Dear Friends,
Can I tell you (again) how much I love being on campus? It ENERGIZES ME !!!- Whether sitting in my office with an individual- (yes, it seems it could be my office for the year!), or a group around a table in the cafeteria or student lounge; whether socializing, a first time personal meeting, or a deep intentional conversation- I'm ENERGIZED by all the youthful potential around me.
I’m now working on creating more time slots during the four days on campus to meet one time/short term requests. There are the 20 regulars and those meetings are content-driven: men wanting/needing accountability with their basic spiritual disciplines; others journeying through books* and a few doing the 2 Timothy Bible study that the Sunday group is working through. The conversations also include study skills, time management, career choices, home and living skills. relationships with roommates, girlfriends, character issues, health and fitness, and finances. No area is off limits! Between appointments and during cancellations, I am in the hallways, cafeteria, student lounge, or library for impromptu conversations.
*The Forgotten God by Francis Chan and Gods at War by Kyle Idleman
Highlights:
- I am particularly encouraged by Andrew as he is in his second year of leading a book study and learning about the complexities and nuances of being a trained group leader.
- Some individuals and the Bible study group are having a more outward focus to not only live the Christian life of integrity before their peers, but also praying for opportunities to talk about spiritual journeys and share the gospel. This has given opportunity to focus on prayer, strategies and tools for sharing faith. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Jesus is the best their friends leave university with?
- This falls in line with my experiences this term as God opens doors for me to talk with others about their spiritual backgrounds, their understanding of the Christian faith, and moving towards sharing the gospel.
- I am having great conversations with students in the Education after-degree program. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences from my years of teaching, and makes me appreciate the great career I had.
Prayer requests:
- The Sunday Bible study and individuals would continue to pray and look for opportunities to share faith with their peers and others in their sphere of influence.
- I would continue to listen to conversations for building relationships and opportunities to share the gospel message.
- That I would wisely avail myself to new requests and pace myself to prevent burn out.
Thanks for your continued interest, support and investment in the next generation!
l feeling I could lose it any time, so the walls are bare. But the privacy the space affords- priceless!
Blessings,
Bob
