First an update on district assembly: It went very well, and we have received wonderful encouragement and feedback. Many new connections were made, both for students and churches. At first, people wondered why were there--thinking we were"recruiting" for BSU, but once they found out the real reason the attitude was very different. We are so grateful for everything! And if you stopped by the booth--thanks! Our giveaway winner was Phyllis Russell of Nampa.
Second-Location: We have several possibilities of location right now, but we are just in the beginning stages of looking at them.
Third, Speaking: I spoke at New Hope Church in Boise and felt like God really helped. It was a thrill. I have June 21st as the next speaking engagement regarding the ministry at Castle Hill Community in Boise. And I have met with several pastors regarding future opportunities.
Fourth, Newsletter: An email newsletter should be coming out next week. IF you are interested in receiving it, please drop me a line.
Finally, a thought from the book Why Pray? When we pray, we shouldn't just pray for the individual, but for every person they can influence for Christ. So we don't just pray for a person, but for their sphere of influence as well. So would you pray that BsU will become a place of good soil, ready for the word of God? Thanks for praying!
A journey on God's call to Boise State University. (Crosswalks Campus Ministry)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
An Amazing Stat!
Boise State has the the lowest ministry to student ratio of 6 major university campuses.
Oregon- 1 ministry to every 1200
Ohio State - 1 to 600
Missouri State 1 to 900
Clemson 1 to 900
UCLA 1 to 800
Boise State: 1 to 1500.
What a mission field!
Oregon- 1 ministry to every 1200
Ohio State - 1 to 600
Missouri State 1 to 900
Clemson 1 to 900
UCLA 1 to 800
Boise State: 1 to 1500.
What a mission field!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Update, May 12
First, I found a book last week called Reaching the Campus Tribes, by Benson Hines. It is a free e-book download at http://www.reachingthecampustribes.com/, The whole point of this book is to recognize that campus ministry is more like international missions than Christian Education (i.e. youth group). It is an amazing book! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. It's less than 120 pages long, but articulates much of what I've been thinking! I'll be writing more about it, I'm sure. If you're interested in some of my favorite quotes, let me know, and I'll send you my list.
Second, this is a big week for us!!!! So far, we've been going up the first hill of the roller coaster. We're about to crest the top and gain momentum!!! It is the Intermountain District Assembly this week, and our exposure will go from a few churches to many! We're doing special things, and have a booth there. In my mind (it's not an official goal), I have a goal of $40,000 in faith promises to get things started this year. Would you pray with me in this area? We will also be doing some give-aways and showing a video. Please pray for the following: 1) strength for me, and a good attitude as I get tired, and an ability to share the vision; 2) getting everything done--printing, buying, video, etc; 3) my mom as she watches two energetic boys; 4) strength for Tami who will be joining me at the booth; and 5) receptive hearts. Thanks so much!! I'll try to update how it is going throughout the week.
And finally...the ACTION PLAN IS FINISHED!!! It was sent last week to the District Superintendent. Thanks for your prayers in this area! If you want a copy emailed to you, let me know. I won't be able to send all the addendums, but you can read the main part of the action plan.
One last note: just a reminder that God is so good. He is in this process! Thanks for journeying with us!
Grace and peace,
Ben
Second, this is a big week for us!!!! So far, we've been going up the first hill of the roller coaster. We're about to crest the top and gain momentum!!! It is the Intermountain District Assembly this week, and our exposure will go from a few churches to many! We're doing special things, and have a booth there. In my mind (it's not an official goal), I have a goal of $40,000 in faith promises to get things started this year. Would you pray with me in this area? We will also be doing some give-aways and showing a video. Please pray for the following: 1) strength for me, and a good attitude as I get tired, and an ability to share the vision; 2) getting everything done--printing, buying, video, etc; 3) my mom as she watches two energetic boys; 4) strength for Tami who will be joining me at the booth; and 5) receptive hearts. Thanks so much!! I'll try to update how it is going throughout the week.
And finally...the ACTION PLAN IS FINISHED!!! It was sent last week to the District Superintendent. Thanks for your prayers in this area! If you want a copy emailed to you, let me know. I won't be able to send all the addendums, but you can read the main part of the action plan.
One last note: just a reminder that God is so good. He is in this process! Thanks for journeying with us!
