Walking by Faith

SBP2 Video--Student's Speak

2010-08-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

Students Speak - Summer Beach Project 2010 from Campus Outreach @ Berry on Vimeo.

SBP 1 Pic (Samford, Montevallo, and UNA)

2010-07-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

SBP Update

2010-07-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Blue Team getting ready for Beach Olympics the first week!

Thank you for investing in our students and helping them grasp the infinite love of our God. I can not begin to tell you about the countless conversations about the gospel I have gotten the privilege to have with students this summer. That you have invested in as well!

Please keep praying for the students at Beach Project that are investing their summers in knowing our God and making Him known.

Pray:

-That all the students at beach project (there are 215 total) would know Christ before the end of the summer.

-That the Lord would continue to give students excitement for sharing their faith and for discipleship

-That as we make plans for the upcoming semester at Montevallo that the Lord would make His will evident

Evangelism Fruit

2010-07-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

DUring the summer we train students how to evangelize by evangelizing!! Here are just a few stories of how that is going.

"Hey guys, just wanted to pass along, if you haven’t heard already, that a guy two of our students shared with this summer may have become a Christian. He is a clerk at the Tom Thumb with the Post Office and they are following up with him. They are very encouraged and thought you all would be also. Praise God for what he can do through cold turkey evangelism!"

I also have some people that we have gotten to share with this summer that you can pray for...

Claire and I got to share with Sabrina who works at Arby's. She's a 20 year old single mom who stays away from church because she thinks people will judge her and is afraid she's made to many mistakes for God to forgive her. She responded really well to us sharing the gospel with her and said she had a lot to think about when she went home!She said she would even like to go to church with claire sometime this summer.

Tama and I got to share with Danielle in the food court at the mall. She is very intellectual and wonders how can we know that Christianity is the true religion out of all the religions in the world....how can you really know what is truth?and why should we really worry about it too much? We got to share the gospel with her and how christianity is the only religion in the world that can be verified and that Christ saves us not ourselves. We recommended a book on this called "If I were God I would make myself clearer" She said all that we shared was really interesting and makes her think but she's not exactly sure we can for know that it is truth...pray for her!

January and I got to share with Ryan who works at Kay Jewlers in the mall. He let us try on a 15,000 dollar wedding ring....ahh! haha he grew up Jehovah's Witness and though he originally said he was too busy to talk he still talked with us for a good 20 minutes. He just goes to school and work now and doesn't think too much about spiritual things but was interested in talking about differences between Jehovah's Witness and Christianity. We focused on the gospel and what Christ has done for us...pray for Ryan!

Evangelism Linebacker

2010-06-12T13:05:00.001-07:00

Why we don't share our faith

2010-06-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

We are having an evangelism conference this weekend to learn more about sharing our faith. One of the most challenging talks I've ever heard on evangelism was given last night by one of our staff guys on why we don't share our faith. Here are a few of my notes.

1. Unbelief
2. Fear of REjection and Failure
3. We lack compassion for people
4. We lack love for Christ.

Remember what God has done in your life!
1 Peter 2:24-25
24(A) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we(B) might die to sin and(C) live to righteousness.(D) By his wounds you have been healed. 25For(E) you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to(F) the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for."
— Charles Spurgeon

This video has well known athiest Penn asking "How much do you have to hate someone not to tell them what you believe is true?"

I was really challenged by Luke 21:14-15 and reminded not to trust in my own words but rather to trust in Christ who has the power to change hearts!

Psalm 62 sung by aaron keyes

2010-06-09T10:57:00.001-07:00

verses 5-8

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

SBP MOVE IN!!

2010-06-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ecclessiastes 5:12 says the "rest of a laborer is sweet" boy has that been true over the past week at Beach Project!!!
Welcome Banner for SBP 1

2 beach projects
6 major universities represented plus several others
260 people
about a million bunk beds (ok maybe that's exagerating a bit)
lots of hard work!!
SBP SIDE

haha here are some pics from this week. The majority of the students got here yesterday and are searching for jobs today! Let's pray they find jobs! We cleaned out motel rooms and set up bunk beds for everyone so here are some pics from one of our work days. The facility was repossed by the bank a month ago and in pretty bad shape. IT was known to be used for drugs and prostition. I've never seen people work so hard in my life and was encouraged to see a place (motel) that was once used for evil be redeemed and used for building God's kingdom. It looks pretty great now if I do say so myself! The students seem very excited to be here. Some are nervous about what the summer has in store and some are more than enthusiastic. Some are not believers and many are.....all here to learn more about a relationship with God....we are praying this summer will have eternal impact for God's kingdom.

South Alabama and Troy girls cleaning!
Cindy painting a montevallo banner
Decorating the resource room

Carrying some mattresses
I definetly carried a couple of mattresses to the third floor by myself! I was very proud of myself!
We tried an assembly line for awhile
Regristration Line
The finance Team
Regristration girls

AUSTRAILA

2010-05-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Campus Outreach Birmingham partners with Campus Outreach Austraila. We are on a college campus in Brisbane and hoping to expand to other campuses in austrailia in the future. We are actually also praying that God would raise up some Aussies who would become missionaries in the 10/40 window. In hearing about and learning more about the desire to labor in Austraila I have learned more about the vision of campus outreach to labor towards reaching the world with the gospel. We labor so that people from every tongue tribe and nation will one day sit before his throne and worship him. It's super cool that I also get to be a part of this by investing in college students in the US...I'm praying that God will send them out! We also have 3 teams of college students spending their summers on cross cultural projects in austraila.

Here is a video explaining more of what's going on with campus outreach austrailia. I just thought it might be cool to check out.

Time for SBP AGAIN!

2010-05-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

I leave on thursday to go to the summer beach project! I'm so excited! There will be about 240 students from Berry College, Troy, South Alabama, West Georgia, Montevallo, Samford, and University of North Alabama

Prayer Requests:
1. That there will be plenty of jobs for our students despite oil spill
2. For all the planning for the project (structure, schedule, talks, training, meals. etc.)
3. For spiritual growth of all students that go and desire to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and love their neighbors as themselves.

Carwashin for Thailand!

2010-05-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Student's raising money to go on their mission trip this summer to Thailand a place where some people have never before heard the name of Jesus.

Here are some of Cherish's thoughts (while she's carwashing:))

Getting ready for SBP....

2010-05-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

School year is wrapping up....I convinced LJ and Cory to share their thoughts on why they have decided to go to Summer Beach Project this summer. This is our discipleship program where students get full time jobs in destin floridia. Through Bible studies, weekly training, and life on life discipleship they will learn more about what it means to grow in their relationship with God and practically walk with him for a life time.

Laura Jo's thoughts

Cory's thoughts

Oozeball!!

2010-04-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

New Roommate!

2010-04-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Erin is going to be my new roommate in Montevallo in the fall. She is a senior on the soccer team and has a heart for lost at montevallo to come to know him. She will be going on a cross cultural project (mission trip) this summer for the month of june to sydney austrailia. Though I am just getting to know her her heart for the Lord and love for missions encourages me. I thought I would put a link to her blog on the right about her trip to sydney and information on what God is doing with that trip and at montevallo from a student's perspective. It always encourages me to hear about work God is doing all over the world and I thought it might encourage you to know that through your support you are helping many students like Erin have these opportunities!

http://erinsmissiontosydneyaustralia.blogspot.com/

Ending the school year...Jesus is Better than Life!

2010-04-20T22:08:00.001-07:00

Staff partners Ben and Jeffrey! These guys have for real been brothers for me this semester...I am so thankful and grateful to them and their families for how much they have taught me. I couldn't ask for better staff partners. We were playing in the picture but there might have been some real tears as we went into our last campus outreach rally at South Alabama. The theme of the night was "Jesus is better than life" The one thing we want to leave the students with is that.....better than life, air, food, sex, relationships, school.....Jesus is better than life. Before the meeting as these men pleaded with God for laborers to be raised from that room and for them to not just be challenged tonight but to walk with Him for a lifetime and give their life away for him....I felt so privileged to be a part of what God has been doing and will continue to do at South Alabama after we are gone.

Brittany and Laura Jo from D group at our last campus outreach formal rally. I'm gonna miss these girls. Brittany is actually going to spend this summer as an intern at Common Ground Montgomery. She will be working with urban missionaries there in the inner city and reaching out to kids through programs, tutoring, events, and to show and share the love of Christ. Laura Jo will actually be with me at the Summer Beach Project. She is going as a group leader this summer so you can pray for them both that they would grow in their relationship with God and that he would use this summer to help them learn how to give their lives away for the rest of their life.

