One student from China was talking to two of our women corefas, and she said, "I want to learn more about God. So I bought a book. It's called "The Holy Bible." Do you think it will help?" To which they responded, "Uh, ya, that'll be good."
It has been such a neat blessing to our community to have so many international students involved. The fresh perspective, genuine interest in learning about God, and plentiful opportunities for our students to serve and be hospitable have been very good for the health of our campus family.
I'm so proud of how our students are handling it, and I hope you'll be praying for those to be incredibly impactful relationships for both parties.
 |
| Here's a pic from one of our our women's cores. |
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 140 students came out for our annual Fall Camp this past weekend. It's a quick 24-hour getaway for us to focus on building new friendships and spending some good time together after having such a large influx of new people.
Three different students shared with the group on Saturday about something that God has made new in their life, and then one of our peer team leaders, Chad, shared Sunday morning. I was deeply moved by some of the stories he shared.
Given our theme of "Everything New," I've been thinking a lot lately about God's ability to take what we are and make us into something entirely new and whole and good. I love chapter 62 of Isaiah--you should read it! :)
Chad shared about a young guy that he reached out to during his sophomore year. This guy had experienced a lot of trouble making friends and therefore was pretty lonely for his first few years in the states. Chad had befriended him and had been spending regular time hanging out with him as well as studying the bible with him. One night, as they were driving, he turned to Chad and said, "Why you pick me? My whole life, nobody picks me."
Ya know, I think the same thing about God all the time. I look at myself, and then I look at God...and I'm such a worm. Why did he pick me? Why am I here, doing this, getting to experience all this good?
Why did he pick you?
I don't know, other than that he is really, really good. And his grace is really, really big.
That young man is now at another school. He's on the evangelism team. And he's the one doing the picking.
God offers us a new name. We don't have to be what we were. We don't have to be what we are. He has bigger plans for you and I. He counted the cost of seeing those plans come to fruition. And he was willing to pay it in full.
Praise Jesus.
