospel!
Pray for perseverance and boldness for our campus staff as they continue to reach more students. Pray for student leaders to also grow in boldness.
Pray that our our preparation for Fall Conference would go smoothly and that the Lord would use this event to bring students out of isolation and see Christ alone as their hope.
Pray for wisdom and humility for me as I continue to serve as Event Planning Manager and learn how to lead our whole conference planning team.
Pray for TJ and me as we consider the next steps of our relationship.
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!
