Every Student A Disciple-maker

Don’t you love that feeling of putting on a new shirt you just bought. Or the new car smell, even if you get it from a spray bottle. There’s something exciting about something new (or at least new to you). We’ve felt that exhilaration this year seeing some new students catch the heartbeat of Jesus for their campus at the University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith (for those of you wondering, we’re at the U of A in Fayetteville). Even more exciting is that this group of students started Chi Alpha on their own. They were also not afraid to ask for help from other Chi Alpha leaders in the area. Ronnie,  Chi Alpha director at the U of A offered to teach the same leadership class that XA students go through before becoming student leaders.

The students in Fort Smith jumped in and were hungry to learn to become disciple makers.The leadership class is really about becoming a disciple maker for life –  where God has placed you. Of course for most college students, their primary placement in life at this point is the campus. Justin, is one of the students that has been a sponge and has seen the mission field that is his campus. This year, Justin, with the other leaders at UAFS (Fort Smith) are taking steps to ensure that there will be a thriving campus ministry taking place after they graduate.

Now that is pretty cool. But this takes it to another level. Most of you have probably heard us say at some point there over 4000 universities in the US with approximately 280 Chi Alpha groups. One night recently after teaching the class, Justin was excited to share with us some news. Having grown up in a pastor’s home, and his brother a youth pastor, and brother in law also a pastor, Justin was struggling with God calling him into full time ministry. Through his time  in Chi Alpha this year, not only was he no longer struggling with that call, but he heard God’s voice clearly with direction.

Yes ladies, Justin is single and available!

God’s plan for Justin, was not like his family but He was directing him differently for His purposes. God was preparing Justin to reach his campus now as a student but also for the future as a campus pastor.

God is still calling people to reach the campus! Justin is graduating this December and already starting the process of becoming a missionary with Chi Alpha, and praying about returning as campus pastor to his alma mater.
For The Campus,

Daran

Go Hogs!

It has been a whirlwind month. After spending time with friends in Virginia support raising we kept on traveling. We were able to visit with friends and lots of family in Oklahoma. Then the following week after getting our minimum support necessary, we made the move to Fayetteville, Arkansas. The whirlwind continued after unloading the U Haul truck. Thankfully my parents were able to watch the kids for a few days while Noreen and I got things organized.

This past Monday, we began working full time on campus with Chi Alpha on the University of Arkansas. We’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the staff and the students that are staying in the house this summer and getting some orientation to what life is like with Chi Alpha here. We’re still figuring a lot of stuff out, but we’re excited about this year and the experiences God has in store for us.

Thanks for making it happen! And thanks for your prayers! Next week we begin welcoming international students. There will be more to come.