STP @ SMR!!

Hello friends,

This summer I have been asked to participate in an amazing program. I will be at Snow Mountain Ranch (SMR) for the Rocky Mountain Region's summer training program (STP!) I'm excited to be here in Granby, CO for numerous reasons. 2 years ago I did STP as a student and it changed my life. I learned so much about God, His grace, His Son and His kingdom. The Lord did an amazing work in my life that summer, as well as the 80 other students that were up at SMR. What I learned that summer about laboring and discipleship played a significant role in me coming on staff with The Navigators. 

It's a joy to be up here with the program director, Adam Sperling who is currently the campus director at University of Wyoming with his wife Renae. Adam was my bible study leader and a mentor during his time at CSU. I'm also up here with the other EDGErs from CSU, Dan and the lovely Michelle! We have a staff couple from University of New Mexico, Clint and Leigh Ann Trebesh, Danielle Clapper from CU, Sandy Collins who is currently a teacher in Greeley, CO but did EDGE Corps w/ Danielle at Wyoming, & we have Darrell & Sandy Dooyema (Doy-a-ma), who have been on staff with Navs for 43 years! Our staff team rocks!

So what is this STP thing all about? Well we have 72 students from all over the Rocky Mountain Region come up to SMR to work and grow in their relationship with God. SMR is a YMCA camp and students work either 40 hours a week (Team Members) or 20 hours a week (Team Leaders) and we get to invest in their lives outside of that time. Students will be studying Colossians & 2 Timothy this summer; encouraged to have daily QT's (quiet times) with Jesus, challenged to share their faith in evangelism, meet 1 on 1 with their designated team leader or staff member, spend a weekly half day alone with God (HDAWG, 4-6 hours) and much more! The program is 8 weeks long and we just kicked it off this week!!

Team Leaders and Staff at Adam's Fall in Grand Lake, CO!

As a staff member, I will invest in 2 Team Leaders this summer. I will meet 1 on 1 with them each week and also lead them in bible study. I have the privlege to meet with Tim from UNC & Cameron from UNM. As team leaders, Tim and Cameron each have 3 team members that they will invest in through discipleship and lead in bible study each week. Each team shares a room in the YMCA staff housing. 4 men in a room = life on life to the extreme. 

This summer we are encouraging the students to share life by looking to Jesus. A big theme for the summer is "with." Mark 3:14 says "And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach" 

As a staff team we want to be with our students and sharing our lives with them in the midst of ministry. Just as Jesus did with his 12 disciples. Another theme we have for this summer is to be life long learners. Darrell amazed us (staff team) by saying he was here to learn from us. One might think that a staff member who's been with the Navigators for 43 years might have the role to teach us; Darrell understands who God is and that he can still learn much from His Word and His People. I'm very excited to get some time with this man this summer.

Please pray that these students will be changed and encouraged by God's Word this summer.

Also please pray that these students will be open to listening to what God wants to teach each of them.

Thanks for your prayers and support and giving me the opportunity to be up at SMR this summer.

Love you guys!

Hello Seattle!

Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith as Hebrews 12:2 tells us. As I reflect on what Jesus did in my heart and in the hearts of our students in Seattle, I am encouraged and strengthened in my faith of our wonderful Lord.

On Friday, March 11th we took 59 students and 4 staff members from the University of Wyoming and Colorado State in 9 mini vans and trekked up to the great Northwest. We drove straight through the night and made it to our home (a local church) on Saturday afternoon to be greeted by our wonderful servants (a couple of mothers of the Wyo Nav staff) to hugs and snacks.

This was my third year on the Spring Break Trip to Seattle; our second year teaming up with UWyo and my first year as a staff member. God used these students to shine His light to the city that is rainy, liberal in culture and typically spiritually dark.

A cool tree we found once we arrived. One of the many moss covered trees in Seattle.