We had our last weekly bible study last night! We will still see each other with two more weeks left of school but it was our last formal group. We talked about discipleship....the importance of being a disciple and investing in others as well. As we looked at scriptures and had discussion on what we were learning....it never fails each week that I sit back as they are talking and think wow look at God work! What he has done in their lives is something only he can do! Some of these girls lives looked so radically different a year or even 6 months ago and to hear them talking about things they are learning from his word! This is so special and i'm so thankful to be a part. If there is one thing God has humbled me with this semester is that I can't change hearts or make people grow but him that does the work and draws them to himself. Thankyou for praying for me and these girls. Some of them are thinking of going to SBP so you can pray for their decision making and summers.

Leavin it all on the field at USA

2010-04-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

With the knowledge that we will soon be leaving campus here at South The Lord has really pushed me more than ever to make the most of my time here and to make every moment count. Our pastor encouraged us to think about what Jesus did when he knew that he was leaving soon. (He invested deeper in those that were with him.) As a staff our 2 main goals for the rest of the semester have been 1) invest in and encourage students to walk with God for a life time and 2) Connect students more strongly to local churches where they can continue to get fed and grow. I feel God has really been blessing me to build stronger relationships with girls and I am most of all enjoying every minute of ministry here at South Alabama! I’m praying that several of the students we’ve been spending time with will also decide to come to the summer beach project to get more training in growing in a relationship with God. You can pray that God would really work in the students lives and that he would prepare them to continue ministry next year on the campus and in the workforce as some of them graduate!

Montevallo

2010-04-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

I spent 4 days in Montevallo last week!!! I went to get to know some students and staff as well as find an apartment and learn more about the campus. Most of all God confirmed in my heart that this is where he is leading me and I am more at peace about this decision. With just 3000 students everyone that I met (I met a LOT of people) I kept running into so I really felt like I was able to connect well to many of the students. I was able to room with some girls from the soccer team. 2 of them were not believers and 1 of them (Erin) will be my future roommate. We were able to share the gospel with them together and the girls responded really well. They are even open to doing a 4 week investigative bible study with erin to investigate more about what it really means to be a Christian! I’m told that Montevallo has 30-40 students coming to the summer beach project this summer so you can be praying for that!

Thoughts on UM:

Positive:
>Found a roommate and apartment all in one day...it's all set to move in July!
>Small campus. I think this is a great fit for me. Everyone that I met I continually ran into. I really felt like I was able to build a lot of relationships and meet a lot of people in just a few days! I really like the campus.
>Community. Montevallo students are gamers...They love games as do I so as soon as the games started after the squaredance I fell more in love with the students! I also appreciated that they really brought others especially freshmen into their community. I really saw a lot of interaction with freshmen and others and was really impressed with this. It really seems like there is a team to labor with.
>Multiplication. I really liked that it seems like a sense of ownership is being passed on with the students there. Even in the first d group that some of the girls were in they were challenged to start praying about who they would lead and invest in in 6 months and then go out and evangelize and disciple! I saw some laborers and was challenged and encouraged....
>Lost. I got to room with 3 soccer girls. 1 will be my future roommate and the other 2 are not believers. I have so many fears about the personality climate of a new place and if I will be able to relate. I walked away from the weekend with 2 more friends and I got to share the gospel with them....One of them is going to do a test of true belief bible study with erin (my future roommate)....another freshmen girl rachel that erin and I met decided to come to SBP after one conversation we had....she signed up the next day! anyways it was like God saying to me you can do this! and trust me!
>Connecting with girls going to SBP....I got to connect with some freshmen girls going to SBP. I feel like I already am friends with them so I'm so much more excited to go!
>Laboring: I really felt like I gave my life away in the time that I was there. I really enjoyed doing ministry there that week and feel like God confirmed more in my heart that this decision was his leading, guiding, and directing. He is in control, loving, and faithful and if he wants it then I'm glad to see what he has in store.

Struggles:
> I definetly feel the weight of being at south and finishing well. This has been such a joy and I desire to and feel called finish well on campus here and with the girls I'm currently leading. I love them and am very sad to leave them.
>I just got back from birmingham for the third time this month. I was there for the weekend for SBP planning and the mobilization retreat for our juniors and seniors to prepare for walking with God and life after college. The driving and messed up routine is getting to be a bit much for me.
>I'm if anything going backwards with support raising now at 660 a month I need to raise. I'm trying to trust him of course!

Support

2010-04-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

With the transition underway I have lost several monthly financial supporters. I am currently in need of raising about $660 a month more to be fully funded by the time beach project starts at the end of May. God is using this most of all to teach me how to depend on him and trust him to provide! Please keep this in your prayers that God would bring me to more people like you who would find it a joy to invest in this ministry. Thank you so much for your support!

D Group

2010-04-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

This semester I have had the awesome privilege to invest in some junior college girls. Kelsey and Laura Jo have been involved with the ministry for a couple of years even before I got here. They have really shown their desire to walk with Jesus and invest in others. Both girls encourage me so much with their desire to fight the battle well and trust God with their lives. Through decisions and even commitment to his word and prayer it is encouraging to see God raise up laborers in each of them and use them in the lives of others. They have each led someone to the Lord this semester!

Tears of the Saints

2010-03-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Moving

2010-03-17T16:56:00.001-07:00

To all of my wonderful supporters,
After I moved to USA last August I felt pretty strongly that I “knew my course,” and that course must be to stay on staff with Campus Outreach at USA. I was surprised last month as you may be surprised now to find out that due to many reasons Campus Outreach Gulf Coast at USA and LSU needed to close down. This was unexpected! This month I have taken time to evaluate where I am and what direction I should take next in life? I asked God to show me what He wanted. I began to see that God was leading me to stay with Campus Outreach. It’s neat now to see how HE has determined my steps! God has taught me so much this year at South Alabama. It really was a blessing for me to learn more about my relationship with God and just to remember, I truly do LOVE evangelism and discipleship with girls! I know that it is an IMMENSE privilege to get to do what I do full-time, and I must tell you again that I am so grateful that you make this privilege a reality for me right now.

As I have prayed through these things the past month or so, again the Lord has clearly directed my heart. I knew that if given the option, any day of the week I would keep doing what I am doing- but I also know as I mentioned that it will not be an option for me to stay at South Alabama. I had the opportunity to visit the ministry at the University of Montevallo recently and the pieces began to fall into place as the Lord put it on my heart. It seemed crazy to me at first, but as I have sought the Lord and counsel, it just seems to fit! Most of all through this time God has renewed my vision and faith in his heart to bring lost people into a relationship with him. I believe my investment (and yours as well) in college students is an investment in reaching the world for Christ as our desire is to equip laborers in college to influence the world for Christ. So I will still be doing the same things…just in a different place.

This semester I will continue to be on campus at South Alabama as I also seek to raise my support up to 100% (I have lost some supporters due to the economy). This summer South and Montevallo students will be on the same summer beach project (discipleship program) and I will begin the transition to Birmingham to start work at Montevallo! It is official!! I think that the campus will be a great fit for my strengths, and I’m excited to see what God has in store. This means that our big events (conferences and summer projects) will be with new schools– Troy, Samford, Montevallo, North Alabama, West Georgia and Berry College. I definitely want to keep you posted and ask for your prayers throughout this transition period! I will be calling you soon and would love to meet with you personally to discuss more if you would like. With Much THANKS and LOVE, Holly

What the Bible Says about the Bible workshop Psalm 119

2010-03-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

We time time to look at Psalm 119 and answer these questions at our last Bible Study...I would encourage anyone to take time to do this if you want to be encouraged in your thoughts and desires toward God's word.

1. What is true about the lives of those who live according to God’s word? (Verses 1-3, 9, 165)

2. What does God’s word say about itself?

3. What is the Psalmist’s attitude toward God’s word; how has it affected his life?

4. Consequences of rejecting/disobeying God’s word: (Verses 21, 70, 78, 98, 119, 126, 150, 155)

5. What things can we pray for about God’s word? (Verses: 8, 10, 12, 17-19, 25-29, 33-37, 43, 58, 65-66, 68, 73, 80, 107, 108, 116, 124-126, 133-135, 144, 149, 154, 256, 169, 170, 172, 175)

A Handbook of Enemy Strategies by John Piper

2010-03-07T19:56:00.001-08:00

What is Satan's aim and his strategies?