Grace and peace,
Ben
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Panic or Hope...and news about the property
Easter Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching at our church--Five Mile Nazarene. Pastor Ben Turner had taken his dad to the dr. on Friday, and Saturday a.m., his dad had his own Easter service with Jesus! With all that happening, Pastor Ben asked me to preach. I was fascinated with the passage in John 20. Mostly, I was fascinated with Mary Magdalene's two responses to the disciples. First-"They've taken him and I don't know where." Can you hear the PANIC? Later after John and Peter run to the tomb, find it empty, and then leave Mary there by herself, Mary encounters the risen Christ. She returns to the disciples saying, "I've seen the Lord!" Words full of HOPE! I can't help but wonder, though, which the world hears most from Christians--They've taken Jesus. Or that we have encountered the risen Jesus and seen Him at work in our lives? Panic, or Hope? This ministry is all about bringing hope to students at BSU who live in a world of panic. My prayer is that this is what this minsitry is known for: Hope. What a privilege!
That being said, I recieved news that the house we were wanting to buy had an offer made on it and was accepted. I don't know who made the offer. Here again, do I panic, or hope. I choose hope. At this point, several things could happen: someone buys it for themselves, someone buys it for us, or the sale falls through. As much as I liked this property, I find myself at peace, and full of hope that God sees the big picture, knows what is best, and will show the way. If we have prayed that God open and shut the right doors, then if this door shuts for this property, that is an answer to prayer. I find myself not praying that it will go one way or another. Rather, I'm praying that God will do whatever will glorify himself the most and become part of His-story (history) in the retelling of this ministry for years to come! Let's be people of hope and let's keep praying that God's will be done, that He'll show us the right direction to go location wise!
Blessings and Hope to you!
That being said, I recieved news that the house we were wanting to buy had an offer made on it and was accepted. I don't know who made the offer. Here again, do I panic, or hope. I choose hope. At this point, several things could happen: someone buys it for themselves, someone buys it for us, or the sale falls through. As much as I liked this property, I find myself at peace, and full of hope that God sees the big picture, knows what is best, and will show the way. If we have prayed that God open and shut the right doors, then if this door shuts for this property, that is an answer to prayer. I find myself not praying that it will go one way or another. Rather, I'm praying that God will do whatever will glorify himself the most and become part of His-story (history) in the retelling of this ministry for years to come! Let's be people of hope and let's keep praying that God's will be done, that He'll show us the right direction to go location wise!
Blessings and Hope to you!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Puzzle Pieces
Have you ever sensed that you are part of something big, something God is using? I feel like this all the time with this ministry!
It's almost like I have a general idea what the puzzle looks like, and then I keep discovering another piece to the puzzle. That's been the case a couple of times recently. I meet someone and wonder if they are a piece to the puzzle...sometimes I know they are, sometimes I am guessing, and sometimes I invite them to choose to. Like recently, a suprise piece...a student came up to me at church. She attends Northwest Nazarene University and said, "God is calling me to a coffee shop ministry, and I want to be a part." I know God is providing people and resources.
Regardless, God is up to much more than I see, and I know He has all the puzzle pieces. And in due time, he will reveal them to us.
By the way, some have asked, "How do we give?" Eventually, we'll have our own checking account, but for now, send checks to: InterMountain District, PO Box 1159, Nampa, ID 83653. Mark the memo section BSU Campus ministry.
Prayer request: We are still trying to secure the location, and are taking the next step to do so. Also, would you pray for student leaders to show themselves.
Thanks for drinking deep,
Ben
It's almost like I have a general idea what the puzzle looks like, and then I keep discovering another piece to the puzzle. That's been the case a couple of times recently. I meet someone and wonder if they are a piece to the puzzle...sometimes I know they are, sometimes I am guessing, and sometimes I invite them to choose to. Like recently, a suprise piece...a student came up to me at church. She attends Northwest Nazarene University and said, "God is calling me to a coffee shop ministry, and I want to be a part." I know God is providing people and resources.
Regardless, God is up to much more than I see, and I know He has all the puzzle pieces. And in due time, he will reveal them to us.
By the way, some have asked, "How do we give?" Eventually, we'll have our own checking account, but for now, send checks to: InterMountain District, PO Box 1159, Nampa, ID 83653. Mark the memo section BSU Campus ministry.
Prayer request: We are still trying to secure the location, and are taking the next step to do so. Also, would you pray for student leaders to show themselves.
Thanks for drinking deep,
Ben
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