On Sunday, March 13th, we headed to Mars Hill church to hear one of my favorite bible teachers preach the Word of God. Mark Driscoll was teaching on Luke 16:14-18. His sermon was on Jesus and the Law as well as the topics of divorce and marriage. Divorce has been a hot topic for me lately as I have read and heard numerous sermons on the tough topic that effects all of us in some way. It has hit home for me in recent months as my sister has been laboring for Jesus as she is in the process of trusting God for her marriage. It was a great message and encouraging for me to hear as Driscoll also discussed how to safeguard a marriage:

    1.    Joint church attendance - living in Gospel centered community (small groups, classes)
    2.    Agree on Theology - who Jesus is and why did he die
    3.    Take your faith home - pray together, read the bible (70 % of couples who do this report being "happy")

It was a great message and many students were discussing what they learned throughout the week. After church we took to the city and went to Pike Place Market where we caught some fish and sampled some of the best foods from the Northwest. A group of us also went to the first Starbucks ever! I had a great conversation with the assist manager of the store and Tiana said that she considers her Starbucks as a souvenir shop that sells coffee. This place was packed and the employees were cheerfully engaged with their customers.

After an afternoon at the market, we then headed across the Puget Sound on a ferry boat. We went to an island across the way to have dinner and I got some great fish and chips. I had an awesome conversation with a student, Ben Lampe, from UWyo and found out that we will be spending our summer together at the Navigators Summer Training Program (STP). -more info on this summer adventure coming soon!

On Monday, we had our campus evangelism day at the University of Washington. It was great to see these nervous students step out to be used by God to bring His Gospel to the campus. Lots of great conversations were had and this gave the students confidence in sharing their faith with strangers. I went out with Ali, a sophomore from CSU. Ali and I tried for an hour but just could not get into any spiritual conversations while we were on campus. We decided to take our efforts inside to the student union. As we sat down, we talked with a young student sitting next to us but he was more interested in his exam that was in 30 minutes then talking about Jesus. Ali and I just sat and chatted for a bit and I found out that she was currently being confirmed in the Catholic church. We chatted for a while about my experience in the Catholic church and why she was doing it. Michelle has shared stories about Ali's growth in their bible study and it was good to ask Ali questions and she was she was learning. I told her that if she ever had questions about some of the things they were teaching her that I want to be a resource for her.

The Plaza and Library at UWash!

After Evangelism on campus we headed to the Space Needle for dinner! We had dinner half way up the tower and the Regional Director for the Navigators Northwest Region shared from the Word on the Majesty of God and encouraged all of us to not lose sight on God's Majesty. We then had a dance party and headed up to the top of the space needle for some epic views and photo sessions.

Alex was involved at my church last year. He transferred to UWyo and has gotten involved with the Navigators.

Corey and I co-lead a freshmen study together.

This photo explains our EDGE team!

A couple of Wyoming studs!

This is our Mini Van Entourage, from the Space Needle!

On Tuesday we started our service projects. We had groups going out early in the morning to serve in men's and women's  homeless shelters, an evangelism team, habitat for humanity, and another group helping a battered women's shelter prepare for opening weekend. The past 2 years I served at the Union Gospel Mission serving the homeless but this year I was assigned to lead a Habitat for Humanity group. We had 2 Habitat groups and my group was filled with 14 hilarious students. On our first day at our Habitat site, we arrived at our house that we would be helping out at and one of our students, Tommy, knew the Habitat representative that we would be working with all week, Evan. Evan grew up with Tommy's brother (and my friend) Rob who graduated from CSU in 2009. It was encouraging to chat with Evan and hear his story and desire to head to the mission field this summer. He is planning on heading over to Slovenia with a organization called Josiah Venture. My local church supports an engaged couple working with JV over in the Czech Republic. Totally a God thing to connect us up in Seattle, serving alongside habitat, on a spring break trip!

Evan and Tommy at our Habitat Site! Please pray for Evan and his trip to Slovenia this summer.

During our first day at the work site we were ripping off siding on a house and replacing windows. We also put up Dow Board insulation and House Wrap to make the house more weather friendly. We were climbing all over the roof, swinging hammers and working hard for our money! Oh wait, there was no money. We were doing it all in the name of Jesus. It was fulfilling to serve and help out the future family in this home. 