1. He is the Father of lies. John 8:44His nature is falsehood! He only speaks the truth in order to deceive.
2.Therefore, his chief enemy is truth - he opposes God's word. Genesis 3:1-5
3.He casts doubt on God's goodness. Genesis 3:1-5
He destroys the obedience of faith.
4.He hinders missions strategy. 1 Thess. 2:18He opposes the truth reaching and converting people.
5.He distorts and prevents effective Gospel ministry. Acts 13:8-9
6.He avoids inner need by removing external trouble. 1 John 3:12
7.He uses the fear of death to hold men in bondage. Hebrews 2:15
The fear of death doesn't lead them to God because it leads them to get as many kicks here as possible.
8.He causes people to stumble over bad Christian attitudes. 2 Tim. 2:24-26
9.He blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Cor. 4:4
10.He exploits a lack of understanding. Mt. 13:19
11.He suggests ways that don't involve suffering. Mt. 16:23; Mt. 4:1-11
12.He imitates religious roles. 2 Cor. 11:14-15; Mt.13:28,30; Rev. 2:9
13.He misuses Scripture. Mt. 4:6
14.He imitates signs and wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9; Mk. 13:22
15.He offers exotic occult alternatives. Rev. 2:19-24
16.He attacks faith. 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Cor. 11:3
17.He brings persecution. Rev. 2:9; 1 Pt. 5:8; Lk. 22:31
18.He brings sickness. Job 1:11; 2:5; Lk. 13:16.
19.He causes dissension over doctrine and causes rifts. Rom. 16:17-20
20.He tempts saints with sexual allurements. 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 5:15
21.He takes advantage of unresolved anger. 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:27
22.He promotes pride. 1 Tim. 3:6We began with liar and end with pride.
Connection: the truth is that God is God and we are not. It is humbling. The only way to rebel against the lowliness of creaturehood is to be a liar. Therefore humility under God is the great devil resistance (James 4:6-7).

Repentance; dealing with our hearts

2010-03-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

In one of our groups last week we took some time to evaluate our walk with God, specifically to search our hearts and think about our sin. Afterwards as we began to share each girl began to share sin that we didn't even realize was affecting our lives! We began to see that our biggest sin in general was negligence....not ever setting aside time to deal with our hearts (which are desperately wicked) and seek God in repentance; confessing our sin to him, laying it at his feet, remembering his love and death that covers it. I mean how often to any of us do this?

This week our church is focusing on prayer and tonight was the kick-off worship night. Afterwards the pastor got up and quickly noticed that this week isn't just about praying but about dealing with our hearts and coming into a right relationship with God. This verse has been one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible to me and I have found it to be true over the past few years.

Acts 3:19
Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.

I would like to encourage you to take some time with your creator....start with repentance.

singleness; a privilege!

2010-03-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

This is a note from my friend Amanda she always encourages me!

Amanda's note on Singleness

Women's Retreat

2010-03-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we had a women’s retreat in Birmingham with girls from USA, Troy, Huntington, and Alabama State. This was meant to be a refreshing getaway and time to challenge the girls in their walk with God. Our speaker’s name was Colleen Conner and she spoke to us on the gospel, fighting sin, and God’s word. She is a gifted communicator and God really used this weekend to impact hearts. More than anything the South Alabama girls (including me) walked away with a hunger for God’s word. I pray this will last for the rest of their lives

Bible Study

2010-03-03T22:06:00.000-08:00

One of the true blessings and privileges God has given me this semester is to invest in a group of 8-10 girls that I lead in a Monday night bible study. Not all but most of them became believers last semester, at New Year’s conference, or this semester. They are babies to the Christian faith. Everything that we look at in the bible study is new to them. They’ve never heard many of the things of the gospel before and it always encourages me to hear their excitement at learning and growing in their relationship with God. As new believers it seems to be the top priority in their mind above all things…learning how to grow. It reminds me that knowing God is the best thing in the world and there is nothing better than Him. I normally have other opportunities during the week to teach them more about studying God’s word and sharing their faith…this is such a privilege and thanks for allowing me to be here.

Evangelism story...these are real people!

2010-03-03T22:05:00.000-08:00

Emily and Erin are two girls I told you about in my last update that specifically I have spent some time around and shared my faith with several times. Shelby, one of the girls I’m leading in a discipleship group is friends with them and has gone with me and we’ve shared the gospel with them together. It has been encouraging to see her grow in learning how to share her faith. We have had some more opportunities to share with them and both have been glad to learn what a true relationship with God is but are at a point where they are just being honest that right now they don’t feel ready to surrender their lives. You can pray that God would help them to know that nothing they are holding onto is worth not having a relationship with Him, that he loves them, and that they would be miserable in sin and see that it will not satisfy what only God can.

New Believer:
One of our students Wes has had the opportunity share the gospel with another student at work. Zach became a believer this week!

Chocolate Festival

2010-02-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

I live down the street from the fair grounds so some of the girls invited me to go to the chocolate festival in town. At first we didn't think there was really very much chocolate there (mostly different booths of people trying to sell things) but then after lots of free samples I think we all had more than enough chocolate!!

Shelby, Mandy, me, Logan. and Kelsey
(each of these girls has encouraged me so much this semester as I watch them grow in their relationship with the Lord-this week in our discipleship groups we worked on sharing our testimonies!)

This was just an elaborate chocolate statue!

Christmas Party

2010-01-30T00:14:00.000-08:00

This is a little out of order but I just found this pic on facebook of our Tacky Christmas Sweater Party (no offense to those who love Christmas sweaters)! We used this party to recruit for our New Year's Conference and were able to give away 2 half scholarships to the tackiest Christmas sweaters of all. I was super proud because earlier that day I took Shelby and Blair with me to goodwill to help them pick out their outfits and they tied for first place!!!

Campus Outreach

2010-01-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

Campus Outreach, is a network of interdenominational ministries targeting strategic college campuses around the World. Hopefully you get a feel of our vision but more so that we are a ministry built on relationships! It is through these life-on-life relationships that college students come to know Christ, mature in their relationships with Him, and share their lives and faith with others through evangelism and discipleship.

The ministry of Campus Outreach doesn't end at graduation either. The success of our vision is measured best by the students who carry the vision of reaching the lost world with them after college. Our prayer is that alumni will continue to grow in their relationships with God, share their faith with the lost and continue the process of discipling others.

Bible Study

2010-01-23T22:09:00.001-08:00

We are going to have 7 discipleship groups this semester with the believers involved in the ministry and we will be studying key components of the gospel and christianity. These include, Who is God, Man's nature, Christ and the gift of grace, dealing with sin and repentance, the word, prayer, personal witness...we are hoping and praying that God will use these groups and this semester to radically affect how we and our students walk with God and in a devoted relationship with Him. We want to teach ourselves and the students how to learn and go to God's word for everything and to be a disciple of Christ.

Prayer Requests

2010-01-23T22:07:00.000-08:00

*The bible studies/discipleship groups-that students would grow in their relationship with God, knowledge of Him, and desire to labor in his kingdom.

*Our relationships with lost students. There are particularly two girls that I have had the opportunity to share the gospel with and am praying would come to know him. They are Erin and Emily.

*Me; I will be leading two of the groups. In some ways I wonder where I will have enough time. Please pray that I will be able to schedule well so that I don't get burnt out and overwhelmed.

*Our financial support. All of our staff including me have some monthly support to raise with a desire to be fully funded. I'm asking God for at least 4 new monthly partners in the next month! Please pray with me and let me know if you know of anyone who might enjoy this type of partnership and opportunity to invest.
Thanks so much for all you do I hope you are enjoying a start to the new year!!!!

Good news!

2010-01-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

Last semester several girls in Chi O (sorority) had the opportunity to share the gospel with Lacie. We all prayed for her throughout the semester especially when someone would get another opportunity to share with her or answer questions she had about christianity. Friday I received a text from one of the girls saying "we've been sharing the gospel with Lacie again for 2 hours please pray!" On Tuesay we found out that that day she decided to surrender her life to Christ! She came to our meeting and said "I gave it all to God." We have a new sister!

New Year's Conference

2010-01-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

This is all of the South students that went with us to Conference!

Prayer

2010-01-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

I was recently reading a book entitled "Ordering your private world" with the rest of our staff by Gordan MacDonald....in it was this little paragraph on prayer which goes along with other things God is teaching me lately...thought i'd share....

"Until we believe that prayer indeed is a highly significant activity, that it does in fact reach beyond space and time to the God who is actually there, we will never aquire the habits of continual worship and intercession. In order to aquire these habits we must overcome the part of us that thinks that prayer is not a natural part of life."

This kind of goes along with one thing that God has challenged me with at our New Year's conference. Our theme for the conference was "Think Big. Start Small. Go Deep." As we heard about "thinking big" and I began to watch over the course of 4 days God work in big ways in so many hearts....I was very humbled by my lack of faith in God! Instead of asking God for one or two girls in the dorms to come to Christ and get involved with our ministry....do I not believe that God could do a work throughout the dorm? We had one girl on the soccer team come to NYC and as she made committments to not just be a Christian but a laborer for God I found myself dreaming and asking God that next year.....there is several soccer players who know God and worship him....something that seems impossible now when there is only one Christian on the team. I was reminded that God can do anything! All things are possible with him and he is there and I should ask him to do great things because he is a great God!!!

Another book that shows this is "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence...a cook in a monastary. He writes....

