The week of October 21st I spent in Denver, CO for Intern Training. Training is always full of encouragement, rest, and the Lord’s Word. This one was extra bitter-sweet because it was the last one for many people in my class.

We had many great seminars to help us continue to grow in this job, but my favorite was How to Do One-On-One Ministry by Chad Brewer. He gave us a lot of good tools to help us feel more comfortable opening the Scriptures with our students and challenged us to think about what our job is.

We also talked a lot about our adoption into Christ’s family. We looked at the passage 2 Samuel 9 and how just like Mephibosheth is welcome at David’s table, God brings us in even more as His own sons and daughters.

“‘Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.’” - 2 Samuel 9:7

We have around forty-three consistent freshman girls! They are connected in RUF through one of our avenues of ministry: Large Group, 1-1, Small Group. I often feel overwhelmed by how many girls there are to meet with, but our upperclassman girls have been an absolute blessing by also meeting with freshman girls!

1-1 ministry is one of my favorite parts of this job. I feel so honored to be able to sit with these girls every week and hear their stories. I’ve had many fruitful conversations about where my girls are at in their walk with Christ. Each girl is unique and comes from a different background, so I wanted to share a couple of stories with you!

Kaitlyn - I first met Kaitlyn over the summer while she was touring Clemson with her parents. She comes from a Christian background and a good family, so when I met with her this past month I asked her how she feels her walk with Christ has been going since coming to college. She said that this is the first time where she has taken initiative in her faith. She told me that she has always been in a “Christian Bubble” and has never really interacted with people outside of the faith. College has created unique opportunities for her to share her faith and even to dwell on what she believes and why. Kaitlyn shared about a couple of times when a non-believing friend has asked a question about Christianity and she has been super excited to share what she knows and even to learn more. I felt extremely encouraged after leaving that meeting.

Kylie - I met Kylie while tabling during Welcome Week in August. She came up to our table and asked what RUF (she pronounced it rough) was. I explained that we’re a ministry and she seemed a little hesitant. I asked if she’d ever heard of us and she said that her mom used to be a Christian but she doesn’t really understand what it is that we believe. I instantly was so excited about this opportunity! I told her that I was in the same boat when I was her age and that she should come to some of our hangout events. I’ve met with Kylie a couple of times this semester. She came to one Large Group and one Freshman Fellowship, but so far, her only connection is our meetings. At our last meeting, I tentatively asked her what her religious background was and if she had any questions. We talked a little bit about the basics of the gospel and what she agreed with and was having trouble accepting. I tried to give her space to express where she was at in her beliefs, and I’m hopeful that we can continue these conversations in future meetings. I’ve texted her since and I’m praying that she will come to our Friendsgiving or Christmas event in the next couple of weeks.

God is at work in both of these girls and countless others! RUF is a place where students can ask questions and get good news, and I think they are a testament to that.

Last weekend Lydia, our Campus Staff, had the brilliant idea of having a girls’ retreat! Friday and Saturday we spent time in the Word, did a craft, and had some small group time with some of our girls. We had about thirty-one girls sign up!

The theme of the retreat was Psalm 23. At this point in the semester, a lot of our girls are feeling burdened by school, relationships, and life in general. This Psalm was the perfect passage to go through with them and even for me to hear. We had a chance to look at how Jesus is our good shepherd and how He protects and guides us in our rest, our valleys, and our future hope. This was honestly the highlight of the semester for me. It was such a blessing and encouragement to sit and watch our girls paint together, play games together, and wrestle through their struggles and the truth of the Gospel together.

It is official! I have decided to continue with RUF and do one more year of the internship!! I will finish out this year and stay on for the next school year, which means one more year of fundraising. I’m very excited about this opportunity to stay in ministry a little longer! Staying for a third year will allow me to continue to grow deeper relationships with the girls here at Clemson and strengthen the skills I’ve gotten while in this job.

As I said in the last newsletter, I am still fundraising for this school year. I need about $16,700 left to raise until May. I’m looking for monthly donors at the $100/month level or one-time gifts at the $1,200+/year, but honestly, anything is greatly appreciated and helps. If you are interested in increasing your giving by any amount or even just helping me to get in contact with potential donors, please don’t hesitate to reach out! For me to stay on campus and meet with students I need help financially.

With that being said, I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart! I would not be able to be at Clemson, meeting with college students, and doing this ministry that God has called me to without your generosity and kindness. I am so thankful for the ways that each of you encourages and cares for me. I want you to know that I am praying for each of you.

• For the students as they finish up the semester and start studying for finals

• For all of my freshman girls. The ones who feel that they are growing their relationship with Christ, and the ones who are struggling through the Gospel

• Praise that God has called me to stay on at Clemson

• Praise for God’s continued provision in this ministry

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.