People often wonder what we do in Chi Alpha in the summer. Since students are gone from the university there is nothing for Chi Alpha pastors to do right? WRONG!!!
Lori and I have been very busy since the students have left campus last week. First we have started a summer session of Chi Alpha for those who are left in town. It is interesting that we had 8 men show up for the meeting and 1 woman. When we started Chi Alpha at CMU my prayer was for men to disciple. God has answered that prayer! It is a wonderful time to invest in these lives with smaller groups.
We also went to our district meeting for a couple of days and met with pastors from around the state, visited with some Japanese students (one who left), and prepared to meet new students from Japan who are coming in next week.
Plus our regular duties of being available for direction and help when the students need it. With email and cell phones we are never far away from any of our students. Sometimes going back home with all the changes can be difficult.
It is also a time for us to focus on some of our volunteer ministries. Jon is involved in a prison ministry that hold weekend retreats in prison that gives inmates a "short course on Christianity". It is a special time of sharing God's love with those that rarely see any compassion. It is great to see God break through in these lives and see the transformation.
We also like to go to motorcycle rallies. It is an interesting place for Christians to find themselves. But we like to think of it as campus ministry...same issues, just older people. During these times we wear our Christian Motorcycle Association vests and pray for opportunities to share Jesus.
Our plans are to be with students, love them, disciple them and to get a little rest this summer (that is important too). It is fun to visit with them where they live. It is also a good time for us to visit churches and friends that stand with us in this ministry. With out you we wouldn't be able to touch lives at CMU with God's love.
Thanks
