Jacob Norman is planting a church in Colorado and recently sent this email…
Hello friends and family,
Things have been exciting here in Fountain. After the last update about baptizing 3 people in my backyard we had the privilege of seeing two girls come to know Christ at our VBS SportsCamp. We also were excited to see our best attendance in a while this past week at church with about 10-12 new people showing up at our service. Although it is not all about the numbers it was exciting to see some new faces. We are currently planning for the kick-off event for our student ministry on August 23. We have put a lot of resources into this event and are hoping it will provide a great platform from which to launch our student ministry so that we can reach teens for Christ in our community.
Pray for us as we seek to connect everyone in our church with a LifeGroup (small group Bible study) starting this September. Things have been exciting and we are anticipating what God is going to do this fall.
Jake Norman
I just got an email from Alexander Chepurnoy, who is one of our missionaries serving in Minneapolis. He’s planting a Russian-speaking church there in the twin cities where there’s a large population. He just sent me this note - wanted to share…
Pastor Brandon,
I want to inform you, that on August, 2, 2008 we had the first baptism in the “ New Life” Church. We baptized 3 persons. It was special event in our church. We had baptism on the Weaver Lake. After baptism we had picnic in a park. I send to you some photo.
Thank you for prayers and the financial support of our ministry.
God bless you.
The church-planter
Alexander Chepurnoy, Minneapolis, MN
Cory and I had a nice treat today in visiting with the directors of the Association of Baptist Students at the University of Arkansas. After touring the property, I was impressed with their ability to squeeze so much out of so little. Rather than a state-of-the-art facility, they were “making do” with three older houses, all in need of some repairs. I appreciated so much hearing the hearts of Director Warren Dugas and Associate Director Brad Harris.
Is collegiate ministry “missions?” I believe, absolutely! Let me tell you three reasons why: 1.) College students are a little nuts! When they’re fired up, they’ll charge into the most dangerous countries in the world for the greatest cause on earth… and they’ll raise money to do so. 2.) There are so many places that college students can connect with others who will pull them away from Christ that we have to offer them a ring of friends who will help them remain true to the faith. 3.) One of the greatest missions opportunities that exists today is the reaching of international students from closed nations that are studying in the states. We can reach them, disciple them, and then send them home as missionaries to their own country!
We must soon realize that America is one of the world’s greatest mission fields and college campuses are the central focal point in a cultural war that is being waged every day. You don’t have to worry much about liberalism creeping into your local church, but college students endure an onslaught of insulting propaganda concerning their faith everyday. I know, I suffered it once myself as a Religious Studies major at a state university.
I, for one, will begin standing beside this invaluable ministry. I’ll speak up on their behalf, attempt to raise money, and get involved when and where I can. If one of my fellow brethren from a sister church should happen upon these thoughts, I’d encourage you to do the same. Visit the campus, visit the ABS house, and hear the hearts of its leaders. Students are worth it! You can start be checking out their website here.
