CRUSH FEAR - May Newsletter 2013

 

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

Psalm 56:3-4

 

  CRUSH FEAR 2013

 

This year God presented us with a new challenge: to direct our first summer project! Though we faced many challenges leading up to Crush Fear (including whether or not to even do it) May 19^th arrived with 6 students at Cascade Lodge for 2 weeks of fear crushing adventures!! The students got to face physical challenges (like rappelling, rock climbing, backpacking, rafting, zip lining and others) along with personal and ministry challenges (confronting a store manager about inappropriate magazines, street evangelism, sharing their testimony in front of a church and on the radio and MANY more). Needless to say that when June 2^nd came for them to go home, they were EXHAUSTED (along with the staff)!!! Though we as staff learned so much from the experience, we thought we would let the students share what they got from the project.

“God [these] past 2 weeks has shown me that with him he makes me stronger physically, mentally and spiritually.”

“God has worked in me a lot during this and shown me things I didn’t realize I had trouble with before. I was also forced to step out of my comfort zone during a lot of the activities, which was really awesome and necessary. It’s been so fun and challenging and I hope we can do a Crush Fear 2 or something else that we can all get back together to crush some more fear!”

“This was such an incredible experience and I was blessed in so many ways by it. I feel like my walk has been strengthened and like I have grown a ton.”

“I feel more at peace with my life, and feel as though I can conquer any trial I face if I let Christ have the throne.”

“I’ve realized my value in Him exists because of His grace and not my actions. I am less afraid to pursue what He calls me to because I know I can trust Him.”

“Before coming to Crush Fear, I was continually doubting myself and running away from who God wanted me to be. By confronting my fears and weaknesses, I feel as though I am more willing to step out in faith and take action to be where God is leading me.”

“Going into town to share the gospel and telling cashiers Jesus loves them helped me conquer my fears in that there is no reason to be afraid to share your faith.”

“Before, I wasn’t sure who God has made me to be… He has revealed [who I am] to me and how I am called to share God with others and to be His faithful servant.”

We can’t help but thank God for all that He did these two weeks!!! He has been so faithful to show up when we needed, to provide the energy and strength to keep going, and to help each person walk away more confident and courageous to live the life that He has called them to. We’re excited to see what He will do next in each of their lives!! Thank you so much for praying for us, the rest of the staff, and the students. Please continue to pray that these students will live the rest of their lives dedicated to the Great Commission without fear holding them back!!!

 

Prayer Requests

 

-       Please pray for healing for Leah: This semester we discovered that I (Leah) have a large cyst on my left ovary and a couple smaller ones on my right – all of which are due to endometriosis. We decided to go ahead and get them surgically removed June 12^th. Pray that God would bring healing in His timing and way!

-       We desire to raise an additional $700 in monthly support – prayer for the funds to be met and the time to ask people to partner with us would be greatly appreciated.

-       Continue to pray for Fort Lewis College to be won for Christ, and the students to have a summer glorifying to Him  and encouraging to their spiritual growth.

-       We are SO SO SO thankful for each and every one of you!! Thank you for your faithfulness to pray, serve and give. Let us know how we can be praying for you as well!!

 

Crush Fear Staff 2013

Eating Crickets and Mealworms (Don't worry, they ARE FDA approved!)

White Water Rafting

Setting out on the 6 hrs + of hiking

Tired, but none the worse

24 hour solo

Evagelism downtown Durango

The Ladies

The men

Our fearless students (From left to right): Casey, Lori, Kensey, Alex, Rachael (also our intern) and Shawnee

God's Lost Sheep FOUND!! - February 2013 Newsletter

“Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost my sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Luke 15:6-7

 

God’s Lost Sheep – FOUND!!

 

Praise God!! PRAISE GOD!!! This has been such a month for rejoicing and praising God!! Some of you who get our emails have heard how two people have come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and this last week we just learned of a third!!! We can’t help but praise God for the work He’s doing on campus!!

Chris, a junior that Malcolm disciples, prayed for his friends back in Fort Collins to come to know God at a prayer meeting earlier in the month. A day or two later Chris’ friend, Blayden, was sharing with Chris how he had come to believe that God exists. Chris was stoked just to see God answering prayer and was going to share the Gospel with him over spring break. Nate (on staff with us) heard that and quickly encouraged Chris to call Blayden and share the Gospel with him before spring break. That very night, Chris called Blayden, shared the Gospel, and Blayden received Christ as Lord of His life!!

Since then, Blayden has been in contact with Chris and asking him questions about his new found faith. He has been back and forth about whether he wants to follow God or not. Pray that Blayden will continue to grow up in Christ and find fellowship in the Fort Collins area.

