Anything is possible from the 50.

We're in the middle of the football season, and there is a saying in the football world that "anything is possible from the 50." Touchdowns. Field Goals, Big plays, First Downs, etc. Things are looking good, confident, and hopefully, moving forward. Back on your own 10 or 20, everything looks a lot harder, and a lot further.

We are also just over 50 days in our 100 days of prayer for God's kingdom to come at Boise State University. And anything is possible. We're moving forward.

Several of the ministries on campus have given reports of amazing retreats. Others have noticed that although fewer in number, there is greater depth of the students, more focus, more leadership, and more involvement. Some groups have conducted baptisms. Others are sensing a new direction, as a leader or as a group. God has been answering our prayers!

And the requests continue. All of the ministries have noticed resources are tighter. Unlike churches, campus ministries do not have a tithing base. Would you pray for God to provide for all of the ministries? And if God gives you the ability to help financially, contact Ben Moore (group admin) and I can get you the address of a ministry that pulls at your heart. Also pray for wisdom, peace, and direction as ministry leaders are forced to make tough decisions. And continue to pray for faculty, staff, and students that they might recognize God's amazing love for them and respond to it.

Finally, some words from "Why Pray?" by John Devries.
"People are not merely isolated individuals to be won to Christ one at a time. A person is always part of a social fabric. A person has a home, relatives friends, and neighbors, all who influence each other. When we pray for people we should always be praying for their home, family, and sphere of influence. Our prayers should always be for more than individuals. They should shine God's light on the entire sphere of influence--their . God indicates the nations can be brought to Him--it's for the asking."

In the next four weeks, BSU football has national exposure every week. If you watch the games, when you hear, "It's a Boise State First Down," think and pray with me that "First, we're Down on our Knees" for God's kingdom to come.

Thanks for praying. Grace and peace.

It's a BSU FIRST DOWN!

Yes, I like football...and I am rooting for the Broncos.

But this isn't about football. It's a about prayer. God has been showing me a lot about prayer recently. One of the things that he is showing me is that prayer cannot be just another part of the ministry--another wall to build. It must be the foundation. FIRST, we're DOWN on our knees. Unless the Lord builds this house we labor in vain. And so, with that in mind, we are having 100 days of prayer for BSU.

In Brief-
*2000 people from many ministriies and churches participate.
*100 Days of prayer--Sept. 12 to Dec 20 (100 yards in a football field)
*10 Key areas of prayer (10 yards to make a First down!)

If you would like to show you are praying with us, you may join our facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=271153910650&ref=ts#/group.php?gid=271153910650&ref=ts
or leave a comment with your first name and last initial.

Prayer guides are available as well. See the links section.

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

Property and name

Hey all,

First, here is a link to the campus ministry in Nebraska that is doing what we are doing and starting a coffee shop. http://www.growmagazine.org/story_NewDestination.html

Second, Tami and I went and looked at a house today. You can see pictures here: www.tourfactory.com/474846 . Also, in the video bar off to the right you can see videos we took. (or go to http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F423D86F83776680) It really would be a great place from our perspective. Very little remodeling would need to be done. Pray with us for God’s best will and for the wisdom to know what to do. I am trying not express my true excitement, but to walk intentionally and expectantly. In other words, we really liked the place, but we don’t want to commit to strongly yet! Some of the things that will hold us back are immediate fund availability, and a conditional use regarding zoning.

Third, did you notice where the property is located? It is on Potter Street. (Tami and I both found that funny and ironic!) Joy suggested waiting until we know about this property before finalizing a name. When I told Dr. Borger (the District Superintendant) about the house and then the location, he chuckled before I even mentioned anything about the name. Tami and I both agree with Joy on waiting to finalize the name until we decide on this property. The Potter House (or Potter’s) would be such a natural fit. If we find a different location, the top name choice right now is Revive! We would appreciate your continued prayers!

Last night, I had a dream. In this dream, Tami and I invited a few people to a Bible Study. When the time came for the Bible study, people started coming and kept coming. We kept adding space, tables, chairs, subdividing, until there were around 450 people. I'm not saying it was prophetic or anything, but something about it encouraged me. And maybe, it will encourage you as well.

Finally, some prayer requests: please continue to pray for the action plan, location, and name. Also, please pray for student leaders. God is so good, and I just can't wait to be surprised by Him again. Thanks!

Additional Pics

Names, Prayer, and a general update

I apologize for taking so long to write again. We are still adjusting to Tami's work schedule, etc.



First an update: I am in the process of creating an action plan that can be given to the district advisory board. This will help us to stay on track and plan as thoroughly as we can. Would you pray for me as I write it? I find it daunting, and it is more comprehensive than many seminary papers!



I have met with the New Hope Church board, the District Missions Council, several students, and with a realtor who is doing some research for us. Every one of these meetings have been a blessing, and I come away with a new sense that God is up to something big. There is that general sense among campus ministry leaders of God preparing the way on the campus of BSU. It's pretty exciting!



Name: This has been so tough! We are trying ot find a name that is catchy, simply, has a spiritual connection, and bridges between coffee shop. It has been taxing, to say the least. The leadership team is narrowing it down (again) to 3 or 4 that we like, and then will survey some sutdents. I would really appreciate your prayers in this area.



Prayer: I have been reading the book Why Pray? It is such a powerful book! I have been challenged more and more not to pray that God blesses our plans for this ministry. Rather, I am praying that we discover and implement God's plans for this ministry! I am attempting to create a monthly prayer calendar that gives specific ways to pray. I am also hoping to send out a weekly or bi-weekly email with updates. If you would like to recieve this email, please let me know. I'm inviting you to pray with me--Prayer-paration is the single greatest thing we can do right now. God wants to shing the spotlight of His love, and our praying will can direct that spotlight! Thanks so much! I'll write more on this later...

Honestly, I feel like Moses more and more. I just feel so unqualified for many of the requirements to do this. But maybe that's the problem--I've tried to do things I'm not real qualified to do. But God is good, and he will show the way.

Here is an update and ways to pray:
1. I meet with the leadership team this weekend. Woud you pray for direction, leadership, and God's presence?
2. Tami found a job and starts tomorrow! It is really an answer to prayer!
3. It's time to pick a name--see the poll on the right to have your input.
4. Please pray for a location, and someone to help us through the process regarding finacial issues, government (city & state issues), and wisdom.

Also, I have made a brochure, bookmark, and commitment card that I hope to post here soon. Keep checking back!

Not hoping, but we are!

Answered Prayer: It's official. We are now longer hoping to start a minstry to BSU, we ARE!!!! I got word today the advisory board approves the ministry. This is just huge for us, and gives us resources, credibility, and partners in ministry. It is awesome!!! Thank you for your prayers on this subject!

On a different note, I had a wonderful and awesome conversation with Kenny, one of the youth pastors in the area. It was awesome to find a kindred spirit! Thanks Kenny for the time!

Prayer Requests

Here are some current prayer requests for us personally and for the ministry

1. The District Advisory Board for the Church of the Nazarene votes this week on making our ministry an official district ministry. This is important to open the doors to funding from local churches, and also keeps me on assignment within the Nazarene church for retirement purposes.

2. Name and direction: What should we call this ministry? We have some ideas, and you'll be able to vote on this blog.

3. Location: Please be praying for the right doors to open regarding a building/location close to campus.

4. Advisory Team: pray for potential advisory team members and wisdom on selecting them. They will serve as a team that helps create the vision and provides accountability.

5. Personally: Tami has a job opportunity that is a dream, but we are praying for God's direction. In the mean time, pray that some work opens up for Ben to get us over the hump.

Thanks for praying. We'll let you know how God answers!