 

The next day we headed over to a different site to a home recently acquired by Habitat. 1/2 the group stayed at the new site and half the group headed back to the siding site. I headed back to the original site and was pleased to hear stories from the other half of our team at lunch. One of our students, Emily was pulling up 100's of staples under the carpet that needed to be removed. She admittantly said she didn't understand why or how this was impacting Jesus. Later in the day, the future owner of the home came in and saw all the progress the group had done. This meek woman even mentioned that she was taken aback when she noticed all the staples that had been pulled up. Emily couldn't help but to humbly smile and know that even a little staple will make an impact in someone's life for Jesus. Colossians 3:17 -Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus; giving thanks to the Father through Him. 

 

Scaffolding is fun and scary all at the same time!

On Thursday we finished up at our Habitat site. It was amazing to see the progress done in just 3 days of working but what really took me away was the bond our team had developed. We would spend 45 minutes each day traveling to and from our work site and it was great to hear the conversations and see the smiles on the students faces. 

 

After saying our goodbyes to our Habitat crew, we headed back to Pike Place Market for a quick trip to pick up some blood oranges and catch some fish. While we were there, we saw a fresh Alaskan Halibut that was on sale for $18 a pound. We asked the guy at the fish market how much it weighed and he said around 60 pounds. That's over $1,000 for a fish! 

The $1,000 Halibut!

Zach catching a big Salmon at Pike Place!

That evening we had our last night together and we gathered for dinner. As we all sat in our dinning room at round tables, someone mentioned that not one table was represented by just 1 school. All of the students were bonded and unified and it just brought a smile to my face. After dinner the students shared stories for almost 2 hours of what God had done in their lives that week. One girl, Lauren shared that she was impressed how the men treated the women on the trip and her guy friends had never done that to her in the past. She stated that the bar has officially been raised for her male friends. Another student shared that she has completely surrendered her life and future plans to God; I suspect she will go on staff with the Navigators! The leader of our homeless shelter group said he was encouraged by the men in his group being prayer warriors throughout the week. He also mentioned that as he was seeking God for his future plans over the week, he received a phone call from his uncle who is starting a medical clinic in China. I suspect he will begin the application process for medical school. Another student from CSU, who is very...lets say stoic... was grateful that the Nav staff talked with him and really helping him through some issues in his life. 

We ended our time with a student from Wyo sharing that his grandfather had passed away this week. He was choked up most of the time and shared a verse and that what we were doing really was impacting eternity. It was very moving. After almost 2 hours, I closed us in prayer and we started to clean up. Friday morning we headed out and back down to Wyo and Colo. I noticed the fellowship of the students on the way home. On our way out there, students didn't switch vans. On the way home, every time we stopped the students were playing musical vans to hang out with different people. 

So all in all it was incredible. People keep asking me highlights and all I can really say is just the impact the Lord did in the lives of these college students in just 9 days. Thank you Jesus for your goodness! Psalm 34:8

I've copied some entries below from a Journal that was going around all week. If you still want to read up on the trip, you can check out the long Facebook Note of Journal entries here. I love you all; thanks for helping me experience incredible things like this Spring Break trip that remind me of why I wanted to come on staff. 

because He reigns,

-Daniel

Dear God,

We LOVE you! It is cool to hear how you are working through all the teams.  Only by your power are we doing what we are doing.  On the 1&2 habitat teams, it is so cool how even though we are battered by the rain, moving tons upon tons of gravel, and up to our knees in mud, we keep our joy because it is all for you.  The verse we have as a team is Colossians 3:23.  Speaks to us amazingly.  Overall, this experience is amazing for all of us.

In Christ,

Benjamin Lampe

God,

you are SO Good!  Your Providence is so incredible.  We were supposed to be at Penny's Place this week, but plans fell through, and we are now at the Aurora Commons, a safe commonplace for neighborhood people along Aurora Ave.  A couple (Andy and Lisa) and a woman, Karen, started this up a year ago, and it is having it's grand opening on Friday! It's so cool because you placed us at the Aurora Commons so we could finish it for them.  Lisa said it would not have been finished without our help.  God, you totally know what you're doing!

I met a woman today who ended up in Seattle because she felt called to Seattle.  She looked up other Seattles, but she said this was the only one haha.  So she left Texas and came here with no plans, no friends, no job..That amazed me - what faith! So she landed as a neighbor to Lisa and Andy and is now working towards the Aurora Commons.

