Gratitude Galore - November Ministry Update

 




Gratitude Galore 

It is incredibly difficult to believe that yet another month of ministry has wrapped, but what a wonder this one has been! There were a lot of group activities this month that made it such a joy. In reflecting back, I can't help but be filled with a deep sense of thankfulness for the ways the Lord has used your partnership to make it possible to serve students in experiencing God's pursuit of them! 


Pizza Theology 

One of my favorite events that FOCUS hosts each semester is Pizza Theology! This semester's Pizza Theo did not fall anywhere short of impactful. This semester, we had the privilege of having Professor of Old Testament theology at Regent College, Iain Provan, come all the way down to Dallas to discuss his new book, Cuckoos in Our Nest: Truth and Lies about Being Human. After talking with students, a few big takeaways I noticed for them included a further trust that the Scriptures are authoritative for their lives, that humans are here to act as priests to all of creation by passing God's blessings to others, that we are fallen but in Christ saved and hopeful, and that there is a call to act as if ideas are indeed powerful. As I sat back and looked across the rows of auditorium seats that were filled, I couldn't help but feel a fullness of awe toward God. These students were willing to take at least five hours of their weekend to learn from a teacher of God's word. It moved my heart to praise and I think it is something that brought God joy too! 

Food and Fellowship

There are roughly 14 accounts of Jesus communing with others over a meal in the New Testament. This November, I began to understand why a lunch or dinner has the ability to foster such deep fellowship! 

Over the course of this semester, I have gotten to meet and befriend (by a complete God-moment) Abigail, who happens to come from a Romanian family! Each fall, there's a Romanian food festival held in Colleyville.  Abigail, her sister,  my friend April (who studied the FOJ with me when first joined FOCUS), and I made a trip out to Colleyville where we got to see a little display of Romanian culture. We enjoyed the warm sun, lively music, most delicious sweets, and the beautiful artwork of the Romanian Orthodox Church. It's been so sweet to have this God connection of a friendship and to share this memory of bonding over beauty, art, and good food. 

Friendsgiving is a staple part of November traditions. Friendsgiving this season looked like celebrating over sushi with my peer team (a sweet group women small group leaders who I have had the pleasure of meeting with biweekly). We got to reflect on what we have learned this year and the ways God has grown each of us through ministry. It's been such a treasure to mature in God and co-labor alongside these women!

My Tuesday night small group also celebrated Friendsgiving. It was so special to be surrounded by so many young women who have committed to knowing Jesus, reading scripture, and showing faithfulness to community. To think that a few months ago, we were all strangers is nearly impossible, but God has been so kind to cause such sweet friendships to blossom! 

              


Prayer Requests and Praises 

I don't want to end this months blog without expressing how deeply and sincerely grateful I am for each ministry partner! Recently, a student filled out a connect form and as I began texting her, she told me that she was looking to make friends and to " hopefully connect more with God." Though it's late in the semester, students are still hungry and thirsty. Your partnership makes it possible to continue inviting students to taste and see how sweet the Lord is. It reminds me of the words from Isaiah 55 - 

"Come, all you who are thirsty,
    come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without cost."

God lays a table of feasting for us. He has prepared seats for them to take. As the semester comes to a close, please pray that any students who are longing for more in their souls would come to God to be filled on his goodness. 

Please also be praying for students as they enter the exam season. The next couple of weeks are stressful times for many students, but my hope is that they would have God's peace covering them! 















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