Keeping Austin Weird | June Newsletter

ATX Summer Mission

Currently within the world of Cru, many of our fellow staff are headed to another city, state or country to participate in or lead a summer mission trip. In fact, short mission trips to Asia are how Naomi and I (Zack) originally got involved with Cru 15 years ago.

This year, our Summer Mission comes in the form of hosting 13 college students in Austin. They’re working with us on national priorities for our ministry operations: Video, Graphic Design, Finance, Digital Marketing, and Conferences/Events. We just kicked off!

On Tuesdays and weekends, these students are also going out on the UT campus or around the city to engage other students in spiritual conversations. They’ve already met several international students and received training on evangelism with different cultures.

The students I’m working with are Zoe (L) and Nikki (R). The three of us will be creating several videos: promos for Destino (the ministry of Cru to Latinos); testimonies of Bridges students from Malaysia and South Africa; and teaching & evangelistic videos about work, marriage, church, and overcoming habitual sin.

Michelle

On a flight that Paxton and I (Naomi) had taken a few months ago, a sweet gal named Michelle sat next to us. I found out that Michelle was Jewish and had recently moved to Austin. We had a great conversation about spiritual topics, and I invited her to join us for church sometime. To our delight, she joined us on Easter Sunday!

During our lunch afterwards, Michelle told us her observations of a Christian worship service from a complete cultural outsider. It was fascinating. What really stood out to her was the strangeness of our focus on a violent act (Jesus’ crucifixion). Zack and I then had a wonderful, gospel-centered discussion with her, reading passages together from Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. It was a rich and pleasant time. Even though she is not an international, the whole experience of discussing Christianity and Judaism was very cross-cultural.

Angel

Last month we were joined by Angel, our dear friend and former international student from Malawi. Angel is at several crossroads in her life, and we were able to impart some wisdom and guidance.

UPCOMING

We’ll be in Colorado for the Cru Staff Conference and to connect with our ministry partners. If you’ll be in Colorado we would love to see you there!

PRAISE REPORTS

  • Annalei & Miah and friends were extras in a short film for Cru (pictured in header, left).
  • God brought 13 students to join us in Austin for our a jam-packed Summer Mission.
  • Spirit-filled conversations with Michelle and Angel.

PRAYER REQUESTS

  • Michelle to take the next steps in investigating who Jesus is and how he fulfills Scripture.
  • God to open doors for Angel to pursue vocational ministry.
  • Students from ATX Summer Mission to get a vision for life-long ministry, and for several of them to join us full-time.

A Lightbulb Moment

Six years ago, Naomi and I helped create a short film for our ministry called “Cabernet.” It’s a parable of the “exchanged righteousness” found in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). The story centers on a young man named Brett; while on a high-stakes first date with Michelle, Brett discovers a wine stain he can’t remove. It’s based on the account of Jesus healing a leper (Mark 1:40-42).

Recently, “Cabernet” was used by Cru’s high school ministry. At a school in Orlando, Cru staff had been using short films at the weekly meetings to engage students in spiritual discussions. Week by week, the conversations deepened as the Cru staff gained the trust of the students. Our colleague, Leah, shared this with us: “I wish you could have been there with me as I watched one of our students really put the Cabernet video together with Christ’s sacrifice for us like the waiter gave his shirt to the customer, sacrificing his job. It was so fun watching that proverbial light bulb suddenly illuminate her eyes as she understood. She processed it aloud verbally, and you could hear the buzz as the rest of them “got it” as well. We leaders affirmed her correct conclusion, and we began to discuss Christ’s sacrifice in more depth.”

We are so thrilled that a film we were part of is still yielding fruit and helping students understand the gospel. Thank you for your partnership with our ministry. Together, we are seeing lives changed for eternity!

Jesus is My Everything – Marshall’s Story

Who is Jesus to you? We asked this question in a video interview with Marshall, an international student from South Africa. “Jesus is so many things to me,” he said. “He’s a friend and he also plays the role of a father to me…who comforts me and gives me hope. Jesus is my everything.” But it wasn’t always that way for him. Marshall told us how he can relate to others who struggle to find out “why we are really here on Earth.” Though he remembers clearly when South Africans gained independence, Marshall laments the lack of control most of his countrymen still experience. Nevertheless, many doors opened to him that were closed to his parents, such as studying for a Master’s degree here in the U.S.