This semester Stephanie has been asking Gigi if she would be interested in getting together to talk, and, after a little hesitation, she finally met up and loved her time with Stephanie, asking, “Can we do this every week?” The next week that they met up, Stephanie shared the Gospel with Gigi, and she accepted Christ!! Please pray that Gigi will get involved in fellowship and will grow in her newfound life in Christ!

A couple weeks ago Malcolm told many of you about Junior, a guy that he and a couple other leaders approached in spiritual conversation and got to share the Gospel with. Malcolm and Robert (one of the leaders) got a chance this last week to meet up with him again and see where he was at in accepting Christ. As it turns out, he prayed the prayer that Malcolm presented when they had last met! Malcolm got to share Revelation 3:20 with Junior, and he was so excited to know that Jesus really wanted a personal relationship with him! Pray for Junior in his new faith, and for he and Robert to continue to meet up weekly.

We are SO EXCITED to see God answering prayers, providing opportunities, and people stepping out in faith!!! Pray that these new believers will be followed up with and encouraged to follow Christ. And pray that we will keep having opportunities to share Jesus with more people at Fort Lewis College!

Prayer Requests

 

-       Pray that we can continue to meet people and boldly share the Gospel to the lost at Fort Lewis College!! And pray that hearts will soften to God and accept Christ as Lord more and more.

-       Pray for students to balance their time well between school and ministry, and that busyness won’t blind them from the opportunities to share Jesus with FLC.

-       Pray for those that we have shared Christ with this past month to keep remembering the truth shared with them, and to keep seeking God. And, of course, pray that they come to know Christ.

-       Pray for our health and “ministry stamina” in the last couple months of the school year. Though we are excited for all God is doing, we are also feeling the mid-semester “drag”. I also have been having some small health issues, and some prayers for healing and wisdom on what to do next would be greatly appreciated.

-       We are also going to be the project directors for Crush Fear this May, and could use your prayers as we tackle this next step in trusting God.

Katarina gave her testimony and her first talk at her first combined retreat

Josh serenading the girls on Valentine's Day

God Can Do WAY MORE - December 2012 Newsletter

 

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21

 

God Can Do WAY MORE!

 

 

I (Leah) was reminded of this verse halfway through this past semester, and I was hit with this thought, “God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. What do I ask for? What have I been imagining?” I realized that day that we can easily be the limiting factor for God to work even greater things to happen! God has such amazing plans – are we on board for them to happen?

About two years ago, we planned a Connect to have free pizza, a game, and a couple testimonies that shared the Gospel. We had prayed for at least one person to come to know Christ personally. That night, Alex came for free pizza, and a couple days later accepted Christ’s free gift of salvation from sins!! Malcolm has worked with him one-on-one since then, so he holds a very close place in our hearts. Now Alex is leaving to go back home to Florida for school. Please pray for Alex as he transitions to life away from consistent, loving atmosphere to follow Christ. Pray that he can share Jesus with others, especially his family.

About three years ago, we had a retreat where Ashlie came for the first time. After hearing all this talk about having a relationship with Christ, Ashlie asked a student, “What would you share with someone who wanted that?” My friend, Hedy, went through the Gospel with her, thinking she was training Ashlie to share it with someone else. In reality, when Hedy went over the prayer at the end, Ashlie told God she was a sinner and wanted God to have control of her life! Since then, Ashlie has grown into a mature woman and a budding leader. After two summers serving at Walt Disney World in Florida, she has decided to go back again for her first semester after graduating from Fort Lewis College. I had the pleasure to not only watch Ashlie grow, but walk along side her and challenge her the past year in discipleship. Pray for her as she works and shares the Gospel at Disney, and as she adjusts to life outside of college!

About four years ago, I was just starting my internship with Master Plan Ministries. I had met a feisty freshman, named Mollie, who wanted to really to live for Christ. This last semester was the last semester I had with her before she left on another adventure on a sailboat in the Caribbean. At her last Connect she presented in her farewell speech, “I’ve learned a lot through these past few years of college, but I think I can sum up most of what I learned in three main points. One: It’s ALL about God – everything comes back to Him. Two: Give all the glory to Him. Three: Never give less than 100%.” I couldn’t be more proud of Mollie! Pray for her last semester on the sea to be fruitful and safe, and that God will show her what He wants her to do after college.

Though we are excited about what God has done in the lives of students, we are more excited to see what He has in store next! We are already seeing and expecting God to do immeasurably more than what He has already done on campus and in the lives of these students.

