Every Spring semester, Clemson RUF heads to Ridge Haven camp in the mountains of North Carolina for a weekend of rest, fellowship, God’s Word, and silliness. This retreat creates opportunities for our students to ask deep questions about the Gospel and to build friendships with people they wouldn’t usually be able to meet. It was such a privilege to watch our students put the Word of God into practice with each other.

I have had the honor of leading a group of girls through the book of Hebrews! We have been hitting a lot on what it looks like to wage war on our sins while also holding fast to the confidence of our salvation that we have in Jesus Christ. As I prepare for this study every week, I wonder what the conversation will be like. I usually am a little anxious that my questions won’t create a good discussion, yet every week I am surprised and encouraged. These girls are hungry for the Lord, and I often fill my notebook with their thoughts and reflections over the passage.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” That is what we are doing in this study. These young women have chosen to take time out of their Wednesday so that they can gather together and encourage and challenge one another as sisters in Christ. How cool is that?

Two weeks ago, Clemson RUF celebrated 40 years! Everyone on staff planned a reunion for it, and boy, did people show up. We had previous campus ministers, previous interns and campus staff, alumni from the 1980s to last year, current students, and so many families. We wanted this celebration to be a focus of what God has done on the campus of Clemson through RUF, not just now, but for the past forty years. The generations of God’s work and faithfulness were evident. While worshipping at Large Group on Saturday night, I looked over to see a recent alum with his wife and new baby, and standing beside him were his parents, who met in RUF during their time in college. When God saves us and brings us into the fold of His love and mercy, we are adopted into His family, but it doesn’t stop there. God uses us to bring others in. To grow His kingdom and spread the truth of the Gospel. Looking around at over 200 people, I was able to see that truth: parents of current students, friends and coworkers, siblings and grandparents. Though not everyone knew each other, it was obvious that we were all connected through Christ. Thank you for your support of this ministry and the work that God is doing!

The recordings of the seminars during the reunion are going to be posted on our podcast. Give them a listen!

I had the privilege to attend one of my students’ Bluegrass band performances this past week. This job is all about relational ministry, which means that my students share very intimate details about their lives with me. But when Kay reached out and invited me to her concert, I realized how amazing it is to actually see into my students’ lives. Most of what I get to see is how they interact in RUF, so to be able to witness her in her day-to-day alongside her friends was truly a very gracious moment from God. I love these students so much!

I am still fully funded for this year!! (YAY) Praise and glory be to God! I will begin fundraising for this upcoming year in May, so keep an eye out for updates and asks. If you would like to change, stop, or increase your giving, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to hear from each of you! I’ll hopefully be making a trip to TN this summer, so if you’d like to get together and catch up, don’t hesitate to call/text/email.

• Pray for our students as they finish up the semester

• Pray for all of the small groups and Bible studies happening on campus

• Praise for a successful reunion!

• Pray for Summer Conference in the next couple of weeks

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.