Back in Action

Howdy Blog Buddies!

What a month I have had back in College Station! 
To give you a quick rundown:

Events- From the very get-go we had a "Welcome Back" pancake brunch (affectionately called the Pancake Crunch Brunchfest) on the first weekend after school started. This was such a great time for fellowship and just good ol' eatin. We also threw a Super Bowl party, hosted by one of the families in our church (Westminster Presbyterian). We grilled hot dogs, jumped on the trampoline, ate snacks and ultimately watched Beyonce at halftime...Or at least that was my agenda. We have weekly Zumba after my Bible study which is always a real hoot. I made a promo video for it here. We also have weekly lunch meetings for different groups as well as a walking group and Angleball group! Later this month we will have our annual Freshmen/Sophomore Retreat so we are all looking forward to that.

Zumba at my house

My design for our series this semester.

Weekly Ministry- This semester our large group series "What's Up with the Old Testament?" focuses on the connection between the cross and the Old Testament which is the ultimate unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It has been so cool to see how God is working all things together from the very beginning to the very end. I am co-leading a Bible study on girl's struggles with my co-intern, Lauren. This has been a really refreshing time for us to come together and be honest with one another about the issues we face as women. We see that Christ meets us in all things and speaks truth into the darkness that we are sold by the world, ourselves, and the enemy. Jeremy, my other co-intern is leading a similar study on defeating sin, specifically catering to guys. This, I have heard, has been a real time of encouragement and good application of God's ultimate reign over sin. We have Freshmen Bible Study again this semester and it has been so good to go through the foundations of our faith. We have multiple other student led small groups as well as our outreach to the lower income kids of Bryan, the city adjacent to College Station.

To say the least, I am very encouraged this semester. It is amazing how getting one semester under your belt really helps you feel a little more at home! (No more using the GPS to go to the grocery store.) I am challenged in different ways this semester, though. Just to name a few: I am leading a study for the first time in the internship, I am getting more comfortable (so I am more tempted to lean on my own ability), I am sometimes given new jobs that I am unfamiliar with (running the powerpoint can be very sanctifying), as well as my own personal struggles and walk with the Lord. 

Here are ways you can pray:
-Please pray for my personal ministry, that students would see Christ high and lifted up-that HE alone can heal
-Please pray for our staff: Ben, Beth, Lauren, Jeremy, and myself
-Please pray for new students to come to RUF and RUF functions 
-Pray for the Spirit's presence in our ministry and in the hearts of students
-Lastly, I still need just shy of $900 to make it until June 1 without going into deficit. So if you would be in prayer for that last bit of support. Visit www.ruf.org/donate and choose my name from the drop down menu under field staff if you would like to give online! Otherwise, visit my Support tab to get more info!

I am so so grateful for YOU!

"But this I call to mind,

and therefore I have hope:
his mercies never come to an end;

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness

'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul,

'therefore I will hope in him.'" Lamentations 3:21-22

Grace and Peace,

Anna