"I turn my little omlete in the pan for the love of God. When it is finished if I have nothing to do, I prostrate myself on the ground and worship my God, who gave me the grace to make it. After which I arise happier than a king."

God is in all things, he has made all things and is lord of all things...how easily we forget! Colossians 1:9-29

"Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."--Dawson Trotman

News from Leah in France

2009-12-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

My college friend Leah from Troy grew up in bible studies and discipleship groups with me throughout college. Her life as well as mine was shaped by Campus Outreach and what we learned about walking by faith in college. Here is a bit of a recent update from her...as I read her thoughts I completely sympathize! So I thought I'd share... Leah could definetly use your prayers as she seeks to share the gospel in France.

"I'd be lying if I told you that I have everything together. The definition of "missionary" for me, continues to be defined as "asking for grace and guidance from the Lord daily, because I have no idea what I'm doing & never cease to fail every time I rely on my own strength to do anything."

Thankfully, this verse has been particularly encouraging to me in this, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians12:9

Thank you LORD for your constant undeserved love for us!

Prayer Requests

-For the Lord to bring more opportunities to share the gospel & build friendships with: Amy, Sarah, Rebecca & Chloe.

-Our church's college ministry. We have several fun events coming up this month! Please pray that these would lead to informal spiritual conversations & the desire for constant fellowship with other believers.

-Language training. This area has been tough for me! Please pray that the Lord would bring a French Luminy student in my life to tutor me.

-A new pastor for the church plant of South Marseille.

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Phil. 1:3

Paul couldn't have said it better, I send my deepest gratitude for your constant prayers & support as I co-labor with you in Marseille. I pray that you & your family enjoy this holiday season as we celebrate our Savior.

Love from France,
Leah

Scripture Memory

2009-12-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

We are memorizing a passage over the christmas break with our student leaders. Feel free to memorize with us or ask me if you see me to tell you what I have memorized!! Here is an e-mail I sent out to our team of students about this.....

The staff was thinking that we could all be challenged to memorize a passage over the break. We decided on Col 1:9-29. This passage is packed with prayer, with Christ, the gospel, and Paul’s desire to “warn and teach everyone”. It will be a good one to "hide in our hearts."

In light of our evaluation time I think it would be good for us to hold each other accountable in this by talking about it with each other and even asking when we talk to each other (phone, facebook, NYC) to say the passage. This is one of the best ways to spur on gospel community.....by encouraging each other to know God's word!!!

If any of you are like me sometimes if I don't get someone to hold me accountable to something it just might not happen....especially over the holidays!!!! So a helpful hint would be to find yourself an accountability partner if you need one to call consistently over the break to talk about the passage with. You can say it to each other, talk about what it means, principles you're learning, and how you can apply it, etc.... Just a thought!

Merry Christmas!

Winter New Year's Conference

2009-12-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Please pray for our upcoming
Campus Outreach Winter Conference in Nashville, TN this coming December 27-31st. At this conference, over 1,000 students from 30 of our college campuses in 8 states will gather together for an exciting week of learning and teaching about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and how to grow in that relationship with Him. There will be worship times, teaching sessions, and growth seminars designed to meet the spiritual needs of these students. Please pray for the hearts of these students who attend to be moldable to God and His Word, and that many who attend would come to enter into a personal relationship with God.

Logan's Story

2009-12-11T12:23:00.001-08:00

It was off to lunch with Hannah!!! We began to talk about spiritual things Later I tried to sleep but couldn’t, and my heart felt so broken. I went to Kristen’s, tell her of my day, I was so very nervous, but then she prayed for me, the sweetest words ever spoken, she then went over some words of the Bible. Romans 6:23. I recited with her, I almost started to tear up, being so out of my element. The Lord has become everything that I've wanted. At 22 (Campus Outreach) they spoke of how everyone seeks happiness and we were asked where do we seek happiness? As I spoke the words to the Lord, with Kristen by my side, 11:23, August 31, 2009. I asked God to come into my heart, 19 years of age, I have started my destination with true happiness, that which is of the Lord, the happiness that is so secure. Thank you for all the prayers. for I am forever grateful, and looking forward to this new life. The Lord himself will fight for you. Exodus: 14:14. —Logan Robinson

Kristen, Hannah, and Logan

Support

2009-12-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you I have been able to finish this year in the “black” God has faithfully provided through each of you 100% of my support needs for this last year! Something only he could do!!! I have some monthly support to raise for next year and will be looking to 2010 preparations. Please let me know if you can not continue your commitment through the next year (2010) so that I can plan accordingly to make sure we have the finances needed to make it through the year. I can not ever thank you all enough for your investment through finances and prayer in our ministry….it is so needed and appreciated! It’s truly an investment in lives

Semester Encouragement

2009-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

We have had 4 students (Jeremy, Chris, Jacob, and Logan) give their lives to Christ this semester!!! There are many others who are asking questions as they seek the claims of Christ. We trust that God would transform their hearts and develop them with a desire to deny self, take up their cross daily, and follow him.

A Personal Story

2009-12-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

Double Click on the picture for a larger view!

Halloween Pumpkin Carving!

2009-10-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

I must admit my thoughts were skeptical....will college students really come to a pumpkin carving contest? However boy was I wrong! More students came to this event than we've had at anything! AND everyone had a really great time! The best part was that we were able to meet and connect with many students and are hoping to build on those relationships....for the sake of the gospel!

First-EVER South Alabama Football Game

2009-10-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

The first ever south alabama football game! We got to tailgate and spend time with students which was fun....here are some pics!

YAY!

This is Shautoya one of our students.

The band...

Katherine is a USA and campus outreach alum....great to see her!

Cookout at my house

2009-10-26T15:20:00.001-07:00

This was maybe the second week of school when I was just getting to know the students. It's a little late putting them up I'll admit

Laura Jo, me and Brynn (these girls are leading a bible study in chi o (their sorority)

Guys cooking

Everyone playing catch phrase
!
Richard and Derek two of our student leaders

Chillin

Contentment

2009-10-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Recently I went for a professional development day with other staff girls on different campuses for campus outreach. A lady named Colleen who was on staff in the 80s during the first years of the organization gave us some talks on different subjects and I learned so much! One of the talks she gave to us was on the subject of contentment.
Here is one of the most significant things I walked away with in how to worship God no matter what the circumstances are that I am in.

“Let me say I am here 1) by God’s appointment 2) in his keeping 3) under his training 4) for his time.”
-Robert J. Morgan in “Red Sea Rules”

Christ died to give us life and life abundantly so Colleen challenged us to remember in all circumstances to have the perspective of being here by his appointment, in his keeping, under his training, and for his time.

What do I know for Sure?

2009-10-26T12:47:00.001-07:00

At a recent workshop we were asked to think of scriptures that describe what in life that you know for sure. The only stipulations were to focus on God’s character and how he relates to you. Here are the verses I came up with. It was a refreshing time with God if you want to try to make your own list of “What you know for sure”

Things I Know for Sure
Isaiah 43:11
Isaiah 43: 1, 2, 4
Romans 5:8
Psalm 73:25-26
Psalm 73:28
Romans 8:28, 31-32
Philippians 1:6
1 John 2:25
2 Corinthians 5:17

South....

2009-09-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

So Sorry it has taken me awhile to update. It's partly because so much has been going on that I don't know what to tell you about. Her are are a few highlights and things you can pray for from the past few weeks at South!

Highlights

1. We had almost 100 students at our Tuesday night meeting. I was able to share my testimony and my staff partner Jeffrey gave a talk about "broken cisterns" which don't hold water and how we give our lives to things that don't satisfy rather than to God who is the fountain of living water. We were able to follow up with many conversations afterward and this week asking what are the broken cisterns in your life that you turn to instead of God? 2 students Jacob (guy) and Logan (girl) became Christians this week! Yeah!

2. God provided an opportunity for me to share my faith with Alexa a new freshmen at south. We happened to run into each other each with an hour to spare and nothing to do yesterday...(It was a God thing) as we were talking I was able to share the Gospel with her...although she would call herself a Christian (Catholic) she later became vulnerable admitting that she wasn't sure if God would really forgive her of her sin and was just hoping that when it came time that he would hopefully let her into heaven. I was encouraged because she seemed amazed to understand the gospel for the first time and it was huge in her life to understand that a relationship with Christ is not about what we do but it's about what he did for us on the cross.I challenged her to make a decision about giving her life to him that day (yesterday) then her boyfriend walked up and interruppted...oh no! It's ok though God's perfect timing has her wrestling through this decision and taking some more time. Please pray for her that she gives her life to him soon! I was encouraged to be exactly where God has placed me in that moment!

3. South is getting a football team! The first game is on saturday! We are using the tailgating experience to get to know more students.

