Being here in Fort Collins is somewhat surreal. Every morning from 8.30 to 12.30 we go to class and drink from what feels like a firehose. It's a lot of information. Thankfully much of it has been stuff we've been doing and so, we're well trained. We're so glad to be a part of this mission. What greater thing could we do than reach the world for Jesus Christ? What a privilege.

Since we have been here it has been hot. Real, stinking hot. 110 degrees always. Not always. But in the afternoon. Jack loves kids camp, Jesse is a bit sick with something that makes his poop a light minty green, and I am, well, going with the flow I suppose.

Thanks for your prayers and support, we'll write some more. Not sure why I haven't. It's easy enough. I blame the heat.

In Him.

i just turned thirty and i swear it feels like 29. go figure.

danae threw me a surprise party and she got me pretty good. i've been looking forward to thirty for some time now. I was sick of being a twentysomething. I have two kids, been married for 6 years, and currently lead a ministry of college students who at some point look to me for guidance.

thirty is when life starts. you're smarter about stuff. stuff like, worrying about what people think of you. yeah, it happens, but, less and less i think it will affect me. finances. you begin to realize, hey wait, this isn't my money. maybe i shouldn't spend it all on me. Jesus started his ministry at 30 or so. that should tell you something.

if thirty is good enough for the son of god to say, well, i better get this started, then, things are looking up. thanks for all you who contributed to fooling me into thinking there was no party. i believed you.

on a downside, i now drive a minivan. it was against my will, and i held out until danae signed the papers. i like it, the van, i just don't like owning one or people seeing me driving it. like i said, i only care what people think of me sometimes. .

Tags: birthday, minivan, surprise party

Starting a conversation is easy. We do it all the time. “Hey, does this loop go to the
commons?” “Why, yes it does.” It’s that easy.

What makes a conversation good is when we actually feel like we’ve met another humanbeing on this planet who cares. What makes a conversation great, is when we walk
away knowing that we’ve encouraged or made someone feel a little bit better. What
makes a conversation the greatest, is when we introduce Jesus and the other person is
more the wiser and closer to knowing him. So why are some better than others at talking to complete strangers? I don’t know. Lot’s of reasons. Personalities, experience, or
just plain dumb luck. A lot has to do with the other persons demeanor, personality, age,
gender, etc. There are a ton of factors that go into reasons why people respond the way
they do.

But, there are some things that never change. For instance, people generally like
friendly people. That is a no brainer. Second, the more awkward you are, the more
awkward they’ll be. If you’re relaxed, most people will relax right along with you. And, if
you have something worthwhile to say, then others won’t mind hearing it. What takes
the cake is, and this my friends will never, ever change. Ever.

The number one thing people like to talk about most is...themselves.

So how do we bridge from talking about ourselves, to talking about Jesus, and then talking about the raging burning fires of hell. Hmm. Let’s skip the hell part.

Read the passage from Mark 2:13-17. Jesus was a friend of sinners. He ate, drank, sat in smelly smoke filled houses where the floor stunk like stale beer and posters of naked girls were hanging. Someone told a crass joke and Jesus chuckled responding with a parable that brought the truth to light. He was friend to those in need, who were sick, who were, sinners. So should we. We need to engage, no matter how briefly.

Have an honest moment with yourself. What don’t you like about your friends? Why don’t you go to their parties, what did you come from that repulses you now, why won’t you go back? How do you feel about gays, about cursing. How does it make you feel? Feelings of awkwardness, of despise, hatred of sin could be some good reasons.

Hmm.

Ok, so how about our incessant fear about talking to strangers. Why is it so freaking hard!! Personally, and generally. Mesh the two together, and no one will ever hear about the gospel. Sometimes our biggest fear is that once we start talking, we may actually make a friend and have to spend time. OR, they may ask us a question about something we don’t know. Yeah, that happens. But it’s ok.

See also John 14:26. Jesus has given us a helper, essentially, he is right there
with us. And if we trust him, and act like we trust him to come through in a clutch, then
things will happen.

You played a role Holy Spirit, you played a role.

So, what the heck are we doing. Go ye out in pairs and spread the good news of conversation. Those who are scared to talk to strangers, hook up with those who talk with anything, including walls. Step out of your comfort zone. the stronger one, encourage and prod the weaker one. You can do it. Have fun, be someone you’re normally not for an hour.

