April 2019

Dear Prayer Partners, 

February and March seemed to have flown by! Perhaps not weather-wise as it was a longer, colder winter, nor health-wise as I had a setback for six weeks as I readjusted medication and fought a cold. However….

1. One of the best moments I savour each week is listening to the Bible study guys checking each other on their scripture memory. Music to my ears! I love their passion, their accountability for accuracy, their personal growth and development (and I grieve that this spiritual discipline is not still taught/encouraged.)

2. I met a student in early February who struggled his first semester, not being able to find community or “rootedness”. But he has found it by joining the Sunday study and he also completes a group of…

3. Five of the Bible study group who live on campus and have agreed to live together in an on-campus apartment next year, and we hope the sixth (also a Christian) will join the study next year. What a great way for them to build community with each other and be collective “salt and light” in the complex. 

4. Mentoring the one student into Bible study leading has gone well. He has a natural affinity to listen, observe, ask questions and give feedback. Another student has come forward wanting training in leading and discipling. How encouraging!

Mid-March, a resident student took his own life and there were different levels of ripple effects on students, faculty and staff. Administration was fantastic in offering counselling and other supports for the following week. I did not know the student, and only a few that I meet with did, but to be available to listen, to hear their stories, to offer support, was key. 

Now, we’re in the last week of classes and exams will start after Easter. Convocation will be May 4th. I’m meeting students for the last time before they launch to their summer jobs, and most, to home outside of Edmonton. 

Thank you for your prayers and other forms of encouragement and support throughout this school year. These continue to affirm that I am in the right place for this season of my life. I look forward to Year 8 in September! 

With gratitude to you and of course, to our Heavenly Father. 

Bob

October 2018 ministry update

Dear Friends, 

Another fall season (and many tastes of winter in Edmonton so far). My seventh year at King’s! How exciting! 

The year started a few days earlier than my usual official start as I was assigned a new office, moved, and am now located on the fourth floor of the residence tower. More space, a view of downtown, and more exercise as I’m doing stairs (down, not up) to meet students on the main floor. 

It was a more challenging start to the new year with limited exposure at first year orientation compared to past years. Still, I used the first two weeks to meet new (and returning) students. I met with some for academic support, some for individual mentoring, and those in the Bible study. I continue to work on “individualized programming” and that includes reading a chapter a week in five different books for discussion. Challenging and rewarding. 

I have eight who have signed up for the Sunday Bible study- most are returning students. We’re doing 1 Timothy this year, using the Navigators’ LifeChange series book. It is a great group of guys and I’m pleased that they are already taking steps to build community outside of the Bible study. 

I continue to learn how to make discipleship relevant to this new generation (first years were born in 2000!), and pray that the Lord will build the house and watch over the city (Psalm 127:1,2 .) 

Please pray that for me and the students as well! 

Blessings, 

Bob 

Looking for more “lost coins, lost sheep, prodigal sons”

(Connor McDavid poster) 

March 2017 Ministry Update

Marching Onward...

9  For this reason, since the day we heard about you, 

we have not stopped praying for you. 

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 

10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: 

bearing fruit in every good work, 

growing in the knowledge of God, 

11  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might 

so that 

you may have great endurance and patience, 

12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, 

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

Colossians 1:9-12

Since December, I’ve established the habit of going on a 7:30am prayer walk through the halls of King’s with these verses in hand. This accomplishes a few things for me… the discipline of prayer, the beauty of praying verses into the lives of others, and- thanks to my fitness tracker, a way to keep adding to my count of daily steps! That’s the kind of multitasking I like! 

I often think it “does more for me”, than it does for the students I pray for, but it seems that’s true of a lot of my prayer life- I want to see instantaneous results but that can be counterintuitive, like many/any long term investment. When I think of how I want to see transformation in students, I think of how Jesus has transformed me over the past 38 years, and how much more he wants to do! (Phil 1:6.)

But seriously, amidst the current political climate, the millennials’ attitudes and values (and sometimes lack of), it is good and right to ask God to instill in them the enduring and eternal values of the Kingdom through transformation. 

Thank you for your prayers and investment in the “King’s corner" of the Kingdom.

Bob

Prayer requests:

J (for anonymity) is VERY stressed about school, and is feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about completing this term. He’s a young believer and speaking of faith is an added stress he doesn’t want to engage in. Please pray the Spirit would break his spirit of independence and “stubbornness” (his words), would soften his heart to God and to receive academic help that’s easily accessible. 

