September Update

This past week I nearly lived the life of a college student at UNT (The University of North Texas, where I am now doing ministry).  It was Welcome Week so there were lots of events every day.  I forgot how draining that can be!  We (Amy, Melissa, and I) have been encouraging the student leaders to think of this as the biggest opportunity to meet new people and develop lasting relationships in order to fulfill the mission of making disciples.  The students took on the challenge we gave them and worked hard to invite new students into their lives.  It was a long week, but I truly think it will yield a bountiful return.

Last night was our Friday Night Fellowship kickoff event.  (By the way, if anyone in the area ever wants to visit on a Friday night, feel free to do so!  We meet on the UNT campus in Matthews Hall room 311 at 7:30pm.  Call if you need any other info. - 817.992.3987)  We nearly packed out a room that seats 144 people.  Keep in mind that this ministry started only 2.5 years ago.  Here are a couple pictures of last night:

Front left is Melissa (our intern) and front right is Amy.

The main agenda last night was for Brad, the former campus pastor, to formally give his blessings to Amy and I leading this ministry.  Then we both shared our stories of how God developed a heart for ministry within us.  I wish you could have heard them!  I almost cried sharing my story and Amy's nearly brought me to tears as well.  The point of that was to help the students begin to know who we are and why we are here.  Many of the students told me later that they really enjoyed that.

So now that the year has finally begun I am really starting to feel much more comfortable with the role God has given me.  It is truly a testament to His power how much He has changed me (even in just the last year) to take this on.  Much of this could not have been possible without you.  I am so thankful to you for that, but even more so I hope you realize the impact you have made on the Kingdom.

I would like to ask that you pray for a few things as well:

- That I will speak pastorally to the students at UNT despite the fact that I am young and look like many of them.  That I will keep in mind the advice Paul gave to Timothy as a young leader (1 Tim. 4:11-12).

- That I will always be growing in my ability to plan meetings and events.  This is so important as the amount of planning directly affects the outcome.  I've always loved that old axiom, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

- That Amy, Melissa, and I will be able to challenge, encourage, and communicate effectively with each other.  That we can lead this ministry through our actions and how we relate with each other.

- That our student leaders will be consistent in new relationships they have developed.  It is vital that we show people what real friendship looks like and what it means to have Christ's love compel us.

Again I am so thankful for you.  Please know that I have been praying for you and the specific requests you have asked me to pray for.  May God continue to bless you!

Yours for the Campus,

Matt