Things to Pray For:

1. The university has decided to not give non-university faculty and staff I.D.s...this means that we are unable to go to the rec center where many students go throughout the day, get parking passes (and I have already gotten a ticket), and the athletic games(well we just pay to get in). A new person just got this job and is worried about liability for the university but he is open to hearing a proposal. Most universities allow this so all the campus ministries together are working on a proposal to share how we add to the life of the university and how other universities handle this....we are praying to recieve university IDs soon!

2. We are praying that at least 15 people would become believers through this ministry this semester!

3. I'm having a game and icecream night in the hallway of the freshmen girls dorm next wednesday...the goal is to build relationships and get to know more students that we can share our faith with and push towards Christ. We are planning on starting some evangelistic bible studies in a month but right now the goal is to get to know as many people as we can, build relationships, and share our faith. I've been getting to know a few girls on the track team as well so I'm praying for an oppurtunity to have them all over for dinner and get to know them better.

Ok so maybe I can't keep it short....but these are all things that are going on because you make it possible! Thanks for investing in me!

USA Staff Team

2009-08-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is Jeffrey, Ben, me and Tony. We are the Campus Outreach staff for South Alabama!

Brazil Videos

2009-08-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

This is the Brazil team a couple of weeks ago at Beach Project the night they put on a presentation about their summer called a vision rally. It was encouraging to see and hear about the things they learned in another culuture as well as hear stories about lives they were able to impact. Here are some personal videos that they showed us...please watch them. These are individual lives in another country that God working in and using you as a part of that impact! This is Raphael, Gabi, and Carol. Rapheal and Gabi are now following Jesus and Carol is still thinking about what truth really is.

Raphael

Gabi

Carol

Support Status

2009-08-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm so close! I'm at 92%! Move-in day on campus is on August 15th(when I'm hoping to start meeting students). I have $245 a month to raise before then. It is a short amount of time left and I must admit I'm a little stressed about it BUT if there is one thing that I've learned throughout this process it's that God is BIG and he can do anything! Please pray that I will meet the few people that I need to give monthly and partner with me as well to have all budget needs met so that I can get on campus full time next week! If you are interested in talking with me about this opportunity to be a part of the ministry please call me at 251-604-8044 or e-mail at hbanning@campusoutreach.org. Thanks!
~Holly

Our Vision

2009-08-03T18:39:00.001-07:00

I heard some newcomers to the site might be interested in what exactly it is we do with Campus Outreach and why.....here is our info!

OUR VISION

The vision of Campus Outreach is "Glorifying God by Building Laborers on the Campus for the Lost World." We seek to build laborers with a commitment to the Great Commission through evangelism and discipleship. We are passionately reaching students with the gospel and training them to become mature followers of Christ. Our desire is then to see students leave college fully equipped to labor in the harvest field for the glory of God.

Building Laborers
The need of the hour for the church is trained followers of Jesus Christ. Our desire is not to babysit students but to work to help grow them up to mature disciples. Matthew 9:36-38 says, "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out workers into the fields." We believe God has called Campus Outreach to raise up men and women from the college campus and train them to be effective workers that will labor in the various fields of today’s world.

On the Campus
The college campus is a strategic mission field. College students are at the crossroads of life, making lifetime decisions and moving out to influence the world.

For the Lost World
These same college students who are trained on campuses eventually become men and women in the workplace, the home, our schools and many other avenues of life. Upon graduation they have the potential to affect the lost world with the gospel and to train others to labor for Christ.

"...He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd... the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few..."

The Overwhelming Need
There are approximately 2,600 colleges in the United States without an evangelical campus ministry.

The Indisputable Command
From Genesis to Revelation, God's shows His desire and command to bring the lost into a personal relationship with Himself. It is our joy to obey His Great Commission.

The Window of Opportunity
For many college students this is a critical time of life, and decisions made while in school can affect a student's life forever. Leaders built on the campus can have an impact on their generation for a lifetime.

Discipleship
Discipleship has always been the very heartbeat of the ministry philosophy. Just as Christ chose twelve men who turned the world upside down, we believe that investing in a few faithful individuals can impact hundreds or even thousands of lives.

Our Strategy
Reach college students with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Build college students into mature disciples of Christ.

Equip college students to be laborers for Christ.

Mobilize graduates into their spheres of influence throughout the world.

"Campus Outreach not only affected my college life, but the training I received through this ministry continues to affect my life every day. No matter where I go or what I do, I want to impact the world for Christ, and Campus Outreach has equipped me to do that." - Kevin Steedley, Campus Outreach Alumnus

So what exactly will I be doing at South Alabama? Well everything listed above to the best of my ability and only by God's grace and power seeing students come to know and grow in Christ. If I'm focusing on evangelism this might mean you can find me in the dorms, cafeteria, or soriority house making friends and getting to know girls in the hopes I can also share the love of Christ with them. I will be helping other Christian students to do this as well as we teach students how to study the word and share the gospel. We also focus heavily on discipleship looking to Jesus's ministry and how he had life on life training with his disciples. We have bible studies on campus and are hoping to do as it says in...

2 Timothy 2:2
"and the things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust these things to faithful men who will be able to teach others."

I can't wait to get started please pray for our ministry at South Alabama!

Welcoming Brazil and Thai teams back to the States!

2009-08-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

BRAZIL SHIRT GIRLS

Ok so we were missing the "L" for awhile so we played a game!

There it is!

Some Pics from time at the Summer Beach Project

2009-08-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have a plan....

2009-07-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

"...a monthly spending plan. Shouldn't we all have one?" -Malerie Lee

I was recently visiting my friend Malerie in Troy. As we were talking the subject of finances came up and she began telling me about her recent success with the Dave Ramsey Total money MakeOver plan. She showed me the envelope system she had made with great excitement exclaiming that "I'm telling my money where to go instead of wondering where it went." For Malerie this system has allowed her to save, give, and has her well on her way to being completly debt free.

As I am starting with Campus Outreach this next month and gaining some more payments; rent, utilities, etc...I want to really be smart and take responsiblity for my life. I borrowed the "Total Money Makeover" from Malerie and have already set up my system seeing how this has helped thousands of others. I also like how simple the principles are and easy to follow.

I'm just getting started but I'm excited that I have a plan!

Dave's plan for getting out of debt is made of up seven "baby steps" that are aimed to keep you on track and prioritize the major financial management decisions that he says are key to getting ahead and building wealth throughout your life. The steps are short and sweet but not easy.

Here's a link to the steps online if you want to take a look! I recommend reading the book for a lot more insight and tips though!

7 Baby Steps

Ministry in Montgomery

2009-07-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have attached a link of a ministry in Montgomery, AL. It was started by a guy who formerly worked with Campus Outreach at Troy...This is a ministry worth investing in with your prayers, service, and finances...

6000 Feet Away

I would like to encourage each of you to consider your investment in a ministry that is seeking to bring the Kingdom of God to a place that seems so hopeless.

Always Wear Clean Underwear

2009-07-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Someone once said "Change is good, if it wasn't, you would still be wearing yesterday's underwear." But that doesn't mean change is easy...change can be easy, but it can also be hard...scary...fun...exciting...stressful...all of the above....(from my friend Joy) ;)

I'm in the middle of transition now or so I have been lately...Getting ready for the change! I have some support left to raise still but i'm so close...91%! Going to Beach Project for return training the 29-1rst. Then hoping to move in on the first into a rental house and start work on the 7th. But what if I don't get the rest of my support raised? What if something goes wrong with getting the new house and bills in order? What if I'm not effective in ministry at South Alabama at all? Aaaaah!

As I was reading the end of Matthew 6 I was encouraged and also reminded as it says in Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Matthew 6:25-34
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Search for Significance

2009-07-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

"Our Bible Study for young women on the eastern shore"

Some of the girls travelled from Mobile, Pensacola, and even Gulf Shores to be with us on Mon nights in Daphne, AL.

Kelly holding our book that we studied...."Search for Significance"

A couple of months ago I found myself still raising support of course but not involved in any kind of Bible study or fellowship. For me it makes such a difference in my life to have that (People who push me to walk with God). Joanna (in the yellow) lives in lake forrest and graduated from Troy several years ago also felt the same way to we decided to have a bible study and even if it was only me and her that would be ok! When we started to ask around we found that more and more girls in our area are in the same stage of life and really desperate for fellowship and accountability.

Many of us are campus outreach alums from south and troy and that is how we connected but some are fellow co workers and just friends we've made in the area. Joanna picked the book "search for significance" which has a bible study workbook along with it. Each week we would read a chapter and do the bible study with it and meet to discuss it. Our prayer was that "as iron sharpens iron so one man (woman) sharpens another." God blessed this group in each of our lives. One of the girls described it as "water for my soul." Haha we all agreed that it feels that way as we listen to the discussion about the gospel and the things of God it is water for the soul!