For the others- that despite the challenges of school and other pressures/distractions of life, they would not forget to “be still and know  I am God”… at least ONCE a day. 

For me- that I be ever-listening for God’s direction in my preparation and conversations with the men I meet with. 

Late January/February 2017 update

Late Happy New Year and Late Happy Chinese New Year!*

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:28,29

This is what I hope I for the young men I work with- that I may be part of God’s process in this season of their lives to present them fully mature in Christ. And this is what I hope for me- that I am admonishing and teaching with all wisdom (but “all wisdom” is one BIG CHALLENGE!) So, building on New Year’s Resolution momentum, I start our first meetings with them reflecting on the previous semester/year to set new goals for this semester- what was good, what could be better- using Luke 2:52- “And Jesus grew in wisdom (academics) and stature (physical), and in favour with God and man." How do they want to see God mature them and what can I do to assist in the process? 

The language of transformation is too optimistic for psychology. At one time psychotherapists dared to use the bold language of cure. With more modesty, most now speak of aiding growth. Some simply think in terms of helping adjustment and coping. But the language of transformation is profoundly Christian… the goal of the spiritual journey is being transformed into the image of God- the image we were created to reflect (2 Cor 3:18.) Christian transformation never settles for cosmetic adjustments. It involves being reborn- remade into who we were destined from eternity to be. 

 “Surrender to Love” David G. Benner p. 70

Students who meet with me aren’t interested in “cosmetic adjustments” but Christian transformation- to be "remade into who they were destined from eternity to be." I can say the same for the new ones that have joined me this term in Bible study and meetings, making both my dining table and schedule jam-packed!

Please pray that God gives me insight into the students I meet with, I appreciate the unique workmanship He has made him, and how to draw them deeper into a more intimate relationship with Jesus to see true transformation. 

Thank you for your continued interest and support!

Bob

* and this late January update. Got sick the last week and it was/is bad on campus too… Statistically, Alberta Health Services has determined residence with an “outbreak” status and campus has been a ghost town of students, faculty and staff.

December 2016 Update

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel…”

(insert sentimental Christmas-related image here of your choice, ‘cause I’m not sure how to do it)

Dear Friends,

Although I’ve been pondering for almost a month of what to write in this update, yesterday’s teaching time (thanks Dan!) really helped me to articulate my thoughts. He shared on the advent Sunday of Hope on how we as believers have a different kind of hope. He said, “Hope is the expectation that my world will be transformed for God” (or “good”, drats! those tiny keyboards and/or autocorrect, but both options fit. )

The hope for transformation starts with me and this year, it has come through my book reading, prayer, good conversations, challenges and accountability, and a particularly engaging workshop on spiritual warfare. God is pressing me to learn new areas of ministry.

And all of that comes from the hope to be a better servant in the ministry work at King’s.

And that comes from the opportunities to offer the hope of transformation to young men and to engage them in their spiritual journey- that they desire to know Jesus, or know him more intimately; that the hurts and the wounds from the past that need healing by him; that they develop a heart for a discipleship ministry and fulfill the Great Commission in their lives.

And ultimately, that comes from our Heavenly Father’s persistent love. What a privilege to serve him in this capacity (‘cause it would take a miracle for me to do it through physical labour or a sports ministry!)!

(insert photo of Bob doing either… oh yeah, none exist!)

Thanks to each of you for your faithful support in all the ways you do- prayer, finances, conversations, resources… ultimately I am a representation of Christ and of your heart on the King’s campus.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May 2017 hold the hope of “him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or (even begin) to imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

In partnership for the Kingdom,

Bob

October 2016 Ministry Update (2)

Dear Friends, 

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 

Ephesians 3:16, 17 

This is what I’ve been praying for the guys in the King’s ministry since the start of the term. I love the “flexibility” of the verse- I can pray this for yet-to-be-believers, for those who I am helping develop their personal ministry, and those who I’m helping work through personal issues. 

And this is what God is doing! So exciting! 

“J-1” prayed to receive Christ at age 7 at a camp, and has been waiting for God to “show His presence” in his life, living in disappointment and frustration. He is trying to figure out what it means to have “more faith” and to “live the Christian life better.” Our conversations have been rich; we are going through Eric Idleman’s “Not A Fan”, and he’s starting to read his Bible (hopefully daily.) 