I have learned so much about your plans, God, and how it's okay if I don't know them because you are in complete control.  Thank you for what you will do in my life and my future.  I love you.

Love,

Sarah Maddy.

All my life, I despised Christians.  It's a bizarre thing to say since I have declared myself one for my whole life.  I had been in a Christian culture long enough to conclude that they were just like everyone else but with a syrupy-sweet facade that made me furious.

I believed this up until this trip.  I've been involved with Nav's for over a year and I honestly could only see judgment instead of love.  I especially believed that guys just pulled the Jesus card to pick up chicks.

This week I've seen the guys picking up dishes, helping out without being asked and honestly doing it because they wanted to.  I have some really close guy friends who I considered generally good guys.  They can't compare to the men I have met this week.

They would never swear at me, say something derogatory, hit me, or complain if they so much as had to pick up a bag.  I have never thought that men could actually care for you without wanting something in return.

I applaud the Wyoming and Colorado Navs men for letting me see what true Christianity is.

- Lauren Moser

I am so blown away by God! Phil. 3:7-11 has been so true.  There is absolutely 100% nothing better than knowing God.  To see what He has shown each person in the last week has been incredible.  To see what He showed me through interactions with various people during evangelism....WOW! God is sovereign.  He desires me. Ericka. Jessica. Kirk. Stuart. Stowe. His pursuit is ceaseless. His anguish is unimaginable. It leaves me without words, knowing that He is God. Let Him be exalted among the nations. Praise God!

- Zach Hamilton

This week I found out that a trip with 60 awesome people will be great no matter where you go. Then I found out that when you go somewhere balla like Seattle the trip becomes unbelievable! This last week has been full of friends, delicious food, and massive spiritual growth. I can't wait to pursue friendships with all the people I have gotten to know in the last week. Probably a good choice for me to have listened to God in telling me to go on this trip. Great Success!

- Sam Rudkin

This trip to Seattle has been a huge blessing in my spiritual walk. I have just seen how big God really is an dhow He is working across the country. I have made some solid friends. I learned that when you are willing to share the Gospel, God will show up and do mighty things. I met a man named Dustin and had a great talk with him. Dustin was an athiest and wanted nothing to do with God but as we were talking he started to realize how the beliefs he had were skewed. As we were talking, we could see how God was working on his heart. I thank God for that talk with Dustin and hope we planted a small seed. The verse that I have dwelt on this week was James 4:8, "Come near to God and He will come near to you."

- Tommy Wetzel

Spring Semester Start!!

Howdy folks, 

What an amazing semester it has been thus far. We're into our 6th week and time is FLYING by. God has been at work on the CSU campus and I'm excited to share a glimpse of the semester thus far.

JOSHUA TEAM - We have started our 7 week intensive, leadership training course; Joshua Team, where we encourage students to be "strong and courageous" as they step out to be used by God. In Joshua team students are challenged to grow in their walks with God by memorizing 12 verses, have daily quiet times, sharing the gospel with friends; and to make disciples. These students are the future generation of leaders at CSU! I had the pleasure of teaching a Gospel illustration (The Bridge) to our 85+ students. Some students have used the Bridge to bring 2 people to Jesus! WOW!!

BIBLE STUDY - To begin with, we have jump started our bible studies again and they are off and running. We are studying the "Heroes Of The Faith" as we look deep into the characters of the Old Testament. Freshmen and Upperclassmen are all studying characters like Daniel, Nehemiah, Esther, Joseph, Ruth, David, Abraham, Moses, Caleb, and many more. This wonderful study has opened my eyes to God working throughout the Bible to prepare us for the coming of Jesus. It's been great to see these students dig deep and desire to model their lives after these men and women of God. It's also been a real treat to see their eyes opened more to the Gospel and how Jesus is throughout the Old Testament. VERY COOL!

