InterVarsity Update

Dear Ministry Partners,

I hope these last couple months have been as wonderful for you as they have been for me and InterVarsity in Grand Junction. I have had the joy of watching a community of students appear out of nothing. It has been challenging being alone, constantly meeting many new people, and discovering how to do this job. Yet, it has been rewarding, amazing, and truly worth all the struggles. Shortly, God has been moving here and writing a tremendous story. Thank you for making InterVarsity at CMU a possibility. As Alison and I prepare to get married this Saturday, I would love to share with you some highlights, stories, and requests for prayer.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at CMU: Discovering fulfillment in life with Jesus for people of all backgrounds.

Praises

Over 130 students have been personally invited to Bible studies, prayer group, frisbee, or other events where they can get involved. Over 40 students have shown up to at least one event. We have 3 weekly events that I co-lead with students: a small group that studies the Bible, a prayer group, and, as of this week, a Group Investigating God (GIG). The GIG is a group for students who are new to life with Jesus or are curious about what it means to be a Christian. At least 3 students will be attending this new group the first week. 8 students, all freshman, attended Fall Conference. The conference was powerful and built friendships, community, and a desire to reach out to our campus.

   Carlee, a freshman who called me to ask about InterVarsity, agreed to meet me for coffee. One of the first things she expressed was her desire to have a place on campus where she could pray and learn about what prayer is. I said, "why don't you start a prayer group with me?" She was very excited to start something new. The group took off, averaging 5 or 6 students each week. We pray for our campus, friends, and for God's movement. We also investigate what prayer is and invite everyone to come check it out. Carlee is growing into an excellent leader and is a core member of our new fellowship.

Jake, a freshman I met the first day of school, has been playing frisbee with us and showed an interest in finding out who Jesus is. After an invitation to InterVarsity's annual Fall Conference in Fraser, Colorado, Jake excitedly, and unexpectedly, accepted. During the conference, the speaker gave an invitation for students to stand up as a decision to follow Jesus. Jake was the first one on his feet. When asked about the experience, he said he was overwhelmed by emotion, crying, and his legs were shaking, but he knew he wanted to stand. InterVarsity at CMU is overjoyed to have one more person discovering the life Jesus has to offer. He will be learning about the Bible and other aspects of Christianity in the new GIG.

Lauren, a freshman with strong leadership potential, met with me one afternoon. She was almost in tears as she described her desire for friends on campus who would encourage her, treat her with respect, and follow Jesus with her. I invited her to keep coming to InterVarsity events. She showed up and loved it. Now, some of her best friends are in InterVarsity, and Lauren has a strong drive to invite other students who share her longing for good community. She is now co-leading our weekly small group and plans other community building activities, such as cooking dinner in my apartment. I foresee many more student dinner nights here once Lauren and Alison combine forces.

Student Quotes

"InterVarsity has been my favorite part of school so far." Jennifer, Freshman

"I feel so refreshed and closer to God after Bible study." Carlee, Freshman

"I made 8 new friends!" Jake, Freshman, a few days after deciding to follow Jesus at Fall Conference

Please Partner in Prayer for:

Our community to continue to grow and never grow stagnant

Students to grow in their faith and develop into leaders in their dorms and friend networks

Jake to discover joy and life in relationship with Jesus

The new GIG starting this week

The large amount of underage drinking and drug use on our campus. Students on our campus are thirsting for satisfaction in places they will not find it.

God to continue moving in powerful ways

More partners to support this growing ministry financially and in prayer

Alison and my wedding on the 12th to be a wonderful start to an even better marriage

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at CMU: Discovering fulfillment in life with Jesus for people of all backgrounds.