Your goal: to engage in as many natural conversations as possible without looking like
you’re crazy. Can you use your surroundings or the situation they are in to start a conversation naturally. “Ride the bus often?” “Are you from Boston?” “Dude, how long you
been a Eagles fan? Are you from Philly?” “I hate this weather. You mind it? Where you
from?”

Can you use a hat, a button, a shirt, a book, a location, anything to say something
to someone that could spark a conversation. Then can you ask them a question
that bridges from the first observation to something more personal. “You’re from Philly? What High School did you go to? Oh, I went to..” “Is that a Nano? Sweet. How
many songs do you have on there? What’s on your fav playlist?” Can you learn their
name, where they are from, what their major is? How far can you go before it’s like,
awkward. Or better yet, how far can you go where they wouldn’t be weirded out by you
asking them about their faith.

Can you do it? I bet you can.

Where: On a loop bus, one going towards south and one heading back. At Sykes, Burger King, Einsteins, the Quad, or on the street. Strabucks, or anywhere downtown. At a
crosswalk waiting for busy traffic. At the Fennario's Coffee thing where you can blend in with others. How many places can you use to your advantage too connect with someone you don’t know. Once you do, move to another location far away.

Do life, and on the way, start conversations.

What do we talk about: Here are the subjects you can use. Where are they from, what is
their family like, what’s their major, how long have they been here, where do they live in
State College, do they watch Lost, are they religious, do they like coffee. Do they live
near your hometown, if so, do you know their high school, if so, do you know someone
from their high school, if so, ask how they are doing, share a story.

Bonus points include: Anyone you get to talk to you about their spiritual experience here
on campus. Anyone you get who will talk to you about what they think happens after
death. Anyone you get in return who asks you what you believe. And anyone who you
can actually set up an appointment later to talk further.

How many conversations? Shoot for 15. That’s right fifteen. Maybe twenty. Not every
one is going to be rich with content. Warm up. Make small talk. As you get warmer, your guts get stronger. Be constantly asking the Holy Spirit to lead you and see what he does. Then come back, and share the stories. If you don’t come back, we’ll expect a cool story next week.

Someone asked me the other day how I was doing and in sort of a befuddled tone i replied, "Man, I'm good." I had realized that optimism had crept into my daily routine. Now, I chalk that up to the kitchen in my house being relatively finished and in operating condition, but that is another story altogether. My optimism stems from a different source.

I sincerel;y think that God is doing something here. Here being the Dub C. Students eager to be developed, a hope that chance to tell other students about the radical message of Jesus will occur and adventure abounds in the future. not to mention some clutch people we've run into. The Nooch. Holman, T Mad, and the dudes(that would be Holla', Hanley, Ryne-O, Hensen, and WCU Christian). Life is good.

My boys are growing up fast and cute. Jesse our 3 month old weighs a ton. If it ever snows, we'll have plenty of weight in th eback of our car for traction. Jack, is learnign how to talk in sentences which makes communication grand. We have deep talks about Thomas and Tractors, Smelly Breath and pee. I love it. Danae is still a hottie and for some reason, the Lord has decided to provide for all our needs. Unreal. But it is very real and I am optimistic. I'm sorry, I am.

So, here's to a new year. I hope my optimism spreads and lasts until May.

At the end of every semester we like to hear what's happened in the hearts and lives of students here at WCU, and for that matter, everywhere Campus Crusade Staff are . We know that God is at work in ways we can't always see, experience or even hear about. Here are a few things that our students said happned to them this semester and a few notable quotes. Enjoy.

“I got to start a Bible study in Tyson and lead a guy to Christ” Joe Hanley

“He allowed me to see how important it is to continue to talk and be with those who do not believe and to be there for them.”

“God has worked a lot in my life this year. I have made several amazing friends whom I truly treasure and love. I’m getting involved in CRU and I went on fall retreat. It’s taken me a while, but I’m branching out of my comfort zone to talk with others and share my faith and life.” Chis Colucci

“This semester God helped me find CRU and is helping me find my spirituality.”

“God has opened up truly beautiful people and given me hope for the future. He showed me others who want me to be a better person because of them. My trust in Him is greater than ever before. I now read the Bible more and more and look forward to it. My confidence in myself is higher because of God living in me. He showed me who I used to be and my heart and I always sort of looked and searched to be this better person. Finally God’s given me the chance to find that heart and be the girl I am in Christ.”