As a key student leader of Bridges in Sacramento, Marshall realizes the unique potential for fulfilling the Great Commission at college campuses. “When you come to the U.S., you find all these people in just one country. It allows you to interact with different cultures without leaving the country.” With a team of fellow students, Marshall went on a Bridges mission trip to the Bay Area. Despite feeling nervous at times, Marshall was able to share his faith in Jesus with other international students, as well as American students. “Americans need Jesus, too,” he said. Through his involvement with Bridges, Marshall realized God is helping him discover his destiny. “I think my vision is becoming more clearer and clearer. I’m still praying about it, but I feel like God has called me to be an ambassador for Christ.”

Marshall is one of many students that Bridges is training and sending out into the world. Wherever he lands, there will be one more ambassador asking people, “Who is Jesus to you?”

I Found a Treasure | March Newsletter

The Defining Moment

“I was a pretty aimless guy,” said Alex, a student from India. “I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I wanted to do something significant in life. I thought I’d join the army, dying for the country. I thought of becoming a movie star, musician, sports star.”

Alex shared with me (Zack) how he came from a Christian background; in fact, his ancestors trace back to the ministry of Thomas the disciple, who traveled to India after Jesus’ resurrection. But even with a rich spiritual heritage, to Alex, religion had become routine. As an undergraduate, he began searching.

“I was curious about what my life was meant to be? I was afraid that I would die and what would happen after that. All this brought me to a position of reading the Bible. I never knew that so many things were there in the Bible about life and how to live. It’s been there all along. I realized that Jesus Christ was the way, the truth, and the life. That was the defining moment. It was like I found a treasure.”

Parenting for the Kingdom

The kids and I (Naomi) have recently started attending a weekly playdate. It’s been great for Cassia (2) to make friends her own age, and for me to make some new mom friends. One of those friends is a Chinese gal who I call “Eileen.” Her daughter is pictured below with our three girls.

Right away, Eileen struck me as an easy person to talk to, and a kind mother. She also gave the other moms in our group a great tip on how to re-use a pasta jar (use a hairdryer to remove the label). We’ve swapped all kinds of advice and wisdom together.

Like most people from China, Eileen was not exposed to Christianity before she came to America. The other moms in the group are all believers, so Eileen is seeing firsthand how our faith affects how we live and parent.

I was able to have a spiritual discussion with her, and she is open to learning about the Christian faith. It was very natural and comfortable to talk with her. I gave her a copy of the Chinese book, Song of a Wanderer, by Li Cheng. This book is similar to Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel, but it is written by a Chinese author. Cheng shares his story of how he came to faith in Jesus during his time as an academic in the U.S. It is an excellent resource for sharing the gospel with Chinese students and adults, and gives many reasons to believe.

Eileen has started reading Song of a Wanderer, but has told me as a busy young mom she doesn’t have much time to read. Please pray that she would make time, and for God to open the door to further discussions.

Praise Reports

•We recently celebrated “Four Decades of Naomi” (pictured above, top right).

•Alex is a growing disciple with a passion to share the gospel with fellow Indian and international students.

•God has opened door for me to talk about Him with Eileen.

Prayer Requests

•Pray for Alex to grow in becoming a leader and multiplier on campus, and to be encouraged by the Lord. It can be very isolating to be one of only a few Indian believers in a Master’s program.

•God would use Song of a Wanderer in Eileen’s life to bring her to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

•For our family to stay healthy during the oak pollen season

Vision 2016 Full Report

Special newsletter from our national office:

MOON-WALKER URGES STUDENTS TO SEARCH FOR THEIR ‘DESTINY’

International students from 64 nations pursue a quest for life’s purpose at “Vision 2016.”

By Bill Horlacher

Though focused on an incredible destination, he was clueless about his destiny.

When General Charles Duke blasted off from Kennedy Space Center in 1972, he was en route to becoming one of only 12 men ever to walk on the moon. But he lacked inner truth and peace. Not until 1978, when he placed his faith in Jesus, did he find his ultimate purpose.

“I now know my final destiny,” said Duke as he spoke during the opening session of Vision 2016. “I know where I’m headed; I know I’m on the right road. I’m the only one here who walked on the moon…but we can walk with Jesus together.”

