As you can tell Chris has had a hard time keeping up with the mission blog. I would love for him to share with you his ideas and thoughts because he has so many wonderful things to share. However, in his quest to pursue many things these days, I will attempt to fill in with my perspective.

Things have been in full swing since the beginning of the school year. Kick-off with move in weekend went well. Lots of students and their families were transported across campus via golf carts (as Chris mentioned previously). It gave great moments to share what Campus Life is about. The “drumstick” cookout on the first Monday night was a fabulous way to feed hungry bellies and allow students to stay for the large group meeting afterward. Thanks to Light for the Lost for cooking the tasty drumsticks! Several new faces were found at our gathering and we pray they will stay connected and even more will follow. We’ve implemented a 15 minute interlude after the worship time during large group to encourage students to converse and connect with each other. It seems to work well especially in connecting with those new faces.

There have been several Friday night events throughout the month that have been organized by the fabulous events team. The progressive dinner and mini golf/go-carting seemed to be a smash hit!

We’ve had the opportunity to gather with student leaders once a month to share vision and transfer feedback. There are about a dozen or so solid students dedicated to see the ministry grow and prosper. It’s amazing to see their hearts for Jesus. We pray that we will continue to pour into their lives and encourage them to stay strong this year.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet with 3 girls who are leaders in the ministry, on a weekly basis. This “core group” is dedicated to discipleship and mentoring as we look through some curriculum designed by the staff. As much as I feel they enjoy our time together, I enjoy it so much more! It gives me a chance to do something out of my ordinary day and to pour myself out into these wonderful ladies. I see their hearts seeking after God and it is so encouraging and refreshing to see that on a college campus. It reminds me of my days at UMD! Thank you to Chris who enables me to pursue this as he watches the girls!

We are continually looking for ways to keep students connected and growing. It’s a work in progress, as much of life is! It’s exciting to be a part of something that is so much bigger than I am and that is continually developing and growing.