September Update

Well we're 6 weeks in already!  People ask me often how things are going, and my most common answer is simply, "Fast."  I guess that's a good thing, because it tells me there's a lot going on...and there is!

Our students have done a tremendous job purposefully meeting, engaging, and befriending people.  We've definitely got the biggest group we've ever had at Collin; I'm betting we've broken 100 several times on Thursday nights.  I've attached a couple photos of Thursday Night Fellowship for you to see:

Where are the guys!?!?

It's a lot of fun to look around and see a full cafeteria, but the truly exciting part is knowing that each of those students are being drawn into relationship with Jesus-people that can share His love with them and speak truth into their lives.  The student leaders have already set up many one-on-one bible studies; in fact, I think most of them have several each.  Please pray that God speaks powerfully through His Word and within those spiritual friendships.

Two weeks ago, we traveled out to the Mount Lebanon Baptist Encampment in Cedar Hill for our annual Fall Retreat.  After getting a huge influx of new students every August, we plan this retreat each September as an opportunity to get away and get to know everyone a little bit.  We had a few students  share a bit of their story, had some walk-and-talk times, shared a few meals, played some pretty crazy games, and talked about the kind of community we desire (and God desires!) to become and the potential roadblocks to getting there.

FOCUS Fall Retreat

Bottom line:  We want to be a place God dwells--a place where people can come and experience Him.

I've been encouraged by all the good feedback we've gotten about camp.  Brianna said several of the girls shared at core group the next week about how thankful they are that they've found FOCUS and how they are really going to make the community a priority in their life this year.

I think the thing I'm most excited about is...well, there are two things.
1. Our student leaders are growing so much already.  God is using our community to raise up workers for the harvest--life-long disciple-makers that will be sent out to many different schools and workplaces in the years to come.
2. God has brought us people that really need him.  I don't know everyone's story, but I know enough to know that we're in the trenches and we're fighting the right battles.

Of course we know that the battle belongs to the Lord.  The victory is His already.  So I ask you to pray for our staff and our students, and for our campuses--that the Kingdom will be advanced.

To Him be the glory!  With much love and gratitude,
Casey