This appeal resonated among Duke’s international listeners—because of his professional credibility and his passionate love for the Lord. Said a Chinese PhD student from Penn State, “He’s an astronaut and scientist, but he has a strong faith in God. That impressed me. I’m not sure how far I will go in relationship with God, but I’m exploring.”  

Duke’s message not only sparked the opening night of Vision 2016–held in Daytona Beach, Florida from December 28 to January 1—but it also gave liftoff to the conference theme of “Destiny.” And that theme proved relevant in discussions with students from many cultures. Said a South Asian man, “That’s always been the theme for my life, wanting to find my destiny.”

VARYING APPROACHES
In order to communicate their theme, conference planners utilized a variety of approaches. Videos and live testimonies gave “Destiny” a human touch while dramatic Bible presentations gave a sweeping overview of God’s plan.

And then it was up to the conference’s six tracks to apply the theme to different audiences. “Ambassadors” and “Partners” focused on the differing ministry goals of their all-Christian participants. South Asian, Chinese and “Children of Abraham” tracks adapted the theme to varying cultures. “Multi-Nations” sought to help students from many countries unite around a search for ultimate purpose.Compelling applications of “Destiny” included these:

  • Dave Michaelian, a South Asian track staff member, offered a strong challenge regarding life’s purpose. Noting that many cultures use tombstones to mark burial locations, he referred to the dash that appears between the date of a person’s birth and the date of death. Said Michaelian, “Who will shape your destiny? How are you going to invest your ‘dash’?”
  • The Chinese track adapted the popular board game called “Life” and applied it to the theme. Individuals competed for “success,” but many were frustrated by game cards that forced them to consider life’s realities. Although some enjoyed make-believe experiences of getting married or having children, others were sent to jail or even to a fictitious cemetery.

Christian students heard a special challenge on the morning of December 31, and for many, it proved more thrilling than the celebrations that night. Said one Bridges veteran, “I’ve been to all 25 of our annual conferences, and I can’t remember a single meeting more meaningful than this.”

The heart of this “Kingdom Vision” event was a challenge by Bridges’ co-field director Chris Sneller to put the kingdom of God first. Sneller taught from Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure and quoted from missionary heroes William Carey and Jim Elliot. He closed with these questions: “Do you treasure anything more than the kingdom of God? What causes you to devalue the infinite worth of God’s kingdom and the supremacy of Jesus? Would you surrender yourself to the work of his kingdom?”

NOTES, QUOTES, & ANECDOTES

Vision 2016 brought together students from 64 nations. This remarkable mixing of cultures coincided with an important spiritual development—individuals drawing closer to God

“It was encouraging for me to see the Chinese believers sharing the gospel with nonbelievers. One of the believers at my table was so full of joy! You could see how much God had changed her life.”
–Ayla Norris, student staff member “I learned that no matter how sinful you are, you can always turn to Jesus and believe on Him. I also learned why Jesus died on the cross.”
– Male student from an Arab nation Vision’s South Asian track drew 83 participants, an all-time high. “This generation is more open than their parents,” says a Bridges leader. “If you compare our opportunity to share the gospel (with South Asians) with boogie boarding, the wave is coming in, and it’s time to start paddling!”

“To have all these students from all over the world in this one place, I could stay here forever.”
– Male student from Africa

“Vision 2016 opened my eyes about my relationship with Jesus and my responsibility to express the Kingdom of God wherever I go.”
– Noadia Rodrigues, visiting faculty member from Brazil

“It (the conference) helped me to understand what Jesus did through miracles to prove that he is Messiah.”
– Male student from Iran 

Because of the rich spiritual environment at Vision, amazing breakthroughs are possible. Iris Wang, a Chinese student on a campus in Indianapolis, arrived at Vision 2015 with confusion and doubts about Jesus. Staff member Chuck Goertzen talked with her there and he remembers that “she thought that Jesus was a myth, just like Santa Claus.” But with an open heart, Iris soaked up apologetics and Bible truth throughout the 2015 gathering in Austin. Then, on New Year’s Eve, the Lord opened her eyes to faith and she asked Jesus to come into her heart. With a year of spiritual growth under her belt, she arrived happily at Vision 2016, having helped staff members Mike and Rachel Frost bring a delegation of 14 students from their campus in Indy.