“I’ve always wanted to come to CRU but I never knew anyone to come with and none of my non-Christian friends would have come. This semester, an old high school classmate that I’d never had class with before was in one of my classes and spoke about her faith. Thinking she might be a part of a Bible study, I asked her and she said I should come with her to CRU. Well I’ve been coming ever since September and I’m so glad that God brought this person into my life to bring me to CRU.”

“God has shown me that faith and the Christian walk is a job. It’s not all about a “spiritual high,” but it’s about walking and talking with Him every minute of the day. That is the most important thing in life.”

“God has taught me to rely on Him for so much, for everything. I can’t find my worth in guys, drugs, alcohol or who I’m friends with. He is teaching me to be proud of the Christian woman He is creating me into. I am feeling confidence in sharing my heart with others. I have gotten the chance to love on some beautiful girls and help them through my own personal experiences.”

“I have seen God place the desire to know Him on the hearts of my friends – whether people who do not know Him or people who do know Him and have fallen away. God has given me the opportunity to share His love and His gospel on multiple occasions and I praise Him for that. I have also seen Him continue to work miracles in the life of my roommate who is a newer Christian, and it is AMAZING to see. Praise God!”

“It’s been my first semester at WCU and God’s brought some awesome Christian friends into my life who have been such an encouragement and blessing to me!” Julia
“God has helped me deal with a lot of things this semester. Between balancing school, soccer and my fraternity, God has helped me stay grounded and kept me from straying from the righteous path.”

“I’ve really seen God working in my life and through my prayers. This semester I realized how lost my brother is. Through praying for his heart, God has helped him to open up and at least consider more of God in life. Just a lot of things through prayer have happened with friends and family this semester. It’s awesome to see how incredibly powerful He is.”

“God has spoken to my life more than ever this semester. I went to Christian school all of my life and always lived a lukewarm life and was concerned with worldly things. But this semester God made it clear that there are only two different paths to take in life and I want to live my life on fire for God.”

“I have learned more about God. I learned that I needed to have a relationship with Him and that I need Him in my life. I have met some great friends at CRU. They have taught me some things too. I joined a Bible study and really enjoy learned about God’s word and that I need to follow it.”

“God has blessed me with amazing roommates and gave me the opportunity to lead a small group. I have grown so much through leading the small group with God and with the girls.” Anna-Kate

“My grandparents and uncle (atheists) have begun to challenge their views and see why my family chooses to live and act by Christ.”

“I became a small group leader this semester confident that I would become more active in CRU. I did and my life is so much more fulfilled. I’m also more open when talking about God. I even spoke to strangers today about God.” Jenn Ralston

“This semeseter has been really stressful and it seemed like every day was getting worse and worse. But every morning I have been praying to God, and he alleviates some of the stress and worry as the days go on. My mom was really sick and God made her healthy again, because through my prayers to Him, he fixed her and took away part of the stress and fear for me.”

“The Lord has really been teaching me to rely on Him fully and on him alone.
He has taught me that He is all I need and that He will really take care of me and take care of my burdens and issues when I bring them to his feet and humbly ask for help.
He is endlessly showing me how powerful He is and how much He loves me & will take care of me.” – Trisha Guertler

“I’ve seen God open many windows this semester. I’ve also found out the impact that I, through Christ, have had on some people since last year. I’ve seen people change and others come to me asking questions. Even with some people, when I don’t directly say anything about Christ, they notice that I’m different by my actions. It’s awesome to be shown how God uses you directly.”

God showed me His mercy and grace by saving me from a punishment I rightly deserved. I cheated on a test this semester and He called me to confess to my professor. I had to trust that He would take care of all that was at stake – my reputation, my grades, etc. and bring me to glory in my step of faith. Not only did He prove Himself trustworthy and faithful, but He taught me submissions. I experienced the Grace of God firsthand and He spared me from any disciplinary action and I have a first hand experience of being completely covered by his grace & mercy. Jenn Holste

God is having me deal with a lot of stuff from my past including with dealing with sexual abuse I suffered in my teens. God is teaching me how I have kept people at a distance and help myself in a shell for the past 6 years in order to protect myself. Although my shell is still there I am slowly and surely breaking through the shell. Even though this process is very difficult to go though, I am so glad to go through it.

God is teaching me to seek him. Come to him and seek his face. He has worked through me to have sweet opportunities to love people and share the gospel. Loving people first, giving them Jesus.

