End of the Year and New Beginnings It has been an exciting and busy year! Time passes so swiftly, it's hard to believe I've been in New York for 4 months already. It has been a huge adjustment, and diving into work immediately has made things interesting. The adventure of finding an apartment was invaluble - I'll include pictures in my next newsletter. I have been getting to know a number of different campus ministry leaders, developing relationships with some students, and leading a small core group that is responsible for planning events and relating stories of God movement on campuses for our citywide student network. I'm excited about it all, but more particularly about the student network, called the One Cry Network, because it hasn't every really been done in the city before. Imagine Christians at all 88 campuses in the NYC metro area, linked together, sharing God stories, praying together, and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven as one body. It boggles my mind, and I'm so thrilled, honored and humbled to be a part of this. We are gearing up to send out first newsletter in January, calling the 13 campuses that have a strong Christian presence to come together, and planning our large One Cry event. This is where students, campus ministers, and anyone who is wants to will join together in a solemn assembkly crying out to God in repentance and prayers for revival and transformation in NYC college students. Oh, wow. I love my job! | | | Campus Transformation Network We are in the process of spring-boarding Campus Renewal to a new level. Jeremy (my boss and President of CRM, for those who are new to my updates), is forming a new network called the Campus Transformation Network. This will be the first comprehensive national network of college focused leaders. What it will do is help leverage and build upon the local partnership models developed on colleges nationwide, like CRM Austin, Tennessee, and NYC, as well as many other different local fellowships, and connecting them together nationally. We will be having our first digital conference in the Spring of 2012, where we will officially launch the network. There is much to be done - please continue praying for my work here in NYC as well as nationally. | | The Plight of NYC Churches I have had the privilege of praying with over 30 NYC pastors and leaders since I came here, and it's so awesome to see the body of Christ starting to come together here. It was at these pray meetings I became aware of a situation that has been concerning the pastors for quite sometime. Nearly 15 years ago, there was a case, Bronx Household of Faith v. Board Education, that had the district of NYC refusing to allow churches to congregate in schools. Since the case was tied up in the courts, churches were able to continue. The appeals went up to the Supreme Court, but they denied hearing the case, making the ruling stand. Now, over 60 churches, big and small, need to find another place to worship by February 12, 2012. There are many calls to prayer and fasting by pastors and laypeople alike. I would ask that you join us in prayer in this situation. Thanks! | | |
