One of the many things in my life that I am grateful for is my spiritual heritage. I was raised going to church and this was important for my parents even though Jeff, my brother, and I thought otherwise. Although I did not fully comprehend God’s love for me (because of shame and self hatred) nor recognized my incredible need for Jesus and faith (because of pride), I had something to pull from when I needed an emotional and spiritual compass. It was in college that I experienced God’s amazing presence, love, forgiveness and reality for the first time! This was a game changer!!
My experience and frame of reference of God and faith went from cold, distant, religious and unavailable to close, intimate, personal and real!
In these restless and uncertain times, two things remain constant and unchanging…….God and His Word. The temporal things we have placed our trust and security in are being exposed and challenged. It’s the unchanging promises of God and His Word which are the source of our hope for eternal life. This permanence brings comfort and security to those who trust in Him and His Word. This truth has been the anchor that comforts my soul and brings me peace. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Because I experienced God’s wonderful presence, forgiveness and love in college, this keeps me centered and at peace. Especially when I find myself gazing too long with my natural eyes and understanding at my circumstances which often produces fear, anxiety and doubt. Since the beginning of time God has not changed His will, nor the Word. In Hebrews 13, it states that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank you Lord for your constant, unchanging presence in my life! And one of my favorite scriptures found in Philippians 1:6 says “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Even though the fall semester of 2020 may look different from any other that we have had in the past, one thing remains constant, there is a huge need for students to encounter the love of God. For many students who are away from home for the first time, they are deciding what values and attitudes they will live by. Many are vulnerable emotionally and spiritually. I have been privileged to know and work alongside some amazing people who have laid down their lives to introduce students to Christ. It is because of my campus pastor in college that I was introduced to a living faith in Christ. Would you please pray for the Chi Alpha leadership teams at NAU and Embry Riddle for divine encounters and conversations? We believe that God directs our steps to students who are lost and searching even in the midst of social distancing and small group gatherings. Psalm 37:23
For Restoring Wholeness, our leadership team is working on recording all of our teachings to make available for not only students but to anyone who needs hope and help. We have already completed our one day seminar “The Journey – From Shame to Intimacy in Christ.” We know that the NAU Chi Alpha leadership team this fall will help them a lot. I have also just recently joined an international group that Wynn created for RW. This is an incredible opportunity that God has made possible to help support, encourage and walk alongside students and young adults from South Africa, Namibia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Spain, Romania, Ireland, France and Moldova. We need your prayers please.