God has shown me my mission field. Short term missions trips. Dominican Republic! I’m Spanish, so I can reach them! – Orlando Herrera

God has blessed me with many Christian friends and has answered my prayers and has never left my side.

God at Work: He’s convinced me to go to the Upper Midwest to serve him this summer…which was exceptionally hard given how bull-headed I am. But I know that it’ll be better with him and his followers my first time out there than trying to go by myself. (‘cause that never works) I’m sill wiggin’ out but it’s better. (basically I’m really looking @ going on summer project) – Carolyn Nuesch

God has changed my heart this year and encouraged me and comforted through some some very hard times. He has taught me how to grow close to him and use him as the only source for life. I know him a lot better this year.

Closed a door on a job that wasn’t where he wanted me and forced me to trust him during a time of unemployment and open a new door with a new job. (how about that for a run-on sentence)

He’s given me a hunger to get to know him more intimately.

The Lord has set me free from a habitual sin.

A big influx of freshmen more than doubled the size of my bible study this semester. What a huge encouragement and a blessing to see the next WCU generation seeking to live for Christ as I leave campus and graduate.

God has shown me the extent of his love and really softened my heart with everything. Earlier this semester I was going througha rough time with things that had happened with my family and feeling unloved. During this time I was reading the book “Captivating” and I read about God’s love and being romanced by God. This particular chapter made me realize the way that God loves me and God’s heart.

God has taught me that he wants me to totally rely on him, and put my anxiety on him.

God has been showing me his faithfulness by answering many of my & other people’s prayers that certain people would come to know/begin waking with the Lord. He does the impossible!

God has made big changes in my life – He has put a few really strong Christians in my life and they have really helped me strengthen my relationship with Christ. - Adam Kern

This semester I’ve taken more leaps to step up and lead through discipleship and bible study. It hasn’t been easy, but the Lord has taught me to be patient to see fruit.
The Lord is rarely early but he’s never late!

God has been using me in my friendships & relationships to bring them close to him through his love through me.

1. We’ve been stretched to trust God and get through this semester in a way that been our hardest yet.
2. I’ve seen significant personal change in on of our student leaders
3. God has provided for our every need despite my bad attitude.

God has been showing me that I need to give up holding on to so much that is unimportant and to grasp hold of him and what important through relationships and life God is showing me grace and how to depend on him in everything.

God has given me a really sweet job that helps my money situation and gives me time to study.

God has helped me start witnessing to people I work with. God has helped me become friends with different people at Cru. He provided a job & Christian roommate and has told me that I am going to become a doctor.

He’s shown me he’s not giving up on me, no matter what I where I run!

Brought me good friends when I first moved here from Ohio all by myself. – Keith Mohn

So far in college, God has done so many wonderful things for me. He helped me find Christian friends and a loving church. I have had to rely on God so much here and have grown closer to him.

God has taught me how to pray.

Goad has taught me incredible patience this semester & taught me to take thi things that constantly preoccupy my mind and funnel that into being in prayer 24 hours a day.

God has made me believe his actually there and has given strength to get through this semester. This is my fist time living here and he’s helped a lot with this transition in my life. He also helped me meet someone who brought me here and I’m glad. I now know I need ot do more for him to repay what he has done for me!

What has God done for me this semester?
1. helped me find new friends who are Christians
2. Helped me grow in my relationship with Dave and glorifying Him together.
3. Shown me how much I’ve grown and my old ways were wrong.
4. Shown me there is so much more when I turn to him
5. Taken my worries away.

God has challenged me by letting me face new ideas and beliefs from the people around me. Throughout it all he has cared for me and kept people in my life to encourage me.
- Katie Eenigenburg

God has worked a lot in my life this semester, particularly by surrounding me with amazing people who keep me accountable and make sure that I have a quiet time every day.

I’ve seen God use bad situations to help others in similar situations.
Also, God has shown me that women and the desire to have a wife had been my focus over God.

God has allowed me to be a part of seeing some freshmen girls grow into a close knit group of friends to be there as support for other.
He has also shown me that I can only find my satisfaction in Him and He is the only on I can trust.

Teaching me to trust Him, as I resist to heed his nudgings. Been so faithful to me.

God has taught me to bring all my trouble and hardships to Him and counsil (consult?) Him in all I dod to stay on the path for him.

