Exciting and Difficult

This last year was both exciting and difficult. Exciting because we saw 8 students make decisions for Christ, difficult because becoming a Christian is a messy process. Exciting because we saw 32 UMF students go to New Orleans for our Alternative Spring Break trip, difficult because coordinating that many students isn't easy. Exciting because 16 of those students were non-Christians, difficult because 16 of those students were non-Christians. Exciting because one student said of one of our guest speakers who is a pastor in the 9th Ward “I don't want to go to church but I'd go to his church,” difficult because one of my student leaders nearly came back and began dating a non-Christian. Exciting because we're going to be making some changes that will focus more on discipleship and encouraging students to lead within the context of the way that God has gifted them, difficult because what reminded me of this was that I had burned out my student leaders by focusing on events and not having enough of a focus on discipling and caring for student leaders. Exciting because Christians became real about where they're at, difficult because where they're at is messy. Exciting because God worked in mighty ways, difficult because I was at times working against God. Exciting because when we are weak then he is strong, difficult because humility isn't learned in a sermon but in being humbled. Exciting to see where God is working, difficult in trying to understand how some things are going to fit into his glorious plan. All in all it was an amazing year and I once again look forward waiting expectantly to see what God is going to do this upcoming year both in and through InterVarsity at UMF. Please join with me in praying for the Lord to raise up leaders both from within the group and from new students and Jesus might continue to draw His lost sons and daughters unto Himself in part through the work of InterVarsity.