MARCH 2020

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose Romans 8:28

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Recently our Collin Staff has been pondering on the importance in relying and incorporating prayer in our lives and the one of our students. We have been brainstorming ways we can heat up prayer in our ministry. Recently in our Sunday service, our congregation was lead into Community Sharing with "What is a prayer that you want to thank God for?". I found both of these questions and verses challenging in different ways and I wanted to share with you guys some of the prayers God has answered. I would encourage you to reflect as well.

Core hang out

At the beginning of this school year I prayed the girls in my core would get to experience God during our Friday nights. The school year progressed and the girls in our core grew their faith through our time together. There were constantly great conversations being had regarding the scriptures or topics our core had gone over. Praise God for that answered prayer. Emily, my co-leader and I noticed our girls were missing out on the value in community and deep friendships. I prayed God would guide both of us in facilitating an environment that wasn't just focused in learning about God but learning how to love, care and respect each other. Last semester we had a core hang out where it was hard for some of these girls to engage with each other. This semester much has changed. The girls in our core stick around after core to hang out and catch up with each other. Our recent core hang out (picture above) was the complete opposite from our first hang out, everyone was engaged and felt included in conversation. Emily and I received great feedback and have seen the development of friendships outside of our core.

Family Night

Every year we invite our student parents, relatives or friends to our Family Night. My last experience with Family Night was in 2016 so this was exciting for me. Family Night is a great opportunity for those adults involved in our students lives to get to know our staff, what FOCUS is all about and get to experience what our Thursday Night Fellowship looks like. We had an alumni share about their experience in our ministry as well as students and parents. The outcome was great! I got to meet the parents of some of the girls in my core which was so encouraging.

Apprentices working on our weekly readings

I am sure I've mentioned this before but incase I wasn't clear, I get to work with an amazing team! Our apprentice team of 12 is a group of friends I get to spend a lot of time with. We have learned to challenge and build each other up through the easy and challenging seasons of life. A year ago, before I applied to do the apprenticeship I was facing one of my hardest times in life, learning how to balance work, teammates and a healthy work environment. I don't mean to play the victim card when I say I was facing one of the hardest times at work a year ago. There was so much I needed to grow in order to partake and provide that healthy environment in a workplace. I remember praying, asking God would give me some clarity and guidance. And he did. This apprenticeship has bent and stretched me in many ways. I have no doubt this will help me anywhere I go whether that is in ministry long term or not. Which brings me to another point, as you guys may remember I have accepted to stay one more year on staff with the Collin Campus! I am excited to work at this campus again with some of the best students and sweetest team. I am ready to see how God prepares me and works in the hearts of students!!

• COVID19 has affected and started to limit our team in doing ministry. Please join me in praying for out students and staff as we discern in how to best handle this situation.
• I am at a $1500 monthly deficit. Pray that new and current supporters will get excited and join me in what God is doing in the life of college students.
• Pray for my friend/coworker, Danielle, she is pregnant and she is due in April. Pray for a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Please be safe and know that I am praying for your safety with our current circumstances. Thank you for keeping up with the ways God is moving in our ministry. Love you guys!