 

Prayer Requests

-       PRAISE GOD!!! The policy has been reviewed and changed – evangelism is protected and no longer limited on campus!! Thank you SO MUCH for praying! Pray that next semester we can go out strong to share the Gospel with the entire campus!

-       We have 11 students signed up to go to Denver Christmas Conference! Pray that they can raise the money they need in order to go. The school has provided a charitable sum to help them pay for the conference, but they still need a little more. If you’re interested in helping them, please contact us ASAP. Pray also that they will learn a lot during their time their, and that the conference will spur those students going to be excited to reach their campus next semester.

-       Pray that our students will be safe over their Christmas break, not only from snow, but also from temptations that come from home. Pray that they will instead be rested and excited for the next semester to go all out for God!

 

A Special Request

As the year comes to a close we look back at God’s abundant provision in our lives and we cannot help but praise Him! We have not once gone hungry, and have had all of our needs met every time. Without you these stories of students’ lives being completely changed by Christ would be far harder.  We thank God for your prayer and support in making all of that happen. Nonetheless. things rise up that are unexpected costs and expenses.  Here are a few things that you can prayerfully considered giving a special end of the year gift to.

-Car maintenance: Both of our cars are in need of new sets of tires for the winter. And the Suburban is in need of a new battery.

-DCC: We are going and need your help to get there so that we can lead and encourage the students.

May we ask you specifically pray about giving a special end of the year gift of $50, $100, or $500 to be put towards these needs?  Thank you for considering this. If you give, whatever the amount you decide is great, and all gifts are tax deductible. 

To give go to www.masterplanministries.net and go to the donate page and click Malcolm and Leah.  Or send a check written to Master Plan Ministries at P.O. Box 1082 Durango, CO 81302

 

This Little Light of Mine - October 2012 Newsletter

 

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch

 

This Little Light of Mine

 

If you haven’t discovered yet about Master Plan Ministries, we really – I mean REALLY – want people to know Jesus! Though we hit some snags in reaching the campus with the Good News of Jesus Christ this semester, God has had no problems reaching people!!

One day the guys couldn’t find any place on campus to have their bible study, so they went inside a room next to the public ping-pong and pool table. The room has tons of open windows for everyone to look in. The next day, a guy named Elvin approached Malcolm as he was heading into an appointment with another student. “What were you guys doing in that room yesterday?” he asked. “We were having a bible study,” Malcolm replied. The guy proceeded to ask if Malcolm would have time to talk to him. As he couldn’t at that moment, he told him he couldn’t but would like to talk a little later. After Malcolm’s other meeting, he found Elvin in the same place, almost waiting for Malcolm to get done.

Elvin had a lot of hurt from a church from his hometown, and so many other things that weighed heavy on his heart and mind. Malcolm got the chance to not only listen to this guy, but also share the Gospel with him! Though we haven’t seen much of Elvin, we are still hoping for another chance to follow up with him. Please pray for Elvin!

The other great opportunity we had was at our latest retreat. We tried super hard to invite new people to come, and God provided the new people! We had around 6 new people, at least half of which are not Christians!! I (Leah) had an opportunity to share the Gospel with “N”, who was at the retreat solely to find out more about Christianity.

 I asked her questions about what she liked and didn’t like about Christianity. One of the things she liked (which she found quite a few things appealing) was forgiveness, and how you can always be forgiven. The one thing she said she didn’t like was “the whole accepting Christ in your life thing”. I asked, “Oh, like how exclusive it is?” “No,” she replied. “It just doesn’t make sense to me, because I’ve never had an experience like what others have talked about.” Though I did share the Gospel, “N” was very overwhelmed with all the information she was receiving. We are hoping to get together before Thanksgiving break to talk more. Please pray for “N” to know Jesus personally, and that her and I can at least meet up and talk more.

The last neat thing that happened at the retreat was I found out that one of the new students (who has been meeting with another staff member) was a camper in her cabin at Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je West in 2005!! They had had a tender moment in the cabin, which is one of the few moments I can remember from 8 years ago.

In all these stories, we can see how God is orchestrating a grand story. He has been so faithful  in our lives, and in the lives of those around us. He is drawing people to Himself, and He has chosen to use us as we allow ourselves to be available to share His Good News!!

Brandon and Anne giving a talk on discipline and commitment at our last retreat. They got engaged 2 weeks later!! Pray for them as they make plans and finish out their last semester of college.

 

Prayer Requests

 

-       Keep praying for the situation with the administration. A letter has been sent, and the administration said they will look over the policy! Praise God!!

