2014 Year in Review
Webster University
Another school year has passed and we find ourselves thankful for the many ways God worked through our ministry to continue to build his kingdom. Putting the gospel in arms reach of students at Webster University led us to students like Myra, Anna, Jaylen, Brandon, and Ronnie. Though regular meetings with Angela, studying the “gospel centered life,” Myra came to understand the gospel in a way that is fueling her to love and extend grace to h
er classmates. In Cru, Anna found a community where she feels accepted and is excited to continue to grow and help others do the same. Hesitant to talk about her faith, Jaylen learned to take steps of faith empowered by the Holy to engage friends in Spiritual conversations. During Big Break, Brandon found joy in sharing his faith instead of the guilty drudgery he so often felt before. In discipleship with Josh, a student leader Bryan has helped become more deeply grounded in his identity in Christ, Ronnie learned to study the word in a practical way.
During training times with Angela, Agnes, an international student from Ghana, learned to share her faith. Half way through the semester, Agnes and Angela led Olivia to Christ during a spiritual conversation on campus. Next year, Myra will be discipling Olivia and leading the ministry with Josh, Ronnie, and Anna. We’re thankful for the time we had at Webster and are encouraged for the future of the ministry we left in the hands of these students.
Graduation From Covenant
After five and a half years of school, we’re done! Bryan received his masters of divinity from Covenant theological seminary on May 16th. Here are some thoughts from him about it:
“It is finished! I have graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary with a Masters in Divinity.
These past five years have been a whirlwind of transformation and growth that has deepened my understanding, of God, his word, and his church. Seminary has grown both my heart and my mind a
nd it is reflected in two principals that will be at the forefront of our ministry.
First, that seminary was the beginning, not the end of my education. I will continue to learn and push my students to learn more about who God is and what he has done. Second, that character is superior to content. Despite the vast ideas and thoughts I have been exposed to, I will always strive to be a humble beggar in need of God’s Grace.”
Later this summer, Bryan will be promoted from serving as a Chaplain candidate in the US Army Reserves to an official Chaplain once his ordination is completed. This summer we are joining staff with Cru, which will be Bryan’s career during the rest of his commitment with the Army Reserves.
Move to Michigan: 7406 Hogan Dr.
We moved back to our sending state and are excited to experience “Pure Michigan” again. We’ll be raising support from Ypsilanti, while attending our previous church. We’re thankful to be close to Bryan’s family and high school friends and Angela’s college friends. The support and care of those communities and the prayers and giving of committed partners like you will provide the stability we’ll need during our upcoming season of inviting people to join our team of ministry partners with you.
Cru New Staff Training
We’re currently in Orlando, Fl at
Rollins College from June 9th-July 12th for New Staff Training with Cru. As the time of seminary was coming to a close, we were faced with the question that perhaps you also are asking—“what’s next?” Through our time in St. Louis, the counsel of friends and mentors, and prayer, the Lord led us to apply for the full-time staff of Cru. For our ministry assignment we have been placed at the University of Michigan! Please join us in praying for our future on staff and the transitions ahead for our family. Thank you for your ongoing faithful giving. This will provide a firm foundation to meet ongoing financial commitments during our transition to long-term ministry. We are thankful for your partnership as it means so much to us to know people are interceding for our ministry and family.