A New Year of Ministry

It's finally over!! She's married, and on her honeymoon! And I had my Day of Rest yesterday! And boy I needed it! I slept a lot!

And now I'm kindof at a loss as to what to do with all my free time! Anyone want to hang out now? No, actually, now that school's starting all my college students are getting back into town for good, and getting geared up for another semester of classes, tests, projects, parties, and ministry events.

I haven't really talked about that ministry so much. Where to begin? Well, I serve at Lake Arlington Baptist Church, here in Arlington, TX. I've been a part of LABC since the middle of my 7th grade year back in 1993! Unusual I know. I should include that there were two seasons away from LABC though - college (although I was only 2 hours away, so I was still somewhat involved, especially during the summer), and my 6-month ministry in PA.

I've seen the college ministry here change and grow in many ways over the years.
At present, it is under the leadership of Eric Herrstrom. We function in a small-group method. We call them 432 Groups (based on Acts 4:32), the students meet in homes around the area on Sunday nights, where they have a "family dinner", do laundry, play, and study the Bible together. This year we are adding some "Freshmen Only" groups, to help them be a part of something that's geared especially for where they're at. Our ministry is fueled by the core purpose of "Reach Up (discipleship), Reach In (fellowship), Reach Out(service, evangelism)". We also have a Thursday night ministry called Backstage where we meet in our Recreation building, The L.C., for a short devotional in a coffee house kind of environment, and then go into the gym for some basketball or volleyball games, or just hang out and talk.

So that's the abbreviated version of describing the ministry I'm a part of. I look forward to meeting the students we will have this year. It will be a fun time! We've got some awesome leaders stepping up this year! Be praying for them. Be praying for our new freshmen. Be praying for God to raise up strong college guys, we desperately need some strong male leadership. And be praying for our opportunities to serve in our community. We have some changes happening this year that will require some open minds and adjustment!

And I need to get a second job. Especially one that fills in the financial gaps. So be praying that God would lead me in the right direction there.

Well, that's my update! I look forward to a new year, fresh starts, and exciting growth (spiritually and relationally).

If you are a college student in need of a church to plug into, drop me a note, I would love to get you connected in ours if God is leading you there. And I guess, you don't really have to be a college student - LABC has a lot of good groups for all ages and stages of life.

Also - we are getting ready to begin our Saturday Night Service on Aug. 2oth (this coming Sat). Come check it out if you're interested! 2912 Little Rd. Arlington, TX 76016 - in The Loft, of the Lifestyle Center at Lake Arlington Baptist Church! 7:00 pm!