Experiencing a Transformational Community

This is from our March Newsletter. It's obviously a little late but we hope you enjoy it.

The music swelled as the students rose and sang a song about finding the answer. As the song fades a vivacious student jumps up front and says kindly “Welcome to FUEL! We’ve got a great night ahead of us so let’s get started” Fuel is the weekly meeting of Campus Crusade at Tulane and—like most of our events—the night is run completely by students. From the setup to the band to the game and the teaching, students do it all. Jessica and I attend the meeting occasionally but mostly mentor the leaders and help them to lead their peers. Tonight, a junior named Peyton has the reins and talks with the group of 30 students about humility. Teaching from Philippians 3 and his personal experience (while playfully joking about the irony of being an expert in humility) he gives a picture of what it means.

Before he gets going he has us say hi to the person next to us. I turn around and meet Alfred. He is wearing a fleece two sizes too big for his small frame, has stylish glasses and faded jeans. Alfred is shy and barely maintains eye contact but is thoughtful and warm as he explains that this is his first time here. After the event ends and the crowd begins to mingle I turn and ask Alfred what he thought. “I like that it’s all student run. Y’know, like there’s no old guy up there.” Sensing that he doesn’t know I’m on staff and a little excited that I can still pass as a college student I asked him to elaborate. “Well, it’s great because it’s like we’re all on the same playing field. We can come as we are and not have to pretend in front of a pastor that I’m someone I’m not.”

He goes on to say that for the first time in the two years since he came to college he is beginning to explore his faith.

“I don’t know why but something inside me said I needed to start coming to this. I’ve seen the signs and t-shirts and just felt like God was saying to go. Like he was trying to wake me up.”

He’s right. They are on the same playing field and he can come as he is. Alfred continues to explore faith and community at Fuel. His is just one of the many lives being touched by this ministry at Tulane. Thank you for helping in a large way to make it possible for guys like Alfred to experience a transformational community. This is why we’re here.

Gratefully, Dave & Jessica

Please Pray For:

• Our student leaders. That they would live surrendered lives to God

• Us that we would too

• Us as we consider returning to Moscow and God’s timing in that

• Jessica’s knee. It’s been hurting chronically for a while and needs healing

Praises

• Our Spring Retreat was a big hit. 40+ students came

• Students are beginning to talk about world missions

• God has been teaching us more and more about the value and need of community and the Holy Spirit