The purpose of the study was two fold....first to talk about the things that we put our significance and self worth in including lies from satan that we believe and the second was to talk about the opposite of each of those things and the truth and freedom that God has made us righteous. It was a great book for discussion and bible study and really revealed a lot to each of us in our own hearts about the wrong things we live by and the truth we are called to live by!

Most important to me was in our last meeting last night we discussed God's calling for us to know his word and spend time with him. We talked about how we should be memorizing God's word to hide in our hearts and really none of us are. More than that to get to a place of memorizing we discussed an easy next step to take to grow is just to read some in the Bible every day even if it's just a chapter....it's words of life that transform us and replace the lies that we believe without it! We need God's word to live and breathe and how are we supposed to fight sin and all the lies if we don't know or use our weapon that God has given us?

The group was a gift from God for this season in my life and has really done a lot to prepare me for the next season as I step into full time ministry...I'm so thankful for these girls!

I Made Her Because I Love Her

2009-07-19T23:34:00.001-07:00

One of the girls in our bible study brought in this poem based off of scripture and it was very encouraging to us all.

I MADE HER BECAUSE I LOVE HER

I made her. She is different. She’s unique. With love I formed her in her mother’s womb. I fashioned her with great joy. I remember, with great pleasure the day I created her. (Psalm 139: 13-16)

I love her smile. I love her ways. I love to hear her laugh. And the silly things she says and does. She brings me great pleasure. This is how I made her. (Psalm 139:17)

I made her pretty and not beautiful, Because I know her heart, and she would be vain. I wanted her to search out her heart and to learn that it would be Me in her that would make her beautiful and it would be Me in her that would draw friends to her. (1 Peter 3:3-5)

I made her in such a way, that she would need me. I made her a little more lonesome than she would like to be. Only because I need her to learn and depend on Me. I know her heart, I know if I had not made her like this she would go her own chosen way and forget Me, her Creator. (Psalm 62:5-8)

I have given her many good and happy things, Because I love her. (Psalm 84:11 and Romans 8:32)

Because I love her, I have seen her broken heart and the tears she has cried alone. I have cried with her, And had a broken heart too. (Psalm 56:8)

Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone Only because she would not hold my hand. So many lessons she’s learned the hard way Because she would not listen to my Voice. (Isaiah 53:6)

So many times I have set back and sadly watched her go her merry way alone. Only to watcher her return to My arms sad and broken. (Isaiah 66:2)

And now she is Mine again. I made her, and then I bought her. Because I love her. (Romans 5:8)

I have to reshape and remold her to renew her to what I had planned for her to be. It has not been easy for her or for Me. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I want her to be conformed to My image.This goal I have set for her, Because I love her. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

What's Next

2009-07-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

I'm going to the last week of summer beach project July 29-August 1 for the return of our teams to Brazil and Thailand (they will put on a presentation for parents, SBP students, and supporters about their summer- We call it the vision rally). This week also with all students together we will be having return training which is just getting ready for the fall and I will be spending most of my time with the staff and students of South Alabama. I am excited to get to know some of the girls especially. I want to learn how to help them with their spiritual growth and also they can help introduce me to the campus of South Alabama and help me meet new students.

I will be moving in my house starting that day august 1! My roommate Windy, is a nurse at USA women's and children hospital. Then our staff meetings start on Aug 7 for planning and I believe move-in weekend for south is on the 15th. There are several testimonies from people having been involved with CO or becoming Christians where they met someone who helped them move into the dorms....including me! 2 girls from campus outreach helped me move into my dorm as a freshmen at Troy! So that will be a big event where we are hoping to meet many new freshmen!

Going to South Alabama!

2009-06-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Everybody I finally know which campus I will be laboring at.....South Alabama here I come!

I am excited to have a desitination and since knowing for sure where I am going I have grown more and more excited about what's next. Of course it is a new campus so there is a lot of unknown about doing ministry there but I can't wait to walk on campus for the first time and begin to get to know students.

I still have 500 a month left to raise but I'm praying that knowing where I am going will help me find some more partners who might potenitally have a heart for this specific school.

I am planning on spending the last week of July at the summer beach project in PCB. This is the last week of our discipleship training for the summer and both international teams (Students who went to Thailand and Brazil) will be returning this week to the beach project as well. They will put on a "world vision" rally for us to tell about their summers and encourage us to have a heart for the lost all over the world. Mainly this week we will be spending time with the students from each campus. So I will be spending time with the students from South Alabama as we evaluate and look back at what God has done in our lives and also where he is taking us as we move forward. We will be discussing plans for the fall with our student leaders and how we can continue to grow in our relationship wih God and keep community as well.

I am praying to be at 100% by the time I go to the SBP that week. This would enable me to be ready to go when school starts in August and will also give me time to look for a place to live. We will see what God has in store of course but wanted to share the news! Please keep praying for this time of transistion. Thanks so much!
~holly

Update from Jen at the SBP!

2009-06-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

Jen is a senior at Troy University. She is one of our leaders at the summer beach project and sent this update.

"Our theme for this summer is "Unashamed" and our theme verse for the summer is 2 Timothy 1:12 "That is why I am suffering as I am, yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."

Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy while he (Paul)was in prison about to be executed, so this letter was his last. Through the whole book, he encourages Timothy to live the life of a disciple - a true follower of Christ who lives for God's glory, no matter the cost, because he should be completely convinced of the work
of Jesus. The message of 2 Timothy is not only a call to live unashamed of the gospel of Christ, but it's also a challenge to examine our faith and think about if we're really convinced of what we believe, even to the point of suffering. God calls us to an extreme,radical faith in the gospel, and personally, I have been very
challenged to pursue this sort of depth in my beliefs.

So for the past week, we have been enjoying the beach project environment, studying 2Timothy, going to nightly training session and talks, having discipleship groups, and learning how to share our faith with others in the city. Please pray for a spirit of brokenness on the project, that all of us, disciples and leaders alike, would really see our need for Christ and his complete sufficiency in our weakness. (2Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.)

I am loving spending time with the girls in my group, and I am very encouraged to see their desire to grow and spend time with God, even while being tired and stressed from work. Please pray that there would be a close bond between us, and that our group time would foster an environment of true trust. For Amanda, Brynn, and Jessica, please pray that they would grow in their understanding of the gospel of Christ and that it is relevant and applies to every area of their lives, including their pasts, their attitudes at work, and the way that they relate with others on the project.

Thank you all so much for you encouragement and your prayers. As Paul wrote "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow,"(1 Corinthians 3:6) so even if we plant and water the seeds,ultimately God is responsible for the growth in our lives! Please pray that he would grow the seeds that are being planted in these students' hearts!!

Update from James in Brazil!

2009-06-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a little bit of an update from James. He is a student at South Alabama spending his summer with the team in Brazil.

"I have met three (3) Rafael’s. Yes, three. And two of them are bald/shaved heads. But its great. I’ve got to spend a decent amount of time with them the past week and am starting to become close with one in particular.
The whole point of the discussion groups we have every Wednesday night is to get people to ask questions and to think about life and the purpose of it. We might not be sharing the gospel with any method you’re use to but we’re moving the Truth forward slowly. Yesterday, we discussed how short life is and how people deal with it.

Discussion groups are a great time to sit down with different people and share your beliefs. Its really amazed me how open people are to talk about it and how, overall, the Brasilians have loved it. I’ve really started to get a better picture how certain people see the world and who they are and I know this will continue.

This week there has been a futsol (spelling?; its soccer on a basketball court with a goal on either side) tournament on campus. A huge number of students show up for the games. They play two games a day. Right now we’re just trying to meet as many students as we can. I would go into more detail but every day is different. We plan stuff but we have to be really flexible down here. Plans change and that’s okay.

Update from Amber in Thailand

2009-06-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Amber is a junior at Troy...she was recently updating me about her last weekend in Thailand. I think it is interesting perspective on the different culture.
"On Saturday, we went to a Thai orphanage and played with the kids and helped with lunch. we took some of our Thai friends with us so it was good to connect with them in that way. The Thai people are driven by a desire to be good, so going and doing good deeds at an orphanage appeals to them. It took a while for the kids to warm up to us, but through crayons and balloons we won their hearts :)

Sunday we had the privilege of witnessing a Thai baptism. It was so encouraging to see the fruit of the ministry here in Thailand. Several of my close Thai friends were baptized, so that made it even more meaningful. Please pray for Aor and Baan and Ying as they publicly confessed their faith in Christ. It is a bigger sacrifice to follow Christ in Thailand. Aor's family no longer speaks to her because of her belief in Christ."

