The first week of school was wild! We had an event every day for Welcome Week: game nights, volleyball events, tabling, and even a prayer night. Through all of it, we had about 200 freshmen sign up for interest in RUF. Not all of them will consistently attend, but the harvest is certainly plentiful at Clemson. I meet with about ten freshman girls every week. All of them are struggling with community, so I hope to do some friendship matching in the next couple of weeks by introducing them to upperclassmen and even each other.

Two weekends ago was our Fall Conference at Greystone camp. We brought about 98 students and a good majority of them were freshman. Our speaker went over “shame” and the beauty of going to Christ with our hurts. All of our students resonated with the message. It was a great reminder that shame is not what defines us, and we can always find comfort in the gospel.

Everyone’s favorite part of this newsletter! Here are some updates about fundraising:
I have $19,713 left to raise for this year. Below is a breakdown of what I need in order to be fully funded. I need about $2,000 a month to cover all of my monthly expenses. Since doing the math and breakdown two people have committed to $350/month! This breakdown is not to limit your giving. If you can give $20/month or even just increase by $5/month, that will help me so much.

I am in great need of new contacts, so if you know of absolutely anyone who would be interested in talking with me, please text or email me! If you are unable to give financially or increase giving, this is a great way to support me.

Phone: (423)453-6249
Email: [email protected]

You know that the RUF internship is a commitment of two years. I am in my second year and will be completing it in May. I have the option of continuing in RUF for a third year, and I am considering this.

Why a Third Year?
1. I will be able to be at Clemson for two and a half years rather than just a year and a half.
-This past year was a whirlwind which ended with me not being in one town for two years. I would really like to continue my time in Clemson as I build friendships and community.
2. I will have the opportunity to build deeper relationships with my current students.
-I haven’t spent a full year with my students yet, and now God has given me a brand new freshman class to minister to. I think it would be beneficial to the girls that I have met with to continue for another year so that we can build stronger relationships and go deeper into their faith and struggles.
3. I can continue to work in ministry as I learn from my campus minister to see if this is something I am being called to.
-I think this is a great opportunity to continue to see the areas that I need to grow in ministry. Daniel has been a great teacher and pastor to me during my time in RUF, and I would like to continue to learn from him.

What’s the Hesitation?
 You all know that fundraising has been a difficult process. God has been so faithful through all of you, so if He is calling me to a third year, I know He will provide. As shown above, I am still looking for monthly support. I must let the intern department know by November what I decide. This gives me about a month to get a good idea of what support next year will look like.
I will be reaching out to all of you in the next week or two. I cannot do this mission without you all! For me to continue with RUF, I need your support. I just need to get a good idea of who will feel called to and who can financially support me next year.

What If I Don’t?
 I am looking into some options for job opportunities in Clemson. At the time of writing this, I think I will stay in Clemson next year. I feel that God has some good friendships for me in the making, and I absolutely love my church (Clemson Pres). I just don’t think a year and a half is long enough in one place.
If I don’t do a third year, but still stay in Clemson, I’m still going to need you. I will need your love, your guidance, and your friendship.

• For the freshman to get plugged in and find a good community

• For me as I continue to build community in Clemson

• For me as I think about future steps

• For our students to find gospel-teaching churches in Clemson

• That I will find new connections and donors

Thank you so much for the ways that you all have loved and supported me. If you have any questions, or prayer requests, or would just like to chat, please call or text me at (423)453-6249.