DISCIPLESHIP - This semester I have been focused on discipleship and pouring into some of the key men in our ministry. The EDGErs in our region received some great training earlier in the semester on how to make disciples. It was a great workshop that reminded me of why I originally came on staff. That is, to pour into men; see them grow in their faith; develop a passion for the Word; laboring among the lost; & become leaders for His church. The guys that I have been investing in are showing great signs of maturity in their walks with God and I can see the change right before my eyes. It really is amazing and it's all because of God's Spirit working inside their hearts. PTL! (praise the Lord)

We've got the Laborers Conference this weekend (Feb. 25th & 26th) where over 350 students come for inspiring worship, motivating speakers, and dozens of workshops that will help equip them to make disciples, become leaders, and train future leaders. Students will come from all over our region. The Rocky Mountain Region includes Wyoming, Northern Colorado, CSU, CU -Boulder & Colorado Springs, and New Mexico. I gave my salvation testimony at our Laborers Conference back in 2009 when I was a senior at CSU. I shared with the 200 students how I came to Christ, became a disciple and just started investing in another student. 

This year at the Laborers Conference my role is managing our 3 large group meetings. We have 2 heart felt testimonies; 3 Laboring messages on Knowing Christ and Making Him Known;  a CSU assembled worship team; student emcees and much more. It's a large role and it's been a joy to share it with another EDGEr from CU. 

Students will receive training in the workshops on evangelism, disciple making, leading new believers, scripture memory, prayer, post college ministry and more. 

Oh, and all of this is happening in 23 hours! 

Will you please join me in praying for this weekend?

Please pray that...

1. Jesus works in the hearts of the students as we cast the vision of laboring for the Kingdom for a lifetime. 

2. The staff is a great resource for these students as they plan, lead workshops, pray and love on the students.

3. Please pray for the guys I am discipling and that Jesus works in my life and in their life to bring us closer to Him.

I'm not sure if I can say this enough....THANK YOU....nope, I can't say it enough and I will continue to thank you all for what you're doing by praying, investing, encouraging and partnering with me. 

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you - Philippians 1:3

Meet the CSU Staff Team

Many of you might wonder who I am laboring with on the Colorado State Campus. This team that God has assembled brings me a tremendous amount of joy each day and I have an ample amount of thanksgiving to Jesus for bringing us together. I love this team and I am excited to see how God continues to use us on the campus this upcoming semester. 

Jim Rinella

Jim is our Campus director at Colorado State. He has been on staff with the Navigators for around 30 years!  Jim is happily married to Linda and they have 2 boys Michael (16) and Matthew (14). Jim is a tremendous leader. He is also our regional director for the Rocky Mountain Region. He has a very large role on our campus and in our region yet doesn't miss a beat. He is very compassionate to our students and is committed to excellence. I enjoy working with Jim because he encourages me while shepherding me in my first year of full time Christian work. He makes God and family his top 2 priorities respectively and I admire that. We have a large ministry at CSU, around 300 students. It is probably the 2nd largest in the country for Nav collegiate ministries. Jim is committed to student leadership and his vision has been highly influential in our ministry.

Brad and Jeanne Miller 

Brad and Jeanne have been laboring with the Navigators for around 40 years! I am so grateful for this couple that I have been walking through life with for about 2 years now. Last year, Brad and Jeanne hosted an alumni study at their home and it was highly impactful in my growth in knowledge of God but also in my love for the body of Christ. Brad has been mentoring me for over a year and he points me to the truth of the Scriptures every time we meet. Brad is involved with starting Navigator ministries around the state that are volunteer led (Nav-fusion) . He is a great Sunday school teacher with a bunch of "old boogers" at his local church. I occasionally attend his class and it's great to see these people who have been walking with Jesus for many years still desire to grow in their faith. Every week Brad and Jeanne open their home for the EDGErs from CSU, Northern Colorado and CU-Boulder for our staff bible study and it brings me much joy. Brad and Jeanne love Jesus with their entire being and my desire is to imitate their faith and love they have for people. 

Dan Boryla

Boryla (sounds like Gorilla) is one of my best friends. When I came to faith in Christ in the summer of 2008, Boryla was in the highly impactful men's bible study that God used to get ahold of my heart. Dan and I have been growing together, spurring each other on, and praying together ever since. Dan is a great brother in Christ who I can be real with and he will tell me what I need to hear, even if I don't want to hear it. He brings truth to my life and it's awesome to share our first year on staff together. Dan is a great leader for our ministry. He is incredibly relational with the students; he has a gift of witnessing to non-Christians; grows the best facial hair in all of the land; and loves Jesus. 

