Take September for example.
Mustard Seed
This was our annual retreat for our leaders to gear up for the year. This year we met again at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Corvallis for about 3 days. We studied the beginning of Mark and learned about the authority of Jesus and reflected on what it would be like to begin each day or the school year knowing we were beloved children of God and he was well pleased with us. That could seriously change things.
This retreat is a great time to reconnect after the summer and remember what God has invited us into. Special thanks to the people who stepped up and cooked dinners for us. That was awesome. Here are some pictures of the retreat.
New Student Outreach
Immediately (Yes, Mark!) after the retreat ended we jumped into New Student Outreach. The freshmen were moving in and we wanted to meet them. All the leaders went full steam ahead for this and it was really fun to watch. We decided to play a massive game of capture the flag on the second night because nothing else was happening on campus and this would be a great time to get the word out about who we are. People invited from their dorms and we had about 170 people show up. It was hilarious and a really good time.
The next day was the new student convocation and picnic. We set up a table and in about 2 hours met over 60 people who were interested in checking IV out. Props to Lauren, Kelly, Nina, and Kayle (shout out to the ladies!) for doing such an awesome job at meeting people. Yes, the guys did stuff too but the girls just rocked it!
And remember the 80-foot banana split we did last year? Well, this year the students wanted to top it. So we went for 100 feet. The engineers developed a great system for holding it in place. Again, we had about 170 people show up. And again, it was hilarious.
And finally, two days ago we had our first Awake meeting. somewhere between 60 and 70 students came and I got a chance to share IVCF's vision with them. But the night was largely led by students. Russell was our MC. Kelly led the ice-breaker. Danny led worship. An shared her testimony. I was really impressed with the students as they stepped up.
I gave an invitation for people to join the communities (Bible Studies) that were trying to follow Jesus together and help the campus wake up to what he is doing. Many people were excited to join and once the night was over, a lot of people hung out and got to know each other. That is always a good sign.
Thanks for all your prayers! the year is off to a great start.
Reflection
I had a freak-out moment on Wednesday. I was finishing up my talk for the first Awake and was suddenly struck with a desire to crawl into bed and hide. It was weird. I suddenly felt like there was so much that wasn't ready. How would it go tonight? Were all the students ready to do what they said they were going to do? What if one of them didn't do as well as they could have?
In short, I felt out of control.
InterVarsity is a student mission. That means we want to see students learning to be missionaries on their own campuses. Staff are there to help this happen.
This class at OSU is great. They have tons of potential to create a truly student run ministry here. I want to see that happen and I want to be a part of making that happen.
But that means I have to let go of things. I have to entrust things that I used to do to students. That is the only way it is going to happen. Is this how parents feel? It was hard. I was literally praying and making the motion of opening my hands to let go of certain things.
And like I said. The night was great. It was not perfect. But these students rose to the occasion and did great. And the more they lead out, the more I will have to step back and let go. God was letting me know that this is going to be a process and it is going to be a bit painful for me. But the hope is that is will be worth it.
I think (and hope!) it will.
