I Graduated!!

My college days as a student are officially done! I just graduated from Tennessee Tech with a BS degree in sociology and a minor in criminology. During college, I was able to grow in my understanding of the Gospel, fellowship with other Christians, and really figure out what I wanted to do when I graduated. All of this is thanks to the wonderful community of RUF that I found during my freshman year.

What is RUF?

RUF stands for Reformed University Fellowship. This is a nonprofit Christian organization that strives to reach students for Christ and equip them to serve Him. The way they do this is by putting ministers and ministry leaders on the campus every day, leading large groups, hosting events, and meeting with students one-on-one in order to build Christ-centered relationships. This gives college students an opportunity to meet fellow young Christians and to have mentors within the faith preaching the Gospel to them in every aspect of their lives. This is a place where anyone is welcome no matter your major, gender, age, race, hobbies, etc. I would not have been able to get through the past four years without the love of this community and the hope that Christ has given me. Glory be to God for His merciful heart toward me!

What Now?

Now that I have graduated, I applied to and have been accepted to be a RUF intern!!! This is so exciting because I now get to do for other students what was done for me. Next fall I will be moving to Jacksonville, AL for two years to be the intern at Jacksonville State University. My role will be to minister to upcoming freshman girls at JSU and bring the Gospel into their lives. The only confidence I have in this is knowing that Christ will be leading me every step of the way, and it will be by His hand and to His glory that students will come to Him. I am so excited to be able to open the Bible with new students and have the opportunity to show them the love that I was shown when I was a student. However, in order for me to be able to move to Jacksonville I need tons of prayer and support. 

How Can You Help?

It is people like you that make RUF possible. This organization is completely nonprofit which means that all of RUF’s funding comes straight from God-given generous donors. In order for me to move to Alabama and begin this mission, I have to raise $47,604 for the whole year. (I know, a lot of money, but I have complete faith that the Lord will provide). My ask is that you will take the time and pray for this mission. I also ask you to pray about joining our financial support team. You can do this as a special gift or a monthly gift. (Monthly gifts are best, but I praise God for whatever He blesses me with). By joining our prayer and financial teams you are coming on this mission too. You will not be an unrecognized force, aimlessly giving support. Throughout my entire college career, even though I didn’t know their names or faces, I knew that there were people who cared about me and my relationship with Christ, and that had a huge impact. It was their love and support that brought the Gospel to my campus. Join me and see how God can work!

Prayer Requests

• Preparation to move! I have never lived out of state on my own before, so I need a lot of prayers as I prepare to transition to Alabama. Prayer that I find an apartment, and that I reach my funding goal!

• Family! I would like some prayers for my family during this transition. I have never lived this far from them and will need God’s help to continue to strengthen our relationships.

• JSU! Prayers for the JSU campus. Prayers for the RUF there and that Christ continues to work through this ministry.

• Guidance! Please pray that I continue to rely on Christ throughout this mission. I will, thankfully, be surrounded by mentors to help me through this process, but I want to make sure that Christ continues to be my focal point and the reason that I am going.

How to Contact Me

I will be following up with you in the coming weeks via call, text, or email to talk about joining our monthly financial team. However, if you would like any more information, you can reach me through any of these platforms:

Call/Text - (423) 453-6249
Email - [email protected]
Facebook - Elizabeth Fortune
Instagram - lidabet_fortuna