Week One on Campus

Well my friends, it's been an extremely busy week! So, there are four missionaries here at UNF and 15,000 students; you would be justified in asking, "Where do you even start?" Well, first of all we met with some of our student leaders from last year. They are an enthusiastic, dynamic, and faith-filled group of men and women who want to help serve others on their campus. I am confident from witnessing their hospitality in embracing me into their community that they will be a great asset to us as we seek to welcome the new freshmen and returning students. This week they joined us at several orientation events on campus where members of campus ministry could put out informational booths and meet students. I enjoyed talking to lots of freshmen who were interested in meeting people who shared their values. I remember how daunting it can be to be new to a campus and know that the people you meet in the next few weeks may be your friends for the next few years. Looking at these new students, I recall how crucial that time was too for finding friends who would help me grow as an individual and not joining groups that wore away at my morals and pressured me to act against my conscience and better judgment. I was blessed in college to find an incredible group of peers in my first few weeks and I want to offer that same experience to many of these confused and overwhelmed first-years. Pray for them that God will open their hearts to His grace and His will for them as we missionaries and our student leaders follow up with the contacts we made! Soon we hope to get Bible studies up and running on campus and to arrange a welcome back event for past FOCUS students and new students who are interested in becoming part of our community.