Notes and Numbers

A quick summary of results from Vision 2016 

ATTENDANCE:

665 conferees; 255 staff members; 150 volunteers; 90 children…a total of 1,160 individuals

NATIONALITIES:

64 nations represented, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe

GOSPEL RESPONSES:

At least 27 students indicated that they had placed faith in Jesus

FUTURE SERVICE:

Approximately 60 Christian students indicated interest in future service with Bridges—volunteer, internship, part-time staff or fulltime staff. Some 120 students, including many of those 60, expressed interest in Bridges’ spring or summer missions.

This Big Promise | January Newsletter

This Big God

It’s not every day I (Zack) go to Daytona Beach (above, L), meet moonwalking astronaut Charlie Duke (above, R), and most importantly join 700 students from 60 nations. In other words, the Vision Conference was incredible!

“God is not just in our lives and our community, but He works all over the world,” said Andrea (pic. below). About her conference experience, she told us, “I saw people from different language worshiping God…the God of every tribe, every nation, every language. We are part of that big family that He has created.”

>> See the 1-minute highlight video! <<<

“I’m part of this big promise, this big God that loves all of these people from different countries. I love that about this conference, how people who have never heard of Christ come.” For many of the students in attendance, it was their first time to ever sing a worship song or see other people raising their hands to this God.

For almost all of us, it was our first time to sing in Swahili or Uzbek! One of the songs, “For this Purpose,” was translated into different languages each night and we learned together. It was a continually amazing, holy experience.

Discovering Their Destiny

Students were invited to write down their answers to these questions: “Who do you say Jesus is? What questions do you still have about God? What is your next spiritual step?” Their answer cards were put together to form a mural that spelled DESTINY, our theme.

As for Andrea, she said: “When I was not a Christian we were all in the darkness. My vision is to really reach out to those people in the darkness. That’s really hard in Malaysia,” she says, as Christians are a minority. “Some people get really in trouble if you actually share Jesus with them. But it’s something I think God is challenging me to do.”

Thank you for your partnership in reaching these students for Christ!

Praise Reports

•Vision Conference was a powerful time of lives being changed for eternity. At least 24 international students have come to know Jesus personally. Hundreds have heard the gospel clearly, learned many reasons why they can trust the Bible, and seen how the Christian faith makes sense.

•Andrea is getting a clear vision for her life as far as the work God is calling her to do.

Prayer Requests

•For the many other students who heard the gospel for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd time but have yet to take a step of faith. Pray that the seeds that were planted would be watered.

•Pray for physical and spiritual protection for new believers who are from countries that are hostile to Christianity.

Check out the highlight video I made about the conference!

Highlights from Vision 2016

The Vision Conference in Daytona Beach was a life-changing event. Over 60 nations were represented by over 600 international students. It’s the highlight of our year in Bridges! Get a feel for all the ways that God moved, in this 1-minute video:

A full report is coming later this month. We are so thankful for your partnership with us.

Vision 2016 Prayer Calendar

Our ministry’s Vision Conference will happen the last week of the month, but you can be involved now through prayer. Here are the prayer requests for each day of the month of December. We encourage you to print it out and hang it up somewhere to remind you.

1. Multi-Nations – For God to grant us two eager student emcees that have the vision for the evening sessions!

2. South Asian – With the need to meet across the street, pray that logistics will not hinder any student from attending the various sessions.

3. Overall – From the program side–that God will really prepare the hearts of students in the weeks leading up to the conference. We really want every student to come away from the conference this year with an understanding of their next, best spiritual step. So prayers that they would come very open and willing to think about what that might be, and that what we have planned would help them experience that.

4. God’s Promise – Claim Philippians 1:6 for all participants, no matter where they are in their spiritual journeys as they come to Vision 2016. We long for each one to take the next step of faith.

5. Ambassadors – For local student leaders to continue to recruit students from their campuses to Vision

6. Children of Abraham (COA) – For many discussions to take place during the coffee house and that God will open many students’ eyes to see who He really is.

7. Chinese – That Chinese believers will be moved to take steps of faith (through the Kingdom Vision and Mission Opportunity Session) to serve God on their campus, community and to the world. Specifically pray that many students will be compelled to sign up to participate in the Chinese Treks – Boston, East Asia and Central Asia.

8. Multi-Nations – For wisdom, creativity and great coordination for Josh Lee, Ana Schrader & a soon-to-be-filled emcee position for the morning sessions! Pray against spiritual warfare, technical difficulties, illnesses, etc.