Michelle Marie Magnus

Michelle is a beautiful young woman and in her first year on staff. She is truly one of a kind and a gift from the Lord to our team. She enjoys meeting with her girls for discipleship; helping run numerous behind the scene things for the ministry; supports me in some of my roles on campus; and brings such a calming aspect to our team that is remarkable. Michelle volunteers at a coffee shop in Fort Collins and loves spending time with her friends there. She is also using her gifts for our local church, The Crossing. Michelle is from Denver area and has 2 loving parents and 2 awesome siblings (Josh & Jenny). Michelle and I have been dating for about 4 months and it's been excellent to share the work of the ministry with one another. ;)

The Colorado State Navigator Staff team has been a highlight of my EDGE experience thus far. Our weekly staff meetings and interactions together throughout the week have been great. Our leadership seeks Jesus with everything they have. Dan, Michelle and I are growing together in our first year and I hope that we can look back on this year and see God's hand guiding us through His work on CSU's campus. 

Would you pray for:

1. Unity on our team  as we continue to labor shoulder to shoulder?
2. God's to speak clearly to Jim and Brad?
3. We will be used in big ways this semester to help students to come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him?

Thank you guys for your continued support and love! I hope you're enjoying these updates. I'll keep em coming! Feel free to comment below.

Here are some more pictures of our EDGE team:

 Brad and Jeanne back in the day. Whatta Stache!

 Jim and his bride Linda!

 EDGE bible study at the Miller's w/ CSU, UNC and CU

 Jeanne caught us hard at work one afternoon

 This was at our EDGE Summit in December with over 100 other EDGE staff around the country!

 EDGE photo session last summer! I love these guys!

Bible Study Update

The following post is an update on an end of the year support letter I sent out. My monthly partners did not receive this letter but I still wanted to share this good news with you all!

December 2010

As the fall semester is coming to a close, I’m grateful for the prayers and support I’ve received from people all over the country. Your prayers are powerful and effective and I want to say thank you.

 At the start of the semester I had no experience in leading a bible study. I expected to be eased into leading a small freshman study. God had different plans! Seeing the need for upperclassmen and freshmen study leaders I stepped out in faith and was willing to be used by God. These bible studies have been astonishing. The men in both studies come faithfully each week to go deep and have their lives changed by the gospel. I have developed some great relationships with these men and I’m thankful that the Lord put it on my heart to lead both studies.

Many times I have felt inadequate in my leading but I constantly have to remind myself that I am not the leader; God leads by His Spirit and we all follow. 

“…apart from me, you can do nothing.”  -John 15:5

January 7, 2011

Here is a picture taken in October of the Sophomore Studs! We studied The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. It was challenging to myself to grow in the Holiness that the Lord calls us to and I am praying that it continues to challenge these sophomore men for the rest of their lives. I've been praying for them over the Christmas break. Will you join me in prayer that these men pursue holiness; that they return to study this semester; and that I will be used by Jesus to lead these young men into a deeper relationship with Him?

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. -1 Thessalonians 4:7

Thankful

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

- Colossians 3:15-17

This time of year, there is much to be thankful for. As God is using me in astonishing ways for His Kingdom, I continue to be thankful. 

Thankful that He called me out of the dominion of darkness and into His marvelous light. 

Thankful that I get to talk and impact students lives daily for His gospel. 

Thankful for a loving family and supports me in whatever my life adventures are. 

Thankful that I have a band of brothers that surround me and show me love through their words, actions and prayers. 

Thankful that I have a host family that loves me and brings me so much joy. Oh, and they feed me!

Thankful that I have ministry partners that spend time to pray for me, ask me what I'm learning, how I'm doing, and they read my blog! 

Thankful that I work on a team of great people who toil and struggle in their labors but do it with great joy. 

Thankful that I have a girlfriend who is open to me and has a teachable heart.

Thankful that my girlfriend likes mustaches.