“J-2” has a rich church family heritage but walked away from faith when he ran into “judgemental Christians” at his Christian high school. He said he’d like to return to faith and like J-1, will also be going through “Not A Fan” with me. 

“S” and “J-3” are both learning that present day life issues/challenges are based in past wounds and need/want to journey to uncover these and let Jesus intercede for healing. I am reading more about psychological diagnoses and how faith can intersect with these hurts through reflection and healing prayer. “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Peter Scazerro is one resource I use. 

Even with disruptions of midterms and scheduling issues, my group of disciplemakers is moving forward in their understanding of a philosophy of ministry and engaging others into their own discipleship ministry. The book “Jesus Christ DiscipleMaker” by Bill Hull is the unifying book for our individual discussions. 

The Sunday Bible study group is hungry and passionate for disciplines in their lives and come each week with a best Quiet time to share; two more memory verses added to their heart; good sharing and questions in the Bible study discussion.

None of this me. It’s all the goodness of the Lord! What a house he is building! (Psalm 127:1) What wonderful living stones he’s entrusted to me (1 Peter 2:5). 

Please pray that I be sensitive to His Spirit’s leading in all aspects of the ministry. It’s too easy to insert me instead of Jesus. 

Thanks for your support! And if you are interested in joining my financial support team, please feel free to check my blog, or email me for further information. 

Bob

http://remfoo.blogspot.ca/

Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach

King's University in partnership with Calvary Baptist Church

October 2016

Time flies when you’re having fun!

It’s the start of Year 5 at King’s! Hard to believe. Well, what’s really hard for me to believe is that it’s been eight years since I had my last September start in a public school classroom setting. Miss it? Sometimes. But this is more a much better match for this season of life and oh, so much more fun!

This summer I did a lot of reading and podcasts/YouTube and concluded that I (well, God), have been doing a good job at making disciples- men who have a good, consistent walk with God and are experiencing transformation, but I need to do a much better job of making them into disciplemakers- a 2 Timothy 2:2 heart to equip others for a lifetime of ministry. 

So my focus has shifted somewhat, and with some returning students, I am challenging them to be intentional in finding someone to invest in- not only as a mentor, but also a disciplemaker because they too are called to make disciples (Matthew 28:19,20). The link below helps define the difference.

And I’m no less excited about the other returning students or the first years that have decided to engage with me! Whether studying the Bible or a book with me, whether a yet-to-be-believer or a more mature one, I look forward to seeing God move them forward in their spiritual journey. 

Prayer requests

1. That I pray as much as I participate in the ministry work and let the Lord build the house with the “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5)  he gives me. 

1. That I live what I say: “Programs don’t make disciples, men make disciples” (with the understanding that really, God makes disciples.)

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” 

Bob

The Delight of Discipleship http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-delight-of-disciple-making-being-the-smile-of-god-in-your-home-and-your-church

July 2016

“Kitchen renos! That’s great! Are you doing it yourself?”

This is what I was asked when I said no international travel this summer. (Boy, does this person even know me?)  

“Er… yes…. if cupboards can stay on the wall with Crazy Glue and duct tape.”

I know it’s not a 30 or 60 minute HGTV world and there’s more to be more concerned about than “just the pretty stuff” like cabinetry finishes, countertops, handle choices, (backsplash next year). There’s the practical layout (that’s what started the whole thing), and then there’s things like demolition, mechanical and electrical, timelines, budget. I’m thankful to have a designer and other experts to help me learn and make good decisions. 4-6 weeks for cabinetry, 4 weeks for countertops. Ideally, it’ll be done by Labour Day weekend.

Through the process, my summer readings and Bible study, and as I’ve been praying about Fall 2016 at King’s (Year 5!), this verse has frequently come back to me…

Unless the Lord builds the house

Its builders labour in vain

Unless the Lord watches over the city

Its watchmen stand guard in vain

Psalm 127:1

What relief! I am not the architect, not even the general contractor. I am a “tradesperson” to a discipleship and mentoring ministry to young adults in a university setting. I only need to show up “at the site” with a well-equipped tool belt and let God direct me to where those tools of skills and knowledge can be used. Maybe there’s a new foundation to be laid, a new structure on an existing one; maybe I’ll be working on a renovation, like adding a room, or dealing with some (spiritual) black mould or bad electrical behind the visible wall. *

Or, as in 1 Peter 2:5

    …. you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ...

