September 2015
The joy of the LORD is my strength
Nehemiah 8:10*
I have been filled with joy! these past few weeks as I’ve met
- numerous first years (“So far, I like my roommate”; “ When can I buy textbooks?”; “What room is ENGL200A?... oh! that’s the course number? Where’s the room number?”)
- their parents at move-in (“This is his/her first time away from home (sob)”; “I’m just the ATM machine here to dispense money”; “No, s/he doesn’t want help moving in. S/he said “Take the stuff out of the car and I’ll send a photo later.”)
- returning students (“I’m DONE this year”; “I can’t make my timetable work and I have classes starting at 9”; “I look forward to my role in student leadership”; “$250 for this textbook!”)
- and staff (they were too busy in their own areas to catch comments)
The fall schedule has filled quickly! At this point I have
- eleven! who are committed to the Sunday study. It is a nice balance between first year rez and commuters (a first), and returning students. It also makes for a full dining table (and I have switched my living and dining room areas to accommodate them)
- seven others outside the study who want to start or return to meeting with me weekly
- three who have joined my on-campus book study “Every Young Man’s Battle” on sexual temptation, including one student who I will train to co-lead.
- a few from last year still to confirm time slots and content
I’ve met with each of the new students and as I’ve listened to their journeys (family life, Christian/church background, academic programming etc), most importantly, I hear how they want to be intentional in pursuing God this year. And it’s been good to catch up with the returning students and hear what they
My prayer: that I be a good, deep listener and I am able to point them to Jesus for transformation
Thank you for your participation and being a blessing to me and the campus ministry!
I AM AN EXTENSION OF YOU AND YOUR HEART FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG MEN!
Full of strength because I’m full of joy!
Bob
*(Who remembers the chorus in the ‘80s that was attached to this verse? YES? And now, can you get it out of your head? NOOOOOO!!!)