This semester God has continued to show me his faithfulness. He showed me he truly cares and will answer my prayers.
He has taught me who to love others despite the circumstance and helped me through the process.
He has drawn me close to him and instilled a longing in my heart to know my heart

Helped me with really being away from my family, who continuously have supported my faith and introduced me to many more at WCU that will be able to walk with me and help sharpen me, especially at CRU!

Not just during this semester, but at the end of the summer into this semester I have been bringing my sister to the Bridge. Her faith is not very strong, but it has been amazing to see the Lord tug on her heart and even help her to be excited to go. At first I had to drag her, but now it takes no bribing at all. She enjoys coming! I prayed for her and the Lord heard my prayers. She had a very rough past year with having to tell my parents that she wasn’t going to graduate college. I tried my hardest and now she is getting help from the Lord even if it is in the small way of going to the Bridge. (PLEASE DON’T POST)

God has taught me how to forgive
He has shown me how strong I am
He has reminded me that I need to lean on him during difficult times
He has blessed me with amazing friendships
Through these friends, God has reminded me that I am worthy and approved, and that they recognize the gifts I have been given – even when I don’t see it myself.

God is teaching me a lot about being faithful, trusting him and most importantly, growing closer to him.

God has taught me about patience and waiting on him. He has tried my faith, my patience, my relationships, my strength and my perseverance. He has shown me that I need him more than anything en my life. He has taught me to wait for his timing, and that his plan for my life is best, no matter who selfish and self-centered I may be. I pray that he would continue to give me the strength I need to wait on him to make his plan for my life known.

My father was diagnosed with cancer and because of this he has slowed down his drinking and become an important part of my life.

Seen friends bringing out there non-christian friends. Seen a lot of new faces to cru/bible studies

I’ve seen God work in the life of my best friend. I’ve seen a girl, who always said she was an atheist, come to understand our God. I’ve seen God work on her heart, she’s searching like she never has before. God has changed her life completely. She has a love she never knew before. Her light is shining for God. - Ginner Saint

This semester:
I’ve seen McCarthy freshmen girls become friends – keeping them accountable and vulnerable and growable.
I’ve see examples of women who I want to be when I’m an “adult” and examples of jaded/hurt people that I never want to be like.
Seeing in our bible studey what the fruit of the Spirit is and how deep it is and how there is no law.

God has really revealed his faithfulness to me this semester – providing money and love when I most need it.
He has also allowed me to be a sponge my 1st semester, soaking in his goodness and grace. – Alexandria Snyder

Given me the courage and strength to move on and let go.
I have also been blessed with incredible friends from school and other areas of my life.

This semester, God has worked in my life by allowing me to make more friends.

He has allowed me to become a better person. He also made me realize what really is important in my life. He has helped my boyfriend’ mom cope with her loss.

God has showed me how faithful he is. He has shown me how Holy he is through reading in Exodus. I have struggled much this semester with consistency in Bible reading and am still struggling with a desire to share God with others. But the blessing of wonderful staff has strengthened and encouraged me in these things. – Andrew Racilla

He has made me realize that God is the way! He is the answer to everything in my life and I need to depend on him and trust him more. – Melissa Jefferson

What God has done in my life this semester? God has guided me to where I am supposed to be and taken care fo me and worked things every step of the way.

What God has done in my life?
Blessed me with good classes, ability to meet great people, stay close with him, and health.

God has really blessed me through friends and has been working in me specifically building up patience and humbleness and gentleness. He is showing me how to love like he loves: faithfully and wholeheartedly.

Jesus has continued to show me how to trust in him, especially financially – and has blessed me with a car! (something I never thought possible!) – Katie Nicolai

God has shown me to seek Him & intimacy with Jesus first and make it a poing to pray with others – with no plan but to spend time with Jesus. Rest and be available to hear from God. Trust him with my future – life after college, fears & doubts.

God has given me a heart for Africa. I am looking in to going there to teach and minister, possibly in Tanzania. – Rachel Fink
God has taught me so much this semester it’s so hard to put it all on this card…I think one of the major things he’s taught me is to trust him with everything and to be joyful even through hard times. Another big thing that God has shown me is to be content where he has me in my life. He is faithful through all things!

God has been amazing. I’ve seen him tugging on so many hearts here at WCU. He’s also given me the opportunity to share Him and his love and word. He’s made me learn more about me and molded me through struggles. And patience! That’s a biggie. Also, to follow the law and all of its ways.