Last weekend all of the collegiate staff of the Sunland Region (California, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah) met up in La Quinta, California for a two day conference. The kickoff is a way for everyone to launch into the new school year together as staff at different campuses, seeking the Lord in prayer, learning out of His Word, and discussing our vision and calling. I love these times each year, getting to see other staff, share about ministry, hear about summer training programs and missions, and get refreshed in fellowship. Something neat and exciting this year, is Tess had the opportunity to plan and run the conference behind the scenes. She really served the region and its staff by planning and coordinating the weekend. I love watching her use some of the gifts God’s given her in ways that she enjoys using them, serving Him!
During the kickoff, it’s also a great time to spend as a staff team at UCSD. This year we have a staff team of six again, however a little different. Tim and Stacey are still our directing couple, Diana, who joined our team last year is still with us this year, and our newest addition is Lawrence, a UCSD Alum who ended his time in grad school last year. We are so excited to have Lawrence (In picture on right) join us this year as a first year EDGER. He comes with great experience and a deep knowledge of the campus and the average UCSD student. Our teammate from last year, Erin, is engaged to be married in December and is planning on working in the business world this year. We’ll miss her, but are so happy for her.
The last day of the kickoff, Tess and I attended our first NavWest training Bible study of the year. NavWest is an every other week training session for Staff in Training and EDGE Corps staff. Every other Thursday we head to Orange County to participate in Bible study discussion, of which we have prepped beforehand, with other staff in our region that are also in training. At these NavWest Bible Studies we also get poured into on crucial ministry topics and philosophies, such as how to lead investigative Bible discussions, how to make discipleship follow up plans, how to speak/teach/preach at large groups, etc. We both love these times because we continue to learn and grow, being fed spiritually, and have the chance to bond with other staff our age.
As the Kickoff drew to a close, Tess and I left feeling so refreshed and incredibly excited about this coming school year. We are really trusting God for big things on campus at UCSD this year! Beginning tomorrow, we will be launching our new school year. Classes begin on Thursday the 22nd and leading up to class day, we will be tabling, recruiting and meeting hundreds of new freshmen who move onto campus for the first time. These students are searching for meaning, for identity, and for truth. Will you pray with us, as we recruit students over the next two weeks, that God will bring those He has already prepared, into our lives and ministry? We desire to love students where they are at, advancing the Gospel in their lives, and see them grow such a passion for God and His word. Thank you for praying with us and standing with in spirit at UCSD.
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