Part 1, Utah and All

University of Utah, Spring 2016: I enjoyed extended hours with curious students in the coffee shop, deliberating over the great questions of human purpose, the existence (or not) of God, and, of course -- the politics of gender and sexuality.

Always, I sensed the presence of Jesus with me, speaking words beyond my abilities.

If you'd like to watch a video segment, it is here.

Cedar Campus, on the U.P. of Michigan: As camp speaker at Chapter Focus Week, I was assigned to teach through Genesis 1-3.

After the talk on Genesis 3, students brought their sins forward to the "Tree of Life," which of course in NT times is the cross of Christ. Several students came to faith that evening.

St. Olaf College: The awesome community center where I meet with students for Bible study and leadership development. See below for more on St. Olaf.

Macalester College Chapel: Another Fireside Chat between Rabbi Barry Cytron and myself, this time on how to read Scripture and what it means to our personal lives. Both Jewish and Christian students interacted with our presentations. See below for more on Macalester.

Mississippi River, Twin Cities: Sharon and I out walking in our home town. 

Thank you for giving me a thousand conversations with college students and faculty. It's a complex environment these days, with postmodernism, science-only atheism, radical egalitarianism and the intense pursuit of personal identity all vying for supremacy in the academy. 

My main challenge is trying to hear the voice of God amidst so much noise and static.

If you'd like to give a gift (or an extra gift) to my work with college students and faculty, that would be lovely. June 30 is the end of our fiscal year. 

Thanks so much for your prayers and giving!

Give a gift here.

(If you are specifically interested in InterVarsity at St. Olaf or Macalester, see below.)

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Part 2: St. Olaf, June 2016

It was tough to see Aussie Lily Myers graduate this spring. I sat with her family at the Baccalaureate service before bidding them bon voyage as they took their daughter back home, half-way round the globe. She was a fine InterVarsity leader.

IVLC stands for InterVarsity Leadership Cohort. This high-commitment group isn't for everyone, but six Oles signed up for the fall. Our focus is on the intersection of leadership, devotion and theology. 

Having just finished my second year at the college, I'm taking things slowly, trying to learn the culture, get my legs under me, discern God's leading. He seems in no hurry . . . I need to walk at his pace.

Lastly, if you'd like to support InterVarsity staff work (me, in this case :) at St. Olaf, a link is here.

Thanks so much!

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Part 3: Macalester College (MCF), June 2016

The new "Servant Team" (leadership team) made the annual trek to Chapter Focus Week in May, along with 13 other MCF students. 

This team is amazingly talented as well as being super-committed to God's work through MCF, which is burgeoning.

L to R above: Everest (CA) is the "heart," Emily (WI) the overall coordinator, Sarah (MA) the admin-wizard, Hannah (CA) the "soul," Kyle (IL) the theologian. And then there is me, trying to keep up (seriously).

Sharon made an authentic Korean meal this spring for her cool husband . . .  eh, um, for Minji and Dongmin, that is.

This year's MCF Easter dinner in Smail Gallery drew over 100 students.

Hawi Tilahune '16 (Ethiopia) is worship artist extraordinaire, student rep to the Macalester board of trustees, and one of three graduating seniors to win the Global Citizenship Award at the college. Hawi is a Jesus devotee.

Justin Rasmussen '16 (Kenya) was MCF Servant Team Coordinator, catalyst of a multi-faceted campus conversation on Christianity and colonialism, and, with Hawi, one of three winners of the college's prestigious Global Citizenship Award. 

Me: I act as sidelines coach for MCF. Students run most of the ministry, which, by God's grace, grew by 20% again this year.

You: Many alumni and friends of MCF brace us with prayer, scholarship help and support of the staff (me in this case). Thank you so much. I'd love it if more alumni gave to the staff :). If that is your calling, a link is here.

Thanks again!