So  I’m God’s stone carver (just as others are mine), and I am working on his spiritual house.**

May your July and August (continue to) be filled with “R”s- rest, relaxation, renewal and restoration (even for you parents with school aged children) as I work on renovations.

Summer day blessings!

Bob

*Have I pushed the analogy far enough?

**It is a common practice in Inuit soapstone art, that the carver will study the stone and the strip away the excess to allow the stone’s spirit to emerge.

February Ministry Update

Hi Everyone!

In short- It’s been a great first month of the new term! 

Sunday’s Bible Study

There has been a (thankfully natural) editing process so a few from last term have dropped out, but it’s made room for one new committed participant and a few new potentials who’ll drop in for lunch and a study in the next few weeks. Wonderful! I’ve also planned a few “hospitality” Sundays when there are no men’s afternoon studies. This is to invite yet-to-be-believers to church and lunch. The two Sundays of Reading Week, I hope to host some of the residence students.

One-On-Ones

These too have changed with the winter term. Scheduling meetings has been a challenge, but like the study, opportunities to meet new people have come up. I love that God gives me guys who are-yet-to-be-believers who are willing to talk with me! Like years past, it’s easy to justify another full day on campus, but I know that’s asking for burnout. 

Discipleship Group

I mentioned this in my last update- the possibility of starting a group to develop a vision and skills for a discipleship ministry. I’ve personally recruited a group that will meet biweekly on Saturdays- 2 women and 6 men. We will use the book “Jesus Christ DiscipleMaker” by Bill Hull as a basis for our time together. We had our first meeting Saturday (Feb 6th) and it was great! They are an enthusiastic and committed group with a heart to learn and eager to apply! It’s exciting to see the first and second years that are involved, and the potential of a few years of investing in them. 

“Emotionally Healthy Spirituality”. 

The book by Peter Scazerro has been the basis for the teaching series at my home church. It has also been a part of my own journey of emotional health and spiritual maturity. I had an opportunity to present on this theme during “Mental Health Awareness” week. It has brought up good conversations with students I meet with and impromptu opportunities, some inquiries about the book and some interest in going through the group study material individually or in a group setting. 

Prayer Requests

1) Continue to build deepening relationships with all those I meet both regularly, occasionally and incidentally. 

2) The Saturday morning discipleship group will be the basis of a ministry “team” for upcoming years

3) That in my love for busyness, that I intentionally seek the quiet times with/for God and with/for myself. 

Tax Receipts

A reminder that if you have been a part of my financial support team in the last calendar year through CanadaHelps.org, your tax receipt will be available to you online. If you have been a part through Calvary Baptist Church, tax receipts will be mailed to you. 

Thanks for your interest in God’s work at King’s! 

Bob

Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach

King's University in partnership with Calvary Baptist Church

http://remfoo.blogspot.ca/

PS Please send me a note if you are receiving more than one copy of this email. My address book is a bit of a mess. Thanks!

December Ministry Update (just under the wire!)

Happy New Year!

‘Tis the Season’.... and for university students, the month of December is a mix of tension and delayed gratification- end of term assignments and (dreaded) finals before fully engaging in the Christmas spirit. For many, it came before the last day of exams on December 18th; for others, right (write) to the bitter end.

For me, the break has given me a chance for review- of highlights and lowlights and thoughts for the new term.

Back in September, my prayer requests were that

• God would give me many opportunities to meet new and returning students
• He would lead me to those (new and/or returning students) with a heart to be intentional about their walk with Jesus and to be discipled
• He would show me how to invest in returning students, particularly those in their final year.

I see He’s answered those prayers!

Highlights

Sunday Bible study in Luke. It has been wonderful to see the past members continuing to be engaged by the material and the new members taking on the challenges of the Bible study prep, sharing and accountability to daily devotions and scripture memory.

One-on-ones. Like the study, these have been great times. For some, it’s been affirming where they have been with God and where they are going; for others, it’s been challenging them in new areas of personal responsibility or for healing in areas of woundedness (language I would not have used seven years ago when I started at King’s.)

