Riding a Weird Wave toward Easter

One of the exciting opportunities involved in missional ministry on the American university campus is the presence of student from all over the globe--internationals from nearly every nation on the planet make up nearly 3/4 of a million of the 16 million college students in the nation.

Jen and I have been making friends from other nations in New Orleans since we arrived, but have had difficulty getting together a working relationship with Tulane's Center for International Students & Scholars from the get go. It's a long, weird story, but I'll spare you the whole history.

Since the hurricane, and especially this new academic year there has been a new sense of willingness, even excitement about working with us, as a new director took over the department last fall. We were helping to put back together the International Host Program, which gives internationals an opportunity to get to know an American family. We are recruiting friendship families from local churches. (check out www.onemorefriend.org)

Well, the new director, left for another state last week! So, the point of this little story: please pray that the doors God has opened will stay open, and the favor that has been granted us will continue as Tulane's transitions continue.

On a bright note, however: Our interns will be leading an Easter Retreat on the 6th-8th for international students. They will be camping, exploring some of South Louisiana's amazing culture, and learning about the Christian holiday of Easter. We're excited about what God has in store for this great weekend.

---Tulane Greenwave baseball team is having a bit of an up and down season, but has still amassed a 19-7 record heading into a series with top 25 ranked East Carolina this weekend.

Pray to the Lord of the Harvest

[pic from the swamp at UL-Lafayette]

Luke 10:2

[Jesus] told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Jen and I have been praying from the moment we discerned God's called to New Orleans' universities that God would call others to work alongside us to reach the thousands of students represented at Tulane, UNO, SUNO, Dillard, Loyola, Delgado, and Xavier.

This spring, we have some prospects. Today, we are in Lafayette, LA picking up an intern from the Diversity Project to come visit Chi Alpha New Orleans for the weekend, and investigate whether or not God might be directing her toward this ministry opportunity. There is a married couple that we are actively recruiting as well.

Please pray that God will give these missionaries grace as they search out His will for their futures in campus ministry.

In other news:

My good friend, Dan, and I were able to do some construction work on our house yesterday. We built a frame, and installed a new front door. It's such a blessing to be able to walk through the front door, again.

We should have some contractors out to do more of the major work on our house's structure.

Praise God!

Spring Break Time

As Tulane gets ready for spring break next week, I should update this blog. I'm doing my best to keep new info up here at least weekly. I let time slip away a bit this time, but I should be back on schedule, now.

Last week, UNO hosted its first ever Chi Alpha New Orleans Gathering. We had a great turnout, including my dad, my uncle John, and 9 folks from Georgetown XA who were in town doing rebuilding work with our church. I didn't get an exact count, but there were close to 60 people there, which was exciting - lots of new UNO faces. And, above all that, God was truly present. We spent about 30 min just quietly praying and many students were praying together, as well as receiving prayer from staff members. The Holy Spirit did some work on hearts that night.

It was great to have some family in town. Next week, my good friend, Dan Johnson is coming to visit while I have a less busy schedule with Tulane on break. We enjoy having visitors - showing them our city (its highs and lows), sharing some laughs and good conversation, and opening our lives up, including an inside scoop on the ministry here.

This Saturday, we have the opportunity to work with churches from around the city to host a Convoy of Hope event. We (Jen, myself, Dan, and XA) look forward to the opportunity to minister to those in need. Please pray with us.