October 1, 2014

Dear Friends, 

"Thrive" has been the theme for Student Life at King's University the last two years. First years get a T-shirt (blue this year, neon green last year, (and didn't I live through neon once before in the '80s?) to help them identify as part of the community. I tie this theme in with Luke 2:52: "and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man" offering opportunities for growth to "thrive" in the "favour with God and man" categories. 

How exciting to meet first years during orientation and re-aquaint with returning students! I have had favourable response from first years- seven have met with me to discuss what I can offer them; one joining my last year's five for the Sunday study, and all others from last year returning for one-on-one this year. Four days on campus may not be enough with twenty-plus guys wanting to meet. (Day 5 is Sunday lunch and Bible study at my house.)

But it's more about the journeys each cares to endeavour than the numbers who I can serve. The Sunday study, as well as some individuals, are going through a study on 2 Timothy. Many are asking for help in establishing or stabilizing personal disciplines and/or studying topics of their own interest/concern- prayer, the Holy Spirit, dating, cultural idolatry, time management, study skills, conflict management, career planning, how to lead their own study. I help them choose resources to work through- from books to articles, to a variety of tools. I benefit as well- reading through the resources for weekly discussions on chapters, searching and reading for reliable resources to pass on.  

Speaking of benefits*- I will be working with the campus psychologist to learn counselling content in certificated courses he has designed, have been approved and has used at other institutions. I look forward to this opportunity for professional development right at my doorstep!

And speaking of doorstep*- I have had the use of an office space for this first month, and although it was assigned as a shared space, it has been mine alone. But I also know that my volunteer status puts me bottom of the list and it may disappear any time. I am thankful for everyday that I have this private space for my meetings. 

Thanks for all your consistent support! It makes the ministry work possible!

Ministering in partnership at King's, 

Bob

*nice segues eh!

August 20, 2014

Dear Friends, 

I've been back in Canada for six weeks and it has been a good time of R&R&R&R. I have purposefully laid low and that's been really helpful. 

Rest- Although the recommendation for jet lag is one day for each hour difference (and Colombia is only an hour earlier), my body needed to get back into daily workout routines. I was back to swimming my second day and have added biking to my regime. That has helped me reset my (aging) body back into my Canadian rhythm. And I appreciate each and every door and window that opens to the outside and brings in fresh air!

Restoration- First the house and yardwork- all those things that are needed to be done in May and June were condensed into my first week back, including considering a flame thrower for all the weeds in the yard! I had thought I'd read during my "down time" in Colombia, but that was not possible so I've been playing catch up- finishing my summer books, looking for resources for this fall for myself and for my work at King's. 

Reflection- I have been taking quite a bit of time to process the eight weeks of being away. What did God teach me- about me? about ministry? What future prospects for ministry are there in Sabaneta? Should I seriously study Spanish this year? How will I be different (Luke 2:52)* as I move into another year at King's and personal ministry? I feel God has taken me to a deeper, more intimate relationship with him and has given me some answers, some challenges, some dreams of possibilities. 

Reinvigoration- I have been on campus a few times and the work started this Monday the 25th- working with the new student leadership; Wednesday the first years will move into residence; Thursday and Friday will be first year orientation programming and returning students' registration; Saturday is a service project planting trees for the first years. Then Tuesday after Labour Day- full swing! 

There are some significant changes in the Student Life Department including a new program ("Strengthsfinders") that all first years must participate in. This will be an additional tool for us in assisting them (and any returning students who would like to be a part) in the areas of personal growth and development.

And I have access to a shared office space! When I meet the other person, I'll negotiate regular office hours.

It's good to be back in a headspace where "back to school!" is a positive not a negative (except when stores are advertising their sales before August 1st... really Target?) 

Prayer Requests: 

I will look for and listen for God's direction for ministry opportunities with the King's students, and seek relevant resources to bring them into their own fulness of Christ. 

Ii will be flexible and adaptable to changes to meet these needs (a mixed Bible study on campus? elimination of the Sunday study?)

Thank you for your participation in my ministry at King's and wherever God leads me- through prayer and/or financial support. 

Bob

*Luke 2:52- "and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."