New Beginnings

Well I've barely scratched the surface of the task, but my main priority these days is getting some face-time with the student leaders from UT Dallas.  That's my first big step in making the transition between ministries this fall, and it's only increasing my excitement for what lies ahead. 

It's really neat to hear about how God has worked differently in the lives of all these people, having brought them all together and united them in mission and purpose.  Everyone has a story, and our God has the flexibility to communicate to us in so many different ways and through so many different people.

To be honest, I'm kind of freaking out over how close we're getting to the fall semester.  There's so much planning, praying, fundraising, and decision-making to do!  But God is good and, thankfully, in control of it all.  I feel blessed just to be along for the ride.

Our Thursday Night Fellowship has been a blast this summer, as well as very encouraging. Each week, our speaker has been a different FOCUS staff person or intern, and I feel like every one of them has hit a home run.  I've heard from three of the interns thus far--Andrew, Jamiann, and Brianna--and it's awesome to see how much they've learned this past year and how that has improved and reshaped their ability to communicate truth in powerful and practical ways.  I so wish we had an internship program like this when I graduated!  Their lives will never be the same.

Our summer School of Ministry class that I mentioned in my last post has been great for me.  Honestly, having talked with so many students and staff about what they're getting out of it, I'm confident that God had some specific things he wanted to teach us as a community this summer. 

One of the things the professor brings out is the concept that the gospel is about life, not about being good.  He points out that, out of the four gospels, John most purposefully explains and interprets the life of Jesus for the sake of non-Jewish listeners.  As a result, John repeatedly points to Jesus as the source of life, speaking only briefly of the kingdom of God--a theme used consistently in the other three gospels, but one that perhaps doesn't translate well into other cultures unaware of Israel's history.

The gospel is about life.  I have trouble wrapping my mind around that in some ways.  But he beats that drum again and again, trying to shape an accurate view of God, the way he relates to us, and what he offers us in and through his grace.  I'm seeing more clearly that we truly are FREE in Christ.  Free to enjoy the good things in this physical life.  Free from trying to impress or striving to earn what we cannot.  Free from guilt and shame, AND free to pursue God's character.  Free to love, and honor, and encourage others.  Free to pursue a changed world, a redeemed society, a people reconciled with their God.

It's a release from feelings of obligation, fear of judgement, self-doubt, and constantly comparing yourselves with others.  It's freedom from hopelessly focusing on the flaws of this world.  Life, found in Jesus, is freedom.  And there's true joy in that.  There's real peace in that.  There is LIFE in him.

I pray you all experience the life that is truly life.  Please pray the same for me!  And please pray for the weeks ahead as we head into the fall.  There are over 1000 international students headed to Richardson, Texas to study.  The world is at our doorstep.  Here we go!