Well, students are just finishing up their third full week of classes, and I'm happy to say that things are rolling right along with ministry on campus this school year. There are 4 small groups meeting each week with students coming to study topics such as love and Jesus' examples of crossing cultural borders. There has been a lot of positive feedback from those involved in the different groups, and I know as the year moves on, the leaders will grow in their abilities to engage students in discussion and really dig in to scripture.

A few weeks ago, we had a table at the annual Organization Fair, a chance for students to check out the different orgs on campus. We had a table with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and had several students sign up for e-mail updates and take information about the small groups. There have been several new additions to the Facebook group (57 members and counting)...now we're just praying for more opportunities to connect with these new students.

Speaking of opportunities to connect, tonight we're having a BBQ (free food) and a worship gathering. It should be a good opportunity for getting to know new people, especially freshmen who are wanting to get involved with something on campus. Hopefully I'll have a few stories to share in the next week or two from tonight...also, we are in process of planning out the rest of the semester. As details come together, I'll pass along info to you all.

One other fun bit, this past Sunday evening Lisa and I hosted several students for dessert and games. Lots of laughter, plenty of conversation, and overall good times. We'll have them over several more times between now and the end of the semester.

Time to wrap things up, so here's some prayer requests:

For the students, please be praying that they will all be finding new ways to connect with friends, classmates, roommates, coworkers, and, most importantly, Christ. Also, being a few weeks in to the semester, they are starting to get in to routines for classes, work, and activities. Please be in prayer for those involved as they balance all the different requirements in their lives. Also, remember Zach, Evie, and Rachel who are studying in the UK.

Personally, I could use prayer for a deeper understanding of the many different aspects of campus...there's a lot to learn (building names, best places to hang out, how to navigate the different leadership structures on campus). Also, please pray for more connections with students. So far, so good, but there's still plenty more that I want to do in that area.

Thanks for reading, thanks for your prayers, and just thank you for being you.
-Deron