Texas State Chi Alpha
Have you been there? It’s a particular moment that occurs in the course of your life, when you realize God is so very present and the things happening around you are significant points in time that will leave a mark on your life and possibly eternity. As I reflect over the past 2 weeks of interaction with our Chi Alpha campus ministries in Texas, I realize there have been some of those significant marks placed on my life.
The music played as dozens of students were doing serious business with God. They were responding to a message the Lord had given concerning the issue of suffering and forgiveness. It is amazing to think how God can take our simple words and use them as a vehicle for His transforming power. I was humbled to watch these students take a step of obedience into the freedom that is Christ.
at Texas A&M
Gary Paschal and I were sitting in the home of Chi Alpha campus missionaries, Will and Jennifer Robinson, at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, with nine guys hungry to impact their campus. As we dialogued about the impact of becoming a friend to an international student, there arose a sense of excitement and determination to be a part of God’s work among the 26 nations currently studying on their campus. Indeed, it felt as if God was birthing a new vision among this group of young leaders. It was exhilarating to witness these students open their eyes to new possibilities.
Matthew Hoogendorn, new campus missionary to the University of Houston, and I sat in the office of Dave Schaumberg, Assistant Director for the Office of International Student Services at U of H. We had come to meet Dave because he is the founder (1989) and first director of International Student Friendship Ministry/Chi Alpha. We sat and listened to this pioneer as he told stories of challenges and victories that had been fought and won almost 3 decades ago. I was blessed to know how I and so many others are the present benefactors of the blessings of God through the ministry of men and women who have prayed and believed.
I stood among over 400 students going hard after God in worship at the weekly Chi Alpha meeting at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. The free flow of praise gave way to prophetic ministry as these students began to minister one to another. I stood with my friend Ryota, a Japanese student who will be returning to his home and work after graduation in December. I wept with him as we prayed with anticipation of how God will use him to touch his family and his nation with the love of Christ. I was moved with awe to realize God is still sending out pioneers. There is yet a sacrifice to be paid for the sake of the Gospel.
As I write these words, I am overcome with gratitude. The privilege of sharing these special “God moments” comes only because of you who pray for us and this ministry. I am so thankful to God and to you who give faithfully to allow us to invest our lives among students and leaders in Chi Alpha and International Student Friendship Ministries. Thank you for leaving a “mark in time!”