-       Pray for God’s wisdom and good ideas on how to continue to reach the freshmen! We can tell there has been another shift in the students, and we need to just think about our game plan to reach them.

-       Denver Christmas Conference (DCC) is a 5-day conference with Cru, which is such a neat time for our students and us. The students not only get challenged to share their faith and to live boldly back on their campuses, but also to spend their summers for God. Pray that many of our students will commit to go, and that they will learn a lot from their time there.

-       This semester is very quickly coming to a close – and we can hardly believe how fast it has flown by!! Keep praying for perseverance and energy to finish strong on campus!!

-       Continue to let us know how we can be praying for you as well!! We thank and praise God for you and all your prayers and financial contributions to keep us in full time ministry at Fort Lewis!!

Celebrating Shawnee's (far right) at retreat

Trust and Obey - August 2011 Newsletter

“Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.”

Verse from the hymn Trust and Obey

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1

You know those times where you tell God, “Alright man, I have NO CLUE what to do but to trust you right now!” That’s where we’re at!

I (Leah) have been studying recently about the disciples in the early church. As we see time and time again, the disciples did miraculous things, spoke the boldest words even in the most dangerous of situations, and went the craziest of places. And all that they did had two key components.

The first component was the Holy Spirit. God, Himself, living in them, guiding and directing where they should go, what they should do, and what they should say. What encourages me about this is how the SAME Holy Spirit who lived in Paul, Peter, and Barnabus is living in ME – living in YOU as well! WE can do all that they did because of Him!!

The second component is faithfully walking in obedience. What if Peter decided to not go to the house of Cornelius because he didn’t quite like the Gentiles? What if Ananias was too afraid to meet with blinded Saul/Paul? What if the early church stopped sharing their faith once persecution hit? There is a good chance Christianity would’ve stopped if God’s people didn’t step out!

And this is what we’re realizing: God is ready to show up in big ways. For us, we know if we step out in faith – in the power of the Holy Spirit – and make phone calls and appointments to tell people about our ministry, that He will show up! And what we’re even more excited for is to step out in faith, walk on campus, and watch God show up bigger than He has before!

They’re Here!!!

Campus ministry is a fickle thing. One moment you are swamped with more people than you know what to do with, and the next you’re walking around wondering where all the people went.

This definitely described the first weekend of this school year.  We had a good turn out of last years student leaders show up to help  us meet as many new freshmen as possible. It was great to see them ready and willing to serve the Lord at FLC.

We started by helping the new students move all their stuff into their dorms, which went well until the football team crashed the party. So we moved on to doing spiritual interest surveys. 

This comprised of splitting up into pairs and asking a few short questions to see where the perspective student was spiritually and if they had a background in church or any other religion.  As a whole it was super fun! Sometimes there was so many students to talk to that it was overwhelming and other moments where we walked around wondering if this was a ghost town.

While doing the surveys we met two students who, through the course of the day, we saw at least three times. Each time we would stop and converse about how there day was going and invite them to the barbeque on Saturday. It was cool experience because in the course of 4 or 5 hours we had developed a small relationship with them!

That got me (Malcolm) thinking about how amazingly fun it will be to develop lasting relationships with these new students with Christ as our foundation! We can’t wait till we can be fun time working up on campus interacting and watching these students be changed by God!

Prayer Requests

  

Thank you for all your prayers!! We set out a month ago to raise an additional $2,500 a month. And we are currently at 43% of that goal – and, including the faithful finances from previous supporters, we’re at 64%!! We praise God for ALL of you and the role you play in God’s plan to provide for us.

-Pray for us as we continue to persevere through support raising. We spent a month in Craig, and now we will be in Durango for awhile. Pray we can make contacts and not get too distracted, because...

-THE STUDENTS ARE BACK!! Pray for them as they start classes, get settled, and make decisions that will set a tone for the rest of the year! Pray that those who need to be involved will, and that those who do not get involved will hear and respond to the Gospel!
 

-Pray for our marriage! We’re doing great, and we want to keep it that way. =)
 

-Pray for a couple Mormon women that came to our door the other day. Leah shared truth boldly (and lovingly) to them, and asks you to pray that God will lead them into HIS truth!!

 

Malcolm making phone calls to tell people about our ministry!

 

Around 110 people showed up to our beginning of the year BBQ!!

 

Our 1^st Connect was great! We had 100-125 students there. 15 said they trusted Christ, 3 wanted to talk more about Jesus, and 34 wanted to be in a Bible study!! Praise God for how He is working at FLC!!!

 

Excited to go be “fishers of men “ instead of fishermen!!