Engaging not-yet-believers (can I shorten this to NYBs?). This is the first year that God has given me the opportunity to engage with more of this demographic than any other. Some are just impromptu/ ”drive by” conversations throughout the building; others have started to meet with me on a weekly basis. I’m humbled by the trust, the disclosure, the privilege to pray for them (with their permission.)

Lowlights/challenges.

The biggest challenge for me has been those few who committed to the Sunday study and/or one-on-ones, but had poor or inconsistent attendance and accountability to the “standards.” Of course, there are unavoidable situations, but I’ve had to ask some of them if this is the “best fit” for them- drawing parallels to playing community or league (casual or committed) soccer (yes, I resort to sports analogies!)

Looking ahead.

Much of the new year will look the same but I hope to start a

New Discipleship Leadership Group.

I am considering starting a mixed (men and women) group to develop content, skills and ultimately a vision through exposure of content and skills to be disciplemakers/labourers. This is the first year that I’ve found so many keen first and second years, but also continue the work with those from last year who will be graduating. I want to see God launch not only disciples but also disciplemakers into the world-  you know, that Great Commission command.

Thank you for your investment in God’s work at King’s and the next generation of believers! May we all see God move in our lives through 2016.

Blessings,

Bob

Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach

King's University in partnership with Calvary Baptist Church

http://remfoo.blogspot.ca/

October/November ministry update

Dear Friends, 

"Safe Haven."

This was the term a friend used to describe my office as I shared about recent conversations of woundedness and pain, about being a listener, and pointing young men to Jesus for healing. I am often (regularly?) teased about my "A1,obsessive compulsive” personality and how it is strongly expressed through my focus on the disciplines of the Christian life for growth and maturity, but yes, this side of me quietly walking alongside an individual also exists!

In part, I credit my years in the classroom and fighting for the value of the individual being far greater than (arbitrary?) measurable success based on standardized tests (and now.... down from the education soapbox...) So of course it's great to see young men develop their spiritual disciplines, but no less important, to address the personal issues that hinder. I wonder how many personal, undocumented conversations Jesus had with each of his disciples to address past issues in their lives. 

Oh! the challenge to share specifically for prayer, and yet preserve privacy! That being said, please pray...

• those opened doors for conversation will continue with J, D, J and M; that I will be a compassionate and listening ear, and I follow God's leading to point them to Jesus for healing and wholeness. 

• that in the same vein, I listen and follow God's leading with my Bible study, book study, and weekly meetings, including those with three yet-to-be-believers (I prefer that over "non" and not for reasons of political correctness)

• I make (more? better?) time with God. Busyness, even under the guise of "ministry" is an appealing distraction. 

Thank you for your continued interest and support in the work at King’s and Kingdom Come!

May you too be blessed and be a blessing to those around you, 

Bob

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!!!)

August 2015

Dear Friends, 

When last I wrote…. I was heading into a summer of unknowns. The only “knowns” I had were- I wasn’t going to Colombia in the summer, that I would have two students living with me, and a trust that God had something better or different. As the summer unfolded, I saw

• the opportunity to deal with health issues
• many opportunities to connect with longtime friends from past years 
• attend the weddings of new friends
• a week’s visit in BC’s lower mainland and two visits to Calgary
• preparation for the next school term, working with the new VP and Dean of Student Life
• a summer Bible study with King’s students, in part, as a training tool for upcoming campus leadership

I also pursued some readings this summer- not all finished, but some require more thought and reflection than others….

• Return of the Prodigal Son
• The Sacred Search
• Shaping the Journey of Emerging Adults
• Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
• Book of Luke from the LifeChange Bible study series

I used my week in Langley in part, as a mini spiritual retreat, doing a lot of reading, studying, and going on extended prayer walks. During those times, God impressed upon me Psalm 127:1

Unless the Lord builds the house, 

The labourers build in vain. 

Unless the Lord watches over the city, 

It’s watchmen stand guard in vain. 

A familiar verse for sure and one that has been key in years past. This year with the leadership that’s in place, the potential for Kingdom impact is great! But it must be God’s work, not anything of my own efforts. 

Please pray that

• God would give me many opportunities to meet new and returning students
• He would lead me to those (new and/or returning students) with a heart to be intentional about their walk with Jesus and to be discipled
• He would show me how to invest in returning students, particularly those in their final year

Thank you for your support and your interest in the ministry work with the next generation of young men at King’s!

