In 2013, students in the Triangle Campus Ministry (Duke Blue Devils, NC Central Eagles, UNC Tar Heels and NC State Wolfpack, along with The Art Institute of Raleigh Durham (undefeated in football this year), Meredith College and Shaw University) were challenged and even encouraged to make ‘F’s”! After prayer and hard work our God granted many ‘F’s’: Faith, Fruit, Family, Food, Fun, Football, Friends and Fellowship.
Faith and Fruit: Our Lord has granted an increase in new disciples of Jesus in 2013, more than we asked or imagined. Eph.3:20-21. Souls were met in various ways as God opened doors. Daniel was met on a shuttle bus crossing campus, Jeff politely opened the door for someone and connected, Margo bumped into an old friend in the library, Lilly and Domenique in class, Justin, Rick and Azariah in the dorm, Sharice on campus. A few, David, Filbert and Jeannette were raised in and around the church, but had not come to terms with Jesus as Lord. Romans 10:9-13; 14:11. Others God arranged to be “bumped into” in various ways, basketball, jobs, meals, etc. We plant and water, and God grants the increase as He sees fit. I Cor. 3:7-9.
Family and Food: The church is family. Galatians 6:10; I Thes. 4:9-10. Several families stepped up and opened hearts and homes and refrigerators to provide belonging to our students. The Johnson, Cox, Morrison, Ivory, Blackwell, Graham, Pecot, Basilio families (among others) provided food, faithful counsel and the warmth of a godly home. At a bring your neighbor day in September, over 100 were fed. (Jesus still holds the record of over 5,000. Luke 9:12-17.) In October we hosted a statewide gathering of students from across North Carolina. Unity and cooperation are valued and forged across our campuses here in NC. Eph. 4:2-6. Dear sisters and brothers from Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro, Wilmington, Fayetteville, etc., enjoyed a bonfire devotional and a power breakfast together. Preaching, praying, sharing and singing were led by Alex, Emily, Ahmed, Josh, Ashley, Austin, Jonathan and Coriyon on the theme, “He Is The Faithful God.” Deut. 7:7-9. An outing to the state fair and a huge dance followed.
Fun and Football: Some of the fun included movies, helping friends come to faith, baptizing friends, repenting, pushing through relationships, reconciling, forgiveness and grace. We didn’t stop there, and dialed up Zombie tag, weekly ‘Walking Dead’ gatherings at Terri B.’s home (we do base our faith on the resurrection, don’t we? I Cor. 15) a Ring of Honor devo, football tailgating and games, a Thanksgiving feast prepared by students with parents fed and honored, and road trips to Asheville and Wilmington to strengthen and encourage our family there. And of course, late night food runs to BoJangles and Cook-Out, it’s a ‘southern thang, ya’ll.’ Campus staff workers Mark Abril, Olivia Graham and Chelsea Blanco display character, heart and faith and continue to honor the Lord and serve, love, help, lead and spark our campuses. I Thes. 5:12-15. Proverbs 31 lady, “Momma Terri Bailey” provides heart, hospitality, shelter, wise counsel and above all love to many ‘treasured daughters’ and even a few ‘knucklehead sons.’
Friends and Fellowship: We strive to hold each other up as dear brothers and sisters and we seek to see those The Lord connects us with as sons and daughters God hopes to adopt, as friends rather than visitors. Romans 8:15, John 15:13-15. (Visitors are from outer space and are cold and not subject to the great commission, but thankfully friends are!) We are encouraged that young Kyle and Hannah Fridley are coming to join with us all in the work here in early 2014. Perhaps they can inspire us to make some ‘D’s’ (decisions, disciples, devotion) and even a few ‘C’s’ (compassion, commitment, character) along with all those ‘F’s’!
Our loving, wise, powerful, faithful and Holy God has been very good to us here in NC in 2013. To Him alone goes all glory. “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” — Rev. 14:6-7. We look forward to what our Father plans and will provide in 2014. Jeremiah 29: 10-11.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a ‘Happy, Happy, Happy’ New Year!