9. South Asian – That our speakers will hear from God as they prepare for their teaching sessions.

10. Partners – That God will work in the hearts, minds and souls of the potential attendees as well as in their preparations.

11. God’s Promise – Pray through and claim Psalm 67 to be a reality at Vision 2016.
12. Ambassadors – For necessary funds for scholarships.
13. COA – That the students will be committed to come to all the sessions, not missing any.

14. Chinese – That the “Encounter groups” (each evening) will provide participants with authentic community and there will be meaningful spiritual discussions.

15. Multi-Nations – For God’s direction in the organizing of small groups, both who is in which group and who will be the designated leader/s.

16.South Asian – That God will provide needed scholarships and finances will not be a barrier to any South Asian desiring to attend.

17. Overall – From the logistics side– simply that all the final details will come together with the hotel, the buses for our touring days, and our food/catering situations.

18. God’s Promise – That all participants will understand what their destiny is as well as the realities of the promises in Psalm 139:14-18a.

19. Ambassadors – For health and safety in travel to Daytona Beach.

20. COA – For protection for all who come as there will no doubt be intense spiritual warfare going on.

21. Chinese – That the New Year’s dinner event will be a wonderful time of celebration, connection and challenge. Ask for the believers to have boldness, faith and love as they communicate the Gospel to seekers. Pray that seekers understand and respond to the Gospel.

22.Multi-Nations – For good attendance and very low attrition as the Multi-Nations track will be across the street in the Oceans Center!

23. South Asian – That the Spirit will create a sense of belonging within the SAN track and remove any hindrances to the gospel being clearly understood.

24. Partners – That a passion for reaching students from around the world studying here will develop in the lives of attendees.

25. Merry Christmas! – Enjoy the Christ of Christmas today and seek for opportunities to make Him known among the nations! Praise God that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Pray that those coming to Vision 2016 who are unsure of their eternal destiny will leave knowing how they can be sure according to 1 John 5:11-13.

26. Ambassadors – For God to prepare each heart with a teachable spirit and strong application.

27. Staff Arrival – Good health and travel safety for staff arriving today and delegates tomorrow. Some are on buses and vans that are traveling long distances and others on planes, so pray for weather conducive to good travel. Pray that every student who comes will take a significant step forward in his/her spiritual journey.

28. Day 1 – For all to feel welcomed, a smooth registration process using local volunteers, with adequate housing for all, a good start for the on-site prayer team, and a great opening session with former astronaut for NASA, General Charles Duke, followed by welcome socials by track – and for all to be a foretaste of Revelation 7:9-10.

29. Day 2 – Ask God to powerfully use the evening plenary session by StoryRunners who will creatively share the story of the Bible from beginning to end. The session’s focus is on God’s destiny for the world. Pray for great interaction during the track meetings and seminars as well.

30. Day 3 –In the afternoon there will be two touring options, one to St. Augustine and the other to the Kennedy Space Center. Pray no one gets left behind and that all enjoy the change of pace. StoryRunners will creatively show how Jesus cares for individuals by sharing some stories from the Bible and having students give their testimonies. Pray the session focus showing God’s destiny for people will come alive. Some tracks will offer an evening coffee house to further connect. The Multi-Nations track will have an outreach party tonight. Ask God for believers to share the gospel with sensitivity in the power of the Holy Spirit and that seekers will be open and responsive.

31. Day 4 – This will be the longest day of the conference. Ask God to use Chris Sneller as he challenges believing students to live on mission. Pray God will use his talk to call many to participate on a summer mission. Pray for a fun time on the beach in the afternoon. As the Chinese track has a special banquet and outreach party tonight, believers sharing their faith with the seekers, pray for receptive hearts to the gospel. Pray too that the New Year’s Eve party and talent show will be a fit and fun way to end 2016 and begin 2017.

January 1 – Day 5 – Ask God to grant safety in travel home or a visit to Disney World. Also pray for a chance to continue conversations that began at Vision 2016 and the ability to process all that was learned.

January 2 – Rest for all and a chance to reflect on and share with friends what was learned. Ask God for believers to share their faith with others as a way of life and seekers to continue seeking truth. Pray that movements of spiritual multiplication will be raised up on every campus/city represented. Pray that many will decide to go on a mission project during spring or summer break.