Support Status

2009-05-31T15:50:00.001-07:00

I'm at 83%......So close!!!!! Just about $600 a month left to raise. Please continue to pray for this. I am beyond excited and getting more and more antzy/anxious to get on campus soon! I will be going down to the beach project(see video below to learn more about SBP) next week to spend time with students as well as working on finishing up support and getting the final decision on which campus I will be going too. God is such a big God and I have been amazed at how he has provided and is continuing to do so. Thanks so much for partnering with me!

~holly

Summer Beach Project!

2009-05-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

SBP VIDEO! (About 10 minutes)

This is our recruiting video to show students. It pretty much goes over all that we do at the SBP from jobs, to bible study, to evanglism it's such a great opportunity to grow in your relationship with God! My own eperience with SBP has so impacted my life and relationship with God! Our Project this year starts on May 28th and we are expecting about 100 students from 4 different schools to attend!

More Recent SBP VIDEO! (very similiar to the one above)

Common Ground Montgomery

2009-05-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

This segment aired on WSFA Montgomery a few weeks ago. Check out the link below to see first hand how Bryan Kelly, Kevin King and their families at Common Ground are seeking to rebuild one of the poorest communities in west Montgomery, by showing the love of Christ to the children and families of those in that area; an area Bryan moved his family to in order to be as effective as possible at winning them for Christ. Bryan was actually previously on staff with Campus Outreach and this ministry is offering an awesome opportunity for staff and students to partner by helping out. Also CO has been able to send 3 graduates to Common Ground to intern for this summer.

The mission of CGM is to glorify God by being instrumental in redeeming impoverished and under-resourced communities through spiritual and community development.

Brasil Team set to GO!!!

2009-04-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

"With your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation."
Revelations 5:9

"To sit and worship with americans singing english and brazilians singing in portuguese is a small glimpse of heaven"

All of the students attending this cross cultural project to Brazil for the summer are from South Alabama! They will be spending their summer in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. They are leaving in 2 weeks!!!!!!! Pray for favor with them as they meet Brazilians and seek to share the love of Jesus!

Facts about Brazil:
~South America's leading economic power and a regional leader.
~However highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems.
~Belo Horizonte in the country's third largest metropolitain area
~The Majority of all Brazilians would call themselves Catholic.

My last roommate Amanda went on this trip 2 years ago with Campus Outreach. I told her that I was updating you guys and asked for her thoughts on the culture and beliefs in Brazil from her experience. These are some of the things she said.

"A lot of them are initially offended by the idea of God and Jesus because the church there is rather corrupt"

"building relationships is very key for the missionaries there and the student teams"

"showing love and not just speaking it is so important in communicating the gospel"

"a lot of them kind of take different stuff from different religions and believe and there is a lot of Brazilians who follow spiritism"

"they are a group centered culture vs. a self centered culture of america so biblical community is very attractive to them"

"community is highly important to them and when they see how a community of believers interacts it's just that much more attractive"

"i think for the american students...experiencing a culture like brazil is such a great growing experience especially in learning to value others and serve them."

"One of the main things I walked away with was learning to see the needs of others and just seeing how big God really is."

"To sit and worship with americans singing english and brazilians singing in portuguese is a small glimpse of heaven"

Thailand Team set to GO!

2009-04-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Campus Outreach Gulf Coast is sending students to Khon Kaen, Thailand for 2 months this summer to partner with Thai missionaries there! They will be spending time with Thai students, building relationships, and sharing the TRUTH!

This is the team! Students are from Troy University, Louisianna Layfayette, and Southeastern Louisianna Universities! They are excited to go! I'm specifically super excited about the 3 girls from Troy that are going; Amber, Lesley, and Amanda! I had the opportunity to disciple these girls my last year in Troy and it is exciting to see them still serving the Lord.

Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Luke 16:15

My friends Lacey and Jason have spent the last 4 months in Puerto Rico with the discover missionary program. Part of their experience involved a short term mission trip to Thailand with Mission to the World. They were able to minister in the slums and areas with high prostitution. A link to their blog is on the right if you want to read more. It's called "Following His Steps"

Here are some of their pics and facts about Thai culture!

96% of the people are Buddhist. Their main thought of religion is much like Hinduism in that you have to be good in this life. If you are you will be reincarnated into a higher status. The goal is to reach "enlightenment/nirvana." Buddha is considered one who reached this level and is recognized as a teacher. Spirit ism and animistic beliefs are mixed in with it as well. They do rituals in order to please the spirits and make offerings to idols as well. Most believe that "to be Thai is to be Buddhist." That means that to denounce your religion, you're denouncing your family and heritage.

These children's parents are raising them to be Buddhist and many have never heard the name of Jesus.

Prayer Request for the CCP (Cross Cultural Project to Thailand)
1. God would bless their fund raising to be at 100% by the time they leave in 2 weeks.
2. That God would grant them favor with the Thai people they meet. That they would desire to befriend the american students and even soften their hearts to the gospel throughout the summer.
3. That God would use this summer to transform the lives of students as well as those they minister to causing them to "count all things as loss compared to the surpassing joy of knowing God."

Update

2009-04-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

Everyone!

I recently reached 68% of the support goal....It is coming along! Of course I'm hoping to be finished by the start of our summer project on May 27th. I don't know if that's too optimistic and unrealistic but that's what I'm praying for and I know God's timing is the best!

This past week I have been in Birmingham for assessments which is a requirement for all potential campus outreach staff. Career and pshycological experts met with us to help us understand our vision, calling, personality mix, growth needs, etc. The goal is for personal growth as well as to help determine which campus team I might best fit with. It went well but now I'm back on the support trail. Talk to you soon!
~Holly

Small Group

2009-03-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of a small group I am in at church....we are reading through a book called "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day." It's about go figure...walking by faith! The people in the group were complete strangers 2 months ago but have been the biggest encouragement! The book is based off of Beneniah in the Bible who fought a lion in a pit on a snowy day and later became the captian of the king's army. It's about being willing to take risks to trust God and walk by faith and is filled with examples from scripture like noah with the ark, esther confronting the king, shadrack, meshack, and abednigo going into the furnace, peter who walked on water and many more. The author tries to relate these stories with our modern day daily and big decisions. The book and most of all the Christian fellowship has been so much of an encouragement to me as I try to do just that-to walk by faith!!! Sorry the pics didn't turn out well...it's with my cell phone.

Workin on the RR

2009-03-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

I've been practicing the guitar for a few months well....kind of. Anways I just traded my guitar in for this smaller one that fits me a lot better...here is me playing with my sister!

If I had a thermometer....

2009-03-10T01:00:00.001-07:00

When I think of updating you on support I've thought of those red termometers that people fill in to show how close they are getting to a fund raising goal....haha I don't have one of those but I'm at 52%! Over the half way mark and so much closer to the goal. I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! If you are reading this then please say a quick prayer for me and those that I meet with....that they would join the team! I'm hoping to be on campus sooner rather than later so I'm working hard! In a book I'm reading with a church group there was a quote that says..."work like it depends on you but pray knowing that it depends on God." Please join me in praying!! Thanks for partnering with me so far....I'll keep you updated!

Oh yeah! I should be finding out what campus I will be on within a few months! Campus Outreach is going through some organizational evaluations and planning and should be able to find the best fit for me soon and don't worry I will let you know!!
~Holly

South Alabama Girls Retreat!

2009-02-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

Katie is in grad school at south and jenny plays softball there. these girls have the most BEAUTIFUL voices and they led our worship for the weekend!
This was before one of the talks as people were still coming in.

Some of the Jaguar girls hangin out at the Retreat!

This past weekend I went to a girls retreat we had at south alabama! Troy University will have theirs next week and also the men from troy and south alabama will be combining to have a "Burly Man Retreat" next weekend!

Our theme was "Treasuring Christ" We had some awesome speakers talk about Why we should treasure christ by presenting the gospel and talking about what Christ has done for us. The conference also focused on HOW we can treasure Christ by treasuring His people (other christians) and also by treasuring the Lost (loving them as Christ loved us and sharing our faith with them)

The speakers used examples in scripture specifically looking at the lives of Mary Magdeline who was devoted to Christ and also Simon Peter. We were all challenged as we read the scripture where Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Do you love me?" when Peter answered yes the Lord replied, "Then feed my sheep." He repeated this three times and personally was challenged that our love for the Lord should motivate us to action because he first loved us!

We had about 20 girls from south alabama come and not only did we learn so much and get refreshed in our walk with God but it was a lot of fun! We had a giant sleepover and dance party of course! It was great to hang out with just the women and we wish the guys the best on their Burly Man retreat next weekend!

Friends!

2009-02-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

This is Roy and Becky McDaniel! I had the great priviledge of attending Troy University with them and calling them some of my very best friends!

The Mcdaniels and I interviewed with Campus Outreach on the same day and they are on the support trail along with me! Keep them in your prayers as they like me seek to share our ministry vision with others, raise support, and get on campus as soon as possible!

