October News

Things have begun to settle down since the beginning of school, and we've been able to get into a groove at Collin FOCUS. Our Thursday Night Fellowship meetings are still pretty packed, and many new students that came at the beginning are sticking around. Our cores (small groups) are still attracting new people every week, and we have numerous Bible studies starting among the students. Our corefas (student leaders) are still working hard but have begun to adjust to their new roles. Overall, our ministry is in great shape!

Typical goofy guy core

One of the things I'm most excited about that started in September is Discipleship Class. This class meets once a week for 2 hours and is aimed at providing the students with an in-depth study of Scripture. It's taught by one of our campus pastors at Collin, Garrett Davis. We're in our third week and attendance has been consistently high (over 20 students each week). It is such a great sign that a good portion of the students in our ministry are interested in growing in their faith and knowledge of Christ--and they're not afraid to have their beliefs challenged. We are currently studying the book of Mark, chapter by chapter, to learn about who Jesus is and why he did what he did. In just the first two chapters we've had the opportunity to discuss topics such as discipleship, the Kingdom of God, miracles, healing, demons, Sabbath, and the authority of Jesus. Every week my mind is blown! Even though I've read these passages many times, there is always something more for me to learn. I think our students are discovering that The Word of God is living and active, and very relevant.

Student leader Kelleigh getting baptized!

We've also started outreach on campus every other week, similar to last year. The first-year interns have planned and done campus conversations, questions on display, and other events to reach out and evangelize.  Our goal is to teach our students to be more evangelistic in their everyday lives, not just for a few hours each week on campus. We also want to start conversations about spiritual things so that people on campus are more open to exploring their beliefs. These have been going very well and we've had lots of student participation!

Some of the sweet corefas that I mentor

In a few weeks we'll have Fall Park Day, which is a time for the students to build relationships with each other while participating in fun outdoor activities and sports. We're praying for great weather that day! I'll let you know how it goes in my next update.

Please continue to pray for the things I've mentioned, especially our 1-on-1 Bible studies and core groups. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in reaching students on campus for Jesus. We are so blessed to have such generous and godly people behind us.

Much love <3