Blessings, 

Bob

April 26, 2015

Dear Friends!

March and April seem to have flown by as I continued to be “fumbling into ecstasy”! God is opening the ministry to a new stage. 

• the first two Hospitality Sundays, (as I have mentioned in previous updates), a success in exposure and most successfully, re-engaging Aaron into his walk with God! So great to have him join the study as well as two others who have committed to the end of the year. That’s eleven of us each Sunday!

• the third Hospitality Sunday had one guest- Cam, originally from India and Sikh background. This was his first time to a church service (outside of chapel on campus) and stayed after lunch for almost 2 hours asking questions about the Christian faith. Thankfully, I had some theology students who could answer his questions from a more academic point of view, but we all had input. My follow up meetings with him have been opportunities for follow up conversation and Bible passages.  

• not-so-random/coincidental/impromptu meetings with students who show investment potential for next year. 

• one student who I have met individually for the last three years wants to co-lead a study with me next fall to get training in leading a group.
• Our weekly Bible study had its final meeting on the 19th. What a great year it’s been to see these young men deepen their walk with God and to grow in integrity and character. 

After working with key guys and keeners this year, I have a “next generation” of five who are ready to launch into leading their own studies this upcoming fall. Upcoming fall? Yes, I’m already planning and praying for that. I am also working with the campus minister to see how best to integrate our visions for next year. 

This next week will be a transition from campus into summer mode. Some of you know that I was planning an eight week ministry trip back to Medellin, Colombia. But God has changed that on me (short story, ask me if you want the details!) and I’ll be here for the summer, for what reasons I’m not sure, although there’s a growing number of yellow stickies on my planning board! 

Thanks for journeying with me this past school year in vision and prayer and what God is doing in the lives of the next generation of men. I deeply appreciate your partnership!

Blessings, 

Bob

top row: Matthew, Colborne, Andrew, Reuben

bottom row: Ben, Jubal, Elias, Paul

missing: Aaron, Dan

March 14, 2015

"Fumbling Into Ecstasy"- Sarah McLachlan

Although I'm not familiar with the album (but once oh! so long ago I was in a dance piece choreographed to one of the songs), these three words accurately describe the last few weeks! 

It is from our Heavenly Father who passionately pursues individuals, and nothing of my own doing, that "success" measured in all the many parameters I've listed in past updates now includes an increase in numbers, (although still a weak measure of success)...

Last Sunday March 8th there were eleven of us cozily sitting around the dining table for lunch and after dessert, it was music to my ears when they paired up to review memory verses*! Then, a little more tightly packed in my living room for the Bible study discussion on Colossians- follow up on the previous week's application prayer requests of what we are to put to death, to get rid of, and then discussion on how do we clothe ourselves in Christlikeness. Excellent sharing, group dynamics, and application prayer requests! 

This week I confirmed with each of the three new attendees that they were committed to come to the remaining weeks and made sure they had all the tools for successful participation- Bible study material, the Quietime Reading Program and sheets for recording highlights, scripture memory cards and the accompanying plastic holder. Please pray that Aaron, Dan and Reuben would make a smooth integration into the study- not only with the material, but also the group. 

We have also set Sunday March 29th as our next “Hospitality Sunday” with four on the invitation list. All four know each other from classes as well as many of the guys in the study. Please pray that for all the reasons that they might not choose to come, that they would. 

One other piece of “ecstasy”- it’s wonderful to see three of the guys pursue a vision for personal discipleship ministry, and to hear them ask questions about how to have effective interaction with others in their sphere of influence. They are the kind of men that 2 Timothy 2:2 refers to- “reliable men who are qualified to teach others.”

Once again, thank you for your partnership in this ministry work at King’s! You are a blessing to me and to the many I work with!

*they pair up every week but it was particularly loud with the extra guys.

Bob

Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach

King's University in partnership with Calv

March 1, 2015

Dear Friends, 

Last Sunday was our Bible study’s “Hospitality Sunday”- their first collective effort to reach out to their friends and roommates. Thank you for your prayers! Was it a success? Well….

NO- if attendance is the measure (and should it be in ministry?) There were about twelve on the original list, and as Reading Week approached, many said they were going out of town. Two days before when reminders were sent out, there were four possibilities, by Sunday morning, only one. But the one drove from home- 90 minutes north of Grand Prairie, and that speaks of commitment! 