Their First Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Zack and I are so thankful for your support for our ministry to international students and your prayers for our family. We recently had our Parent-Child Dedication for Paxton (pictured above) at our church.

Tomorrow, we will be hosting two Chinese gals for Thanksgiving: Iris and Summers. For Iris and Paxton both, it will be their first Thanksgiving. We are overjoyed for this opportunity, and we are not alone in this. Hundreds of Bridges staff/volunteers/supporters across the country will also be welcoming international students into their homes. Please join us in praying for the multitude of these special meals.

Please pray:

  • For the hosts to make natural connections with the students and have an enjoyable time.
  • The students would experience the love of Christ. (In light of the recent election, many students feel scared and uncertain about their future in our country).
  • The Lord would open the door for spiritual conversations and on-going relationships. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share about America’s foundations and traditions of Christian faith – and how Christ is central to our lives today.

As always, we are thankful for you and your prayers.

A Party in Heaven for Miah | October Newsletter

Fishers of Men

“I’m just a country boy from Belton, Texas,” said Tony. “I’m not the most well-versed man, I’m not the most educated man, I’m not the most qualified man, Biblically, to tell people things. But my love for God is so unbelievably strong because He has shown me the rewards of trusting in Him.”

Update: watch this video of Tony and others to see the full story.

I (Zack) tried to hide my smile behind the camera as Tony shared all this. He was recounting a conversation he had with a college student from Pakistan, who we’ll call “Omar.” Omar was one of 150 international students from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and all across Texas that had come to Lake Buchanan for a Bridges Fall Retreat. Tony was one of many ministry volunteers that took students out “jug-fishing” on the lake (pictured above).

Explains Tony: “We take a piece of foam with a fishing line on the end of it and push three hooks down with bait, and we out and we harvest fish. But more importantly, as time goes, we harvest people.”

Of all the spiritual conversations he initiated, Tony was most impacted by his talks with Omar: “He felt so much love on the boat, that he was literally confused about why it was that he met us – individuals that love Christ. He asked me, ‘Would it be ok if you and I talked to God and ask God to forgive me for where I have been in my life?’”

This made Tony a bit choked up: “I’ve done a lot of amazing things. I’m very blessed, despite any hardships I’ve had. But having him hug me and call me ‘Uncle Tony’ shows me that Jesus died for a reason.”
In Bridges, we love to give people like Tony the chance to minister to students, like Omar, who have come here from across the world.

A Party in Heaven for Miah

One afternoon, Miah and I (Naomi) were working on her AWANA’s memory verse, Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Miah and I talked about what we “earn” for sinning is eternal death (spiritual separation from God). But the gift that God gives us is eternal life in Heaven. With great vulnerability, Miah said, “I’m not sure that I am going to Heaven.” Miah had prayed to “give her sins to Jesus” when she was three years old, but she didn’t remember it. So we talked through the basics of the gospel, and that this is simply a gift. All you have to do is take a gift. You don’t have to “earn” it or work for it.

Miah was ready to ask Jesus in her heart. So I asked her, “Miah, do you have sin in your life?” She said yes. So I told her to tell Jesus that. Then I asked her, “Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins?” She said yes and told Jesus that, too. “Do you want Him to be your Savior and save you from your sins?” Yes! After she prayed there were tears…in both of our eyes. I told her that the angels were having a party in Heaven to celebrate!

She said with great joy, “Yes. They are celebrating because today is the day I became a Christian!” That evening, she, Zack and her sisters went to a kid’s worship album release party at our church (pictured above, in the header). She got to have a party worshipping Jesus with hundreds of other kids, just like the party in Heaven that was happening for her. She wants to get baptized soon as well.

Upcoming

Zack will be in Orange County, California from 10/25-10/28 for Cru’s Creative Arts Guild. It’s the annual gathering of “missionary artists” – designers and filmmakers on staff with Cru – to foster community and further our professional development.

Praise Reports

• 150 international students came to the Fall Retreat in Central Texas and heard the Word of God clearly.

• Miah clearly understands the gospel and received Christ!

Prayer Requests

• For effective, continued evangelism with Omar, and also for his safety as he looks more into Christ’s Word.

• For all the students who came to the Retreat to take the next step of faith.

• Miah to grow strong in her new life in Christ.