September!!

Hello all! I pray that you have been well. I wanted to give a brief update about RUF at JSU. We are about six weeks into the fall semester, so things are happening fast. My students are already studying for midterms, and I can’t believe how fast time has gone. Many 1-1’s, bible studies, and large groups have happened, and with those, a lot of growth in both the students and myself.

On Tuesday nights at 8 our students gather in Rowe Hall for worship and to hear God’s word preached. This semester, Daniel is leading us through the book of Philippians. We are looking at the circumstances that Paul was experiencing during this letter, such as imprisonment, and how he was joyful through it all because “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). Some of our students have the opportunity to lead us in worship songs as well. It is so encouraging to watch a room full of college students singing praise to God.

We have many small groups this semester; some being student-led. The only one I’m leading is our girls’ small group on Thursday nights. We are still going over the Lord’s Prayer. This has been such an awesome time to help the girls work through scripture and grow in their knowledge of who Christ is. The girls have loved meeting off-campus and having the opportunity to have a home-cooked dinner. Thank you for donating and helping provide the ingredients for that every Thursday! This small group has produced a lot of great discussion and questions about who the Trinity is, how we can ready ourselves when coming to God in prayer, and understanding the weight of Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross.

When I started this job I thought 1-1’s were going to be the hardest part. While meeting with a student can bring difficulties, I have actually grown to love this part of my job the most. It is so cool to dig into who a student is and understand how God has worked in their life. A lot of my girls have come to me with really good questions about Jesus and the Bible, and it has been such a joy to work through those questions with them.

Something I have realized is that I can’t assume that everyone knows the “basics” of Christianity. While speaking to one of my girls, I realized that she did not know which books of the Bible were a part of the Gospel. She didn’t know that along with the books of John 1-3 there was also the Gospel of John. Man, what a learning opportunity for both of us that was! This student’s eyes lit up as I slowed down and taught her more, and I forgot how exciting the “basics” of Christianity are!

I have seen a common theme with a lot of the girls I meet with. Most of them don’t know too many people on campus and are honestly very lonely, so even though I’m unable to dig deep into scripture with a student during every meeting, I am able to show them the truth of the Gospel through my actions and attention. How cool that God can use a simple conversation about which movie is a student’s favorite to bring them closer to Him!

We have had many different events this month. Below are some photos.

Fundraising Update

Well, everyone! I have officially reached 90% funded! $44,726 has been raised! WHAT?? That’s amazing!! Because of all of your generosity, I have been able to feed my girls every Thursday night, take girls out to coffee or lunch, buy supplies for events, and even pay my rent. So on behalf of my students and myself, thank you so much!

With that being said, I’m still only $5,104 away from being 100% funded, and I have until December to reach that. If I could get ten people to give $50/month either as new donors or on top of what you are giving, then I would reach my goal! If you or anyone you know would be interested in giving monthly or a special gift, please contact me. I can’t do this without all of you, but I trust that God will provide!

Prayer Requests/Praises

• Praise God for providing for this mission and giving all of you generous hearts!

• Praise God for the way that He is working in the students at JSU!

• Praise God for the Hightower family and their love for the students and the way they have cared for me!

• Pray that students will continue to be hungry for the Gospel and come to RUF

• Pray that God continues to work through Daniel and me as we go to campus every day

• Pray for a community for me. That I will be able to find people outside of RUF

• Pray for continued funding for this mission. None of this would be possible without His church.

Thank you all for reading and coming on this journey with me. I pray for each of you often. If you have any specific prayer requests, or would just like to catch up, please email or call/text me!
Love,
Elizabeth
[email protected]
(423) 453-6249