YES!- as that one- Aaron, who hasn’t been to a church in eight years, enjoyed the day and wants to return to church this coming week! He and his roommate in my study were over for dinner last night and he shared about his life, his church/spiritual experiences and his interest in coming back. 

YES!- one of the invitees who declined asked about coming another time and when I told him that normally we have a Bible study after lunch, he expressed interest in that. I asked, and he said he hasn’t been in Bible study since high school. I hope God will spark interest in him to join us permanently!

YES!- all the Bible study members agree it’s worth trying again and we’re rescheduling the Bible study content to accommodate two more Hospitality Sundays. We’ll invite the guys in two separate groups so that there is opportunity to have good conversation after lunch. Twenty-one in my house would be a challenge!

YES!- they all agree we need to be more strategic in the conversation around the table so I’m coaching them about how to observe the group dynamics, how they engage in the conversation, how to engage the quieter guests, how to find natural bridges of conversation. 

On other fronts:

A former Bible study participant will be joining us for the rest of the term. He graduated from King’s two years ago, and is now back in the after-degree Education program. During the two years away from Edmonton, I sent him B/S materials that we discussed through weekly Skype calls. His weekly study has disbanded and I want to see him continue with his passion to study the Bible. 

I’ve been meeting with one of the invitees weekly since September. He has a Sikh background and very interested in the Bible. On Tuesday, we read through the first three chapters of Matthew and discussed and will continue to do so this term. He’s also meeting with one of my Bible study guys three times a week to do the same. 

This evidence of God’s working leaves me breathless, exhilarated, exhausted and mostly humbled. What a wonderful season of experiencing God for my study and me! I hope receiving this update sweeps you up as well!

Thanks for your partnership in this work of God!

Bob

February 2015

 ”Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”

Matthew 28:19,20

Dear Friends, 

It has been an exciting month with all the guys I meet with, but in particular, with the Bible study group. They have caught the vision of growing the Kingdom through sharing faith! 

We are planning to have one or two “Hospitality Sunday”s- inviting roommates or friends to church and then my house for lunch. We are inviting those who have little or no church background, are likely to be in town for Reading Week, and are open to spiritual conversations. I know most of them- either through introduction and/or impromptu conversations (Thank you God!) so that should increase their comfort level. 

This is the first time I’ve had a group that is developing a heart for others and putting it in action. We have put together a potential list and have been praying over the names for the last three weeks because...

Unless the Lord builds the house,  the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

Psalm 127:1

Not to leave out the others that I see… for many, there has been a topic shift to relationships. I have been recommending The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas. This book brings topics to reflect on- helpful to both individuals and couples to contemplate and discuss. For two others, we are reading through Jesus Christ Disciplemaker by Bill Hull- a foundational book for me in developing a discipleship ministry. 

Please pray about our Hospitality Sundays (Feb 15 and 22)- not only for the actual days’ events, but also the guys being faithful in laying a foundation of prayer. 

Thank you! for your support, your integral part in the ministry at King’s, a small and growing part of the Kingdom!

Bob

Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach

King's University in partnership with Calvary Baptist Church

for past updates and information on financial support to the ministry, check out

http://remfoo.blogspot.ca/

January 2015

Dear Friends, 

It’s that time of “New Year’s Resolutions” and I’m not a supporter of that philosophy. Will what I promise myself in January be a priority six months from now? Eight months? Ten months? 364 days? 

Rather, I believe in a reassessment and reset of short term goals at the start of a new season of life in a year and for me and the ministry, it falls along the university calendar- winter term, summer, fall term… about every three or four months.  For years I’ve used

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Luke 2:52

Four areas- school and/or professional development, physical health, my journey with God, my walk in life with others- believers and community people (“The Wheel Illustration”).

This will be the theme of my first meetings with students next week, walking them through an assessment of last term, what will they do better/different this term to maximize opportunities. I only ask them to do what I do and hope it sets a life-long pattern. 

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, 

may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, 

so that you may know him better. 

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened

in order that you may know 

the hope to which he has called you,

  the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and    

    his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Ephesians 1:17-19 New International Version (NIV)

May this prayer become true/more true for all of us.

Blessings, 

Bob

Spiritual Mentor and Life Coach

King's University in partnership with Calvary Baptist Church

http://remfoo.blogspot.ca/