Thankful for a best friend who is about to marry the girl of his dreams. 

Thankful for the wise leaders in my life who are humble and desire to pass on the truths of scripture.

Thankful that you are still reading this post and care enough about me to share your lives with me.

A couple of weeks ago, some friends from CSU got together in Steamboat Springs for a bible study reunion.

These guys have been walking through life together for years and did it around a weekly meeting of studying God's word. Now that's pretty awesome. I was fortunate enough to come in at the end of our college careers and be apart of this band of brothers.

As we were up in Steamboat, we shared stories of what God has been doing in our lives since we left Fort Collins. We also had healthy discussions about our futures and accountability in our (future) marriages and how we can continue to sharpen one another. Overall our time was great as we ate lots of meat, played poker, played tackle football in a foot of snow, ate meat, watched football and ate more meat. 

As I think of our bible study leader, Adam Sperling, and the impact he has on our lives; I am again just thankful to God as he put Adam in our lives and used his gifts to bring us closer to Christ. Adam is the handsome, ruddy and red-headed stud in the blue in the photos above. Adam has since left Colorado State and is still serving with the Navigators just an hour north at University of Wyoming.  Will you join me in prayer for Adam as he is continuing to share his life and the gospel with students in Wyoming. Students who will turn into men walking with God that are out in the world shinning the Light of the world.

As I write this post at Panera Bread, we have 2 short weeks left in the semester. Would you please pray that I can be diligent in these last 2 weeks in closing the semester and preparing for the next?

because He reigns.....

The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! -Psalm 97:1

...but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

As I have been driving through the streets of Fort Collins during the past couple of weeks, the yellow, orange, red and gold colors of the trees just points me to the majesty of our God. The fall colors are comparable to the Colorado sunsets that are simply incredible. As I was driving with my sister I kept exclaiming, "Look at those trees! Check those out over there! They're awesome!" The complexity of our planet and the universe for that matter just helps to reaffirm my faith and that Jesus died for us to give us new life. New life like these trees will experience in 6 months.

Truly, truly I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life, loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. -John 12:24-25

As my first newsletter is arriving to a mail box near you, I'm just so thankful for each one of you! The love and support that I have received since I began this adventure called EDGE Corps (sounds like Core) has been beyond encouraging and a reminder of how faithful our God really is. It wasn't anything that I did but the glory goes to God who moved in your hearts to pray for me and to give sacrificially. From the top, bottom, sides deepest of my heart - THANK YOU.

Our Fall conference was such a success this past weekend! We had over 600 students from the Rocky Mountain Region attend the Estes Park party! We had students from Wyoming, CSU, Northern Colorado, CU-Boulder, Colorado Christian, Air Force, UCCS, New Mexico and many more! It was so much fun to see friends from across the region and to share stories about what God is doing in each of our lives. The weekend was filled with worship, messages on the Word; Prayer; & Evangelism, workshops that students got to hand pick which ones to attend, fellowship, games, serving, elk, and just seeing what the gospel does to change people's lives. It's amazing to witness first hand the Truth working in students lives and seeing them in community with one another touches the heart. (I call statements like that "chesseball")

Tina, my sister, was able to take 2 days off of work and fly out on Thursday to attend the conference and spend time with me on my birthday. She recently surrendered her life to Jesus and accepted Him as the Lord of her life. The impact God has had on her life has spurred me on so much and given me a passion to share Christ with more and more people. Tina described the weekend as "just what I needed." My sister is going through a separation with her husband right now and one might think she her life is in shambles. However, the gospel of God's grace and the love she feels from our King is what not only holds her up but gives her purpose for living each day. Will you pray for Tina? Please join me in praying for her continued desire & passion for the Lord as well as that Jesus will bring her marriage back together.

Tina and I hanging with the elk in Estes!

Many of you might be curious to how my support is coming along. Being a full time missionary to CSU's campus I must trust God to bring in the funds to stay on campus. As of Tuesday, October 26th I'm at 96%! Praise the Lord. Will you pray with me as I try to finish this up and get to 100% during the next week?

Thank you for reading, praying, and sharing life with me.

-Daniel

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. - 1 Thessalonians 2:8