Below Freezing Baptism

Here's my view from leader meeting.

To say that March was odd, would be an understatement. 

My prayers and thoughts are with everyone as we continue. 

My hope is that we are finding ways to see God despite the change. 

I have been comforted knowing that God is not phased by covid-19. I have been thinking about God’s character seen throughout scripture during this time and it has greatly encouraged me. In Malachi 3:6 says, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed”. The fact that God doesn’t change means that what we’ve come to know about God remains the same despite our feelings about our current situation.  

The example in Christ also points us to God’s heart.  If you’re like me, I have experienced possibly every emotion on the spectrum concerning isolation and covid. A verse that has really ministered to me is Hebrews 4:14 and the following says: 

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”.

Something that has been meaningful to me is that Jesus can empathize with my weakness. That when we approach him in our weakness, whether that be doubt or confusion, that we can receive mercy. The whole truth that God sent himself as Christ tells me He loves me a whole lot and wants to be with me. Take courage my dear friends. 

Here’s a small clip from our virtual service. 

Now, let me get to the ministry part of this update!

Virtual ministry has gone without a hitch. My small group has continued as normal with the same faithful girls. Our group is just as lively as before all things considered. Last week, a sweet friend named Paden from my alma mater joined all the way from Seattle. We talked about evangelism through friendship because there is such an opportunity during this time to reach out. There was a sweet moment to honor friendships that pointed us towards Christ. For me, my answer was that friend. She was the first girl I met when I first came into a college ministry. It was a blessing to honor her by sharing in my small group. 

Bible studies have also been moving along. I finished one study in March and have moved to studying the gospel of Mark with that girl. Be praying for my studies in progress. Pray for the girls in the ministry who are back home. It feels that we lost some of the momentum of the school semester by having to go home. Pray that I can better trust that He will finish out the good work He started. Pray for students that are struggling with the transition of online school. 

Here’s a little shoutout that should be encouraging:

One of my girls, Amber, made the decision to be baptized. Amber is such a servant in our group. She always offers her resources to help other people. My first impression when I met her was that she had a big heart. An example of that is her frequent offers of rides to people who don’t have cars. Anyways, Amber has been thoughtful about this decision and I’ve really respected her for that. I asked if I could share this good news with you, so yay Amber! Pray for her and that God continues to make himself known.

These images are from an app called Houseparty. 

You should seriously check it out. You can play games and see each other. 

Thank you for your prayers and support. It means the world to me.