“Dee, guess what just happened?” Excitedly, Paige Pickett, a sophomore on the Field Hockey team, called to tell me about a conversation she just had with her teammate Morgan (freshman from New Zealand). Paige told me that Morgan had come up to her and asked, “Can I ask you questions about God?” They talked about Morgan’s perceptions of God and what is keeping her from asking Jesus to come into her life. This was such an encouragement to both Paige and me Paige realizes that God can and is using her to impact her teammates’ lives for eternity. I got off the phone and thanked God for the ways He is at work in so many students’ lives. I later found out that J, another field hockey teammate, has been praying for Morgan for a few months. That same day, Morgan also contacted Nick Willis (a former U of M track athlete who is now competing professionally and also from New Zealand) to learn more about becoming a Christian. This is just one story of the many girls’ lives in whom God is working. I’ve been here for only two months and am realizing that I just had to show up and be available to serve where the Spirit is moving!
-DEE H., Campus Ministry, University of Michigan
A highlight was helping get an AIA staff person in place in Honduras. Marco was employed by a soccer club until this summer when offered a position to be a chaplain at the Olympic Training Center in Honduras. He decided to come to staff, but had no support. I found eight people to support him, including a men’s prayer group. After deciding to support Marco, the leader of the group wrote me and said, “This move has given great impetus for feeling excited about life once again. Candidly speaking, I’ve not felt this way in MANY years. It’s as if God has placed a fire in my spirit; awakening a slumbering desire to be used but not knowing where to begin. Now all of a sudden the path seems crystal clear.” It was definitely a highlight to see God blessing both parties.
--REID L., International, Global Events Director
In the beginning of the month I spent a week visiting supporters in Pennsylvania. After I spoke at one of our churches, which has supported us since 1974, the youth pastor gave me some encouragement. He was a young boy the first time I spoke in their church. He had left the area and was now back as their youth pastor. He thanked me for staying faithful to the Lord and continuing in ministry all these years. It is good to be reminded that there are people watching our lives and we need to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus.
--JOHN P., Sports Teams, Wisconsin
A women’s basketball study started this month and is being led by a sophomore. I also have been given permission to do Sunday chapels for the women’s team. I did my first one this year and 8 of 13 players came! Linsey, my intern, and I distributed 150 pieces of candy to the entire athletic community. We dressed in costumes and made people smile and offered them candy with a quote attached. We even went to Barry Alvarez (A.D.) and gave him one. He laughed at our costumes and received the gift well. Go God!
--JOY S., Campus Ministry, University of Wisconsin (Madison)