Stories from CWU

COLLEGIATE MINISTRIES REPORT
•Loving God •Following Jesus •Serving the Campus
September 2006 CWU


Jeremy Johnson

I. A story which highlights ministry this month:

There are a few things I would love to share about this past month. I’ll do them chronologically:

We began our year officially September 20, but the preparation for that was done over the summer and specifically at a planning retreat we held with student leaders September 8-9 in Leavenworth. Sadly, one of our Ministry Team was unable to make it because her car broke down, but the other four (along with Janelle, Samuel and me) had a great time of casting vision, planning and worshiping together. One of the outcomes of this time was to have a table in the SUB and a party Monday before classes began, to invite those met during the day and returning students. What a simple and great idea. But the reason it is a real highlight is that neither Janelle or I were going to be able to make it. It was determined that we would have the game night in the Upper Room (our space at Chestnut Street Baptist Church), so we got keys to the students and they had a wonderful time with about 20 there! It was so encouraging to hear about this successful time of fellowship and meeting people, and rather than me introducing students to each other, they were introducing me to those they met on Monday and Monday night. What a blessing!

Another story concerns one student and her twin sister. Malinda became a Christian a few years back, and has been praying for her twin sister ever since then. Her sister has met some of the students but has been determined not to be involved in any way with Malinda’s faith. She seemed antagonistic at best. Well, last weekend we had a hike up Manastash Ridge (a landmark outdoor event in the valley here), and Amanda (the sister) joined us for the trip up and lunch after. It was great to see how the other gals opened their arms to her and welcomed her in. Janelle and I were so thankful that she had come and had a good time, and then on Sunday morning we were surprised (maybe we shouldn’t have been surprised) to see her in the service with Malinda. To top it all off, she even came to Cross Walk this week (Oct 5), another first. When we were singing worship songs yesterday, I was struck with the greatness of God’s persistence and that we should never give up but should continue to pray and trust Him to work in people’s lives. Amanda, as far as I know, has not come to the point of putting her faith in Jesus Christ, but we pray that she will continue seeking and embark on this wonderful journey of faith.

All in all, this has been a very positive beginning to the year, a real blessing from the Lord. Our returning students are fantastic and we have already seen committed involvement from several new students. It will be wonderful to see how God uses us through the upcoming months.

II. An evangelistic story:

I would have to say that there is nothing specific to share here. Stay posted for months to come!


III. Ministry this month:

Work With College Students/Faculty & Staff
1. Administration (Organization, Enlistment, Promotion)
Ministry team planning retreat; SUB table Sept 18, 21, 28; ministry team meeting Sept 24.


2. Growth Activities (Bible Study, Worship, Fellowship, Churchmanship and Discipleship)
Cross Walk began strong the first two meetings of the year (Sept 21 and 28); good interest in Sunday morning Bible Study at CSBC; seeking to meet with new students (and old) to discover where they are at with the Lord; haven’t begun one-on-ones.

3. Outreach (Evangelism, Ministry/ Social Action, Internationals, Missions)
SUB table; BBQ and game nights; getting ready for Fall Conference.

Work with Churches, Associations, & NWBC
1. Public Relations (communication, visiting, reporting, & recruiting)
Reporting to CSBC via business meeting and Church Council

2. Organizing and Training to Reach/Minister to Students
Set up “How to Study the Bible” seminar with Mike Kuykendall Nov 3-4 at CSBC

IV. Professional/Spiritual Development (Books reading; conference attended ; internet resources enhancing ministry)

GGBTS classes continue to be a source of challenge and inspiration. Particularly, meeting with Ken Harmon for my Ministry Leadership Practicum has been great. The whole course is really challenging me to be intentional in ministry to these men and women as well as in my role as a worship leader.

“Developing and Managing People” seminar Sept 15-16 was helpful in some ways, and I think some of what was discussed is very usable with student leaders especially.

I have found that a simple reading of My Utmost for His Highest has been good coupled with reading from Proverbs. There are so many things to consider, and though some of Oswald Chambers conclusions leave me scratching my head, so much of it is good and reflective of a life devoted to Christ. That is the kind of life I want to have.