The link to THEIR blog is now on the left...it's called "McDaniel Moments"

Swing Dancin!

2009-02-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

One of the main ways I've gotten to get to know some of the students involved with CO at Troy and South is through Swing Dancing! I LOVE going because it's fun and well gives me a chance to be around ministry, hang out with students, and even get into spiritual conversations!

The american legion in pensacola puts on the dance every friday night and when a trip can be arranged students from troy and mobile make the trip!

It's lots of fun and has been great to build community and relationships through dancing and all of the driving!

One way I got to know several of the students from south alabama was when our car broke down outside of the swing place! we had to wait for other people to drive all the way to mobile to drop off their carloads and then come back and get us. We didn't get home till 4:30 AM! We waited at a nearby waffle house where some of the sophomore girls got to share their faith with a waitress (since we were there for hours!). A waitor there actually came to talk with us about Lord and told us how God had changed his life...It was really encouraging!

A Single Decision

2009-01-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

This is a link to a video that shares the campus outreach story in many ways. It also talks about how our daily single and individual decisions can shape and influence others and change the world for Christ! If you are a supporter I would challenge you to watch this to be encouraged and inspired of how you are affecting God's kindgom!

A Single Decision

We Would See Jesus

2009-01-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

This is like a book promotion I guess but also just to let you in on a few things I am learning personally!

I recently read this book and did the 11 week Bible Study along with it with my friend Hayley. It has strengthened my walk with God in so many ways and I would definetly recommend it if you are interested! The chapters are only a few pages long so it doesn't take up to much time. I found it on amazon.com for 1 cent!

The book takes it's title from some men who went up to Peter at a crowded feast and said , "Sir we just want to see Jesus."

No matter where we are in life this should be our desire! I like to underline the more meaningful passages and I found I was underlining the entire book. Each chapter of the book focuses on Jesus in different ways to show how he is the answer to our every need. The authors go straight to the heart of what is means to follow Jesus and seeing Him as all we need, as the truth, as the door, as the way, as the end and for others. Here are a few main things I pulled out from our study!

~Repentance and Refreshing! As I realize how quickly I drift away from God each day learning more about daily repenting to lead into a intimate time with him has been huge for me and is summed up in Acts 3:19 "therefore repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
~I desperately need Jesus and nothing else. I need I think I have is truly met in him.
~Our "I AM" one of my favorite parts of the study was a study on the names of God such as jehovah jireh (my provider) jehovah shalon (my peace) jehovah shammah (God who is there or present) and jehovah roi (my shephard). There were more but it was so great to study scripture and really soak in all of the things that God IS!

I'm bad at this!

2009-01-19T13:29:00.001-08:00

A few of you have pointed out to me that I don't update the blog enough....I know I'm bad at this! haha. Please be patient with me I'm new at this! I will try to do a better job of updating it!

SUPPORT STATUS!

2009-01-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

I am still a little less than half way to my total support goal. The economy has obviously slowed things down a bit! However I do believe that this is the dream God has given me and will press on until he provides the rest! Please continue to pray that I would meet more people who will partner with me! My new goal is to be at 100% by MAY when we begin our summer projects!

Refreshed and Next Plans!

2009-01-19T13:21:00.000-08:00

For me personally at NYC as I got to help (my main job was security! haha) and get to know students from South Alabama and Troy God just confirmed in my heart more than ever that this is where he has me and exactly what he wants me to be doing! It has refreshed and re-motivated me as I seek to share our ministry vision with others to see if they will join the support team! Since then I have also had the opportunity to spend some time with students in both Troy and South Alabama and am excited to be a small part of their lives and see how God is working!
Our next steps as a ministry are to focus on discipleship and evangelism for next semester with students on campus as well as to plan our summer projects including the summer beach project, mission trips to Thailand and Brazil as well as an internship at a inner city ministry in Montgomery called Common Ground. We will be sending college students out to these places this summer for awesome opportunities to grow in their relationship with God and influence others for Christ!
Students are just now beginning to make these decisions so we are praying for them!

New Year's Conference!

2009-01-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

New Year’s conference was wonderful!! It was a time full of fun and learning for me personally. It was so obvious that God was in Atlanta…He did many great things in the hearts of students, including bringing at least 5 students that I know of from South Alabama into His kingdom!!! Please pray for Cody, Fede, Bridget, Savannah, and Amanda as they begin their new life in Him!!

My NEW CAR!

2009-01-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

So I can't really put a picture of my old wrecked car up because they took it away without me going back to see it BUT out with the old in with the new! The Lord provided this awesome car for an affordable price. It was the best deal I found just under what I could pay and it seems pretty reliable so far! There is no other way to describe it but as a gift from GOD!

2008-12-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

At our 3 universities Troy, South Alabama, and LSU staff and students are preparing for our annual New Year’s Conference in Atlanta. The pic is from last year! Each year over 2000 college students attend this conference and it is a great opportunity to hear the gospel and be motivated in your walk with God. There are currently over 350 students from our schools signed up to go! My friend Emma a sophomore at Troy became a Christian at this conference last year!
CONFERENCE PRAYER REQUESTS:

Ø We would simply See God (Psalm 63:1-8)
Ø Salvation for those that are lost (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
Ø We would understand/experience the Gospel’s power over sin (Romans 1:16-17; 6:17-18)
Ø Our vision for the Gulf Coast campuses would be refreshed (Matthew 28:18-20)
Ø Clarity for our speaker as he speaks and for our hearts to receive the message (1Thessalonians 1:5; Acts 17:11)

AH! Thanks!

2008-12-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

I was actually in a car accident last week. My car was totalled and my ankle sprained but other than that I'm fine. The other driver was not hurt and his car wasn't damaged that much so that's good! I really am blessed. (I'll try to put up a pic once I get one of the car)The hit was head on for me and the air bags probably saved my life. As I thought about how easily I could have lost my life I really just have a peace and am so excited and thankful that I know exactly where I'd go and who I'd be with! How scary these things could be for those who don't know God.

I'm continually meeting with people to share our ministry vision and see if they would join the team as well. That's still my main prayer request! I'm at 41% of my goal!

I wanted to also say a sincere thanks to all of you for all that you do. You pray for me, give financially, and encourage me so much! I am very aware that the building of God's kindgom is a group effort and appreciate so much all that you do where you are.
-Holly

Update

2008-10-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I thought that this site would be great especially when I'm on campus because i'll easily be able to post updates,pictures, and even videos for you to see what's going on. I know that some people prefer paper updates and newsletters and I will do that too but I also know that many let the real mail pile up on the counter while checking their e-mail several times a day and might like something like this. I will continue to be faithful in the e-mail updates and will try to always include a link to the blog when I send them. Love you guys! Oh I'm at 30% of my financial goal so please continue to pray for that!
~Holly

Boot Camp

2008-09-30T02:09:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody--this was from one of my first e-mail updates sent in August.

Well I just went to support raising boot camp this weekend and learned so much about how to be an effective support raiser. I met missionaries from all over the world and was so excited to hear about thier vision for fulfilling the Great Commision found in Matthew 28:19-20.

The best thing was just remembering the vision of what I wanted to do and be a part of in the first place. I truly believe that God uses Campus Outreach to change lives and the world and that is exciting to be a part of and an awesome opportunity for others to invest in!

I think my biggest struggle with support raising over the past months has been letting my circumstances guide my feelings. It is easy when things are hard to lose sight of God's promises and his truth. It has been so refreshing over the past few days to go back to the reason I am doing this---because Christ loved and died for me! I want others to experience this love as well.

Prayer Requests:

1. That he would provide at least 3 new supporters per week to join my team.
2. That through those I meet I would also learn of others that would like to be a part.
3. That those who invest in this ministry opportunity would be blessed and encouraged to know that they are a part of influencing others for Christ.

Thanks so much for praying with me! Love you guys!--Holly

LifeHouse Everything Skit

2008-09-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-09-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Walking by Faith

2008-09-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well I'm not a journaler or a blogger at all but I thought that this would be a good way to let everyone know what is going on.

I named the blog walking by faith for now because #1 I couldn't think of anything creative with my name and #2 that is one of the main things God is teaching me in this chapter of my life.

Currently I am raising support to go on staff with Campus Outreach. I've been involved with C/O throughout college and can't imagine a better job. Once the support is raised then I will move to a college campus and full-time focus on evangelism and discipleship. God has drastically changed my life and I simply want to follow his leading and share his love with others. Until then I am living at home with my family and substitute teaching!

I can't WAIT to get on campus but God is teaching me so much during support raising. The people on my team so far are AMAZING! I couldn't ask for better brothers and sisters in Christ who are on the team by giving and praying. My main prayer request is that God would provide the rest of the supporters needed so that I can get on campus soon. I don't know how good I will be at keeping this blog up but I will do my best!