March Newsletter

I hope that this March newsletter finds you well. A couple of weeks ago I went to Florida for a long weekend with my brother. For three consecutive days most all my time was spent reading Christian material. It is much easier to have a ‘Christ centered perspective’ when He is the topic of most every hour of your day.

The week that we got back I met with the Campus Ministry students at PFW. It was a blessing to participate in their weekly meeting and join in the discussion of Christian humility. As the meeting came to a close, I presented my plans to start a four-week study on Christian apologetics. 

What an encouragement it was to have 21 students sign up. I was able to talk to many of them and hear their excitement for the upcoming study.  

Another encouraging opportunity came about this month when I met with a student that was home for the weekend. He attends a Christian college and shared with me a discussion some students had on his floor.

He revealed that a dispute arose over a ‘group text’ where someone used a very inappropriate word. The student was ‘called out’ on it by another resident. Soon others got into the discussion over whether Christians should use this ‘bad word.’ 

As the two of us sat together discussing all that took place, he told me how he defended Ephesians 4:29. “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” We had a good discussion declaring why this language is unacceptable for a Christian.   

Finally let me tell of another recent conversation I had with a friend of mine. As our discussion evolved, we began to talk about sin in the world around us. This subject was fresh on my mind since I talked about it in a recent apologetics study. We had a good talk, and it seemed to me that we both benefited from it.   

When I reflected back on all that was said, it hit me how important it is to be led by the Holy Spirit in these situations. If He is not present, then I am on my own thinking, listening, and speaking to lost people. 

I also realized how important it is to have people praying for me. It is only by the grace of Christ that I will be able to impact souls for the Kingdom of God. Paul asked the Colossian Church to, “… pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ …” Please pray that the Holy Spirit provide Biblical wisdom and a sympathetic heart as I speak to others. 

Thank you in advance for praying. 

May the Grace and Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be your abiding portion.

Steve 

I hope that this February newsletter finds you well. One thing has become apparent to me working with college students; the winter months are ‘the heart and soul’ of Christian ministry. It is in this time when access to students is greatest. 

I have also noticed how attendance seems to ‘ebb and flow.’ Some students regularly attend our weekly meetings. Then slowly as time moves on, they show up less and less. On the other hand, there are 3-5 new participants each month curious about what we do.  

This trend is also apparent in my apologetics class. One student told me how excited she was for our study. She never missed and was usually the first one there. Then after a month she started to come late or leave a bit early. 

She has not attended the study in the past couple of months. However, I still pray for her. Herein is the heart of Christianity; we can always pray for each other. My job is to plant seeds and let “the Lord of the harvest” do the rest. 

On the upside we have two new students attending our study this semester. They are both involved in our discussions and often ask questions. Their attendance adds a new dynamic to our group as we address both old and new topics. 

One last story that I would like to share involves a regular attender of the Thursday night meetings. We have gotten to know each other from numerous conversations. These discussions have covered a wide range of topics; most of them are about Christian doctrine. 

However, a couple weeks ago this was not the case. He told me about a health issue he was having and wanted advice. The discussion then moved on to problems he was having with his parents. They weren’t listening to him, and this was starting to frustrate him. It was a good talk, and I was glad to be able to encourage him.     

Reflecting on these conversations made me realize that he is comfortable enough around me to confide in me. The many times that we have talked have brought security and trust to our friendship. This has taken time, but it has been time well spent. 

I learned many of these lessons as a tennis pro. The more that I engaged players in conversations, the more that I built a friendship with them. Even the smallest of conversations made a difference; Christian ministry is no different. 

As I continue to learn names, and engage students in conversation, the more ministry opportunities will occur. Every conversation counts and every person has a name. 

May the Grace and Peace of Christ be yours in abundance.

Steve   

PS I added a new tab to our website titled, ‘A Most